Boosting IAF’s Combat Edge: The Way Forward

[@ivihari]

MRCA started when I'm in my UG...now I finished PG...married...had kids...still it lingers down...hard to believe...sic

[@RAKESHKUMAR-qk2ef]

It's not the same as courting a girl and after marriage having few children.. Rather it is more like controlling adolescent ones which you will have after some time

[@anilpopli9184]

Thanks Nitin Gokhale ji. You have touched a raw nerve and ignited a debate.

[@Tintin-gv9ir]

Thanks Nitin sir for reminding our Nation to what should be on top of our priority

[@winstonstephen1102]

I still can’t understand why the mrca where 126 rafale was signed by Congress was scrapped. This question will haunt me all my life 😢

[@Dennis56781000]

Because the deal was never signed in the first place. Dassault refused to guarantee Rafale made by HAL and there were several other disagreements. It's like having a one sided love affair while the girl has said no countless times. But you keep on telling the world that she was ready for marriage.

[@kayg.vegan.singapore]

Currently Rafale deployed in Hasimara and Ambala.

[@rajeev4243]

The LCA project in the next 10 years will cater to the lower end of low cost, single engine fighters, production of which can be scaled up on requurement. As of now I feel that additional 6 sqns of Rafales is our best bet and helps to full the gap most comprehensively..till our indigenous production rate matures and comes at par

[@that90sguy77]

Keep these great contents coming Sir. Thank you this informative episode

[@parrytosh]

There is strength is numbers as well.

[@humanbeing5837]

Nice presentation sir 😊

[@kalyan2812]

Great Show

[@adm7038]

Tejas Mk1 & 2 in large numbers are the best option IMO. Select Rafale for IAF & IN . Transfer MiG-29Ks from IN to IAF. Buy every additional aircraft that is available of the types that we already operate: MiG-29s and Mirage 2000, even if they are used!

[@echosmith5256]

"Buy every additional aircraft that is available of the types that we already operate: MiG-29s and Mirage 2000, even if they are used!" Yes please - suck up all the 2nd hand Mirage 2000s in the world right now - you can leave the Migs - buy only Rafales externally.

[@randmht9976]

Mirage 2000s are great fighters, we should get the 2nd hand we can get ife in reasonable price.

[@pankajahuja9792]

You can't transfer navy one to IAF both have different capabilities

[@adm7038]

@@pankajahuja9792 MiG-29Ks have been used in Ladakh.

[@pankajahuja9792]

@@adm7038 yes that was IAFs Mig 29 not Navy's... They have been used because their thrust to weight ratio is excellent which makes them suitable for mountain warfare

[@paresh1411]

Urgent orders for Rafale 3 4 sqdrns(4.1) and Tejas variant Mk1A/2 by additional capacity , integration of new developed BVR's and that's not all add Navy strength as well , Jai Hind

[@shyamraa]

Thank you Momo ji 🙏🏾 ❤️

[@randmht9976]

Tejas MK2 needs to be fast tracked Asap , all electronics need to be kept aside and the Air-frame of Tejas Mk2 with GE engine needs to fly as soon as possible. Then the electronics & weapon package can be upgraded block by block.

[@Dennis56781000]

IAF doesn't do that. They need all bells and whistles on the first day itself.

[@randmht9976]

@@Dennis56781000 🙂🥲 bell and whistles that will hardly be used.

[@Dennis56781000]

@@randmht9976 It's not like that. I think there is a trust deficit b/w the forces and the govt. That's why they want the procurement of the best possible equipment not incremental upgrades which may or may not be processed due to political uncertainty. I do hope things change.

[@kalyan2812]

Great show as always

[@krunal7433]

I never buy plane tickets last minute because I know I will never get a good deal. I feel certain lobbies at Airforce know what might not be a good deal for the nation might turn out to be a good deal for them. It's difficult to get indigenous aircrafts too due to constantly changing demands.

[@vm8136]

Indigenous defense capability is the absolute need for achieving true independence, something which should have been realized 70 years back. At least now we are making the right moves, slow but correct. Full support for Tejas 1,2,3 and hopefully more. Political leadership, will and clear direction are required to bring all stakeholders, defense research, manufacturing and armed forces on the same platform. Something we have seriously lacked before

[@Santosh-te9js]

Russians were friends in need WE should RESPECT and WE RESPECT 🙏

[@genius1jaydeep]

108 राफेल की डील रद्द की एक आदमी ने बिना किसी से पूछे और 36 ले लिए वो भी महंगे। किसने भारत को खतरे में डाला। और अब फिर वही राफेल ले रहें हैं।

[@Santosh-te9js]

Tibet is our NEIGHBOUR COUNTRY WE SHOULD RESPECT THAT WITH CORE 🙏

[@narendradeshpande8988]

You didn't mention the option of combining Navy's aircraft deal with Airforce

[@joshihemant2568]

Instead of acquiring foreign aircrafts, India should make its own MMRC, SUCCESSFUL!! ITS HIGH TIME, LIKE CHINA, INDIA SHOULD STRIVE TO BECOME SELF RELIANT!!

[@ronny383]

Thanks for update 🙏🙏

[@Santosh-te9js]

Sir u r obleting the question of ZELENSKY THE FOOL

[@rahulbiswas5351]

Apt And Brief information thanks sir for your tireless efforts

[@MohanKumar-pv4zu]

One question, if Airforce squadron strength is less, why can't we build more surface to Air missiles with 30 to 2000 km distance range ? Now we have s400, Akash, Barak, QRSAM, similar build more missiles.

[@sachinmesta4238]

They have it, but IAF insists on 42 mandated squadrons, even if it gets 10 armed drone squadron, they will insist for 42 squadrons of fighter planes besides this.

[@Santosh-te9js]

Hindustan had A GREAT FINANCE MINISTER AS DR PRANAB MUKHARJEE 🙏🙏🙏

[@indermethil]

Nitin, while i think you have done a good job of summarising the situation over the last few decades...the real question is why is India not capable of building a fighter in its entirety...more importantly, from my limited understanding, why are we not able to build an engine...i believe that one points in which lack is the material...meaning we are technologically lacking of building vanes and other materials within an engine that is able to take the temperatures and pressures of a jet engine...is this true? Why is it taking so long...why is there no progress on kaveri? This cannot go on

[@amithabv1060]

Manufacturing is a very very tedious and painstaking endeavour that is why you have only 4-5 countries that have been able to do it till now, even china has not been able to properly manufacture a jet engine. Just FYI it took the Chinese years to figure out how to manufacture balls for the ' ball pen' . manufacturing jet engines is another league altogether

[@anilpopli9184]

@@amithabv1060 Yes, you are right to a large extent. It is not only about allocating and promising large sums to RnD, but also creating a dedicated ecosystem for industrial production and cutting edge technologies. Most important is advanced and pure sciences.

[@sachinmesta4238]

India can make but the problem is that IAF is not confident (read IAF wants imported maal only)

[@vinaytiwari3114]

Sir, how about 5 squadrons of French Rafael.. we now have better understanding of capabilities and logistics

[@anirbanchoudhury3861]

to the point, very informative 👍🙏

[@Santosh-te9js]

America and Russia made presentation Zelensky saab ka le liya 😀😀😀

[@rishabhjain31]

Please make another video on the other issues of Airforce such as aewacs,air to air refuler, transport fleet decreasing, helicopters and the jet trainers.

[@cityofjoy8830]

Sick of iaf and rajnath singh deals one deal after another.

[@venkatkonduru]

Until we can make our own aircraft indigineously, we will be behind

[@brownnoise357]

tbh, I think working on advanced weaponry could be the cheapest and fastest way for India to fill perceived potential gaps, which can help reduce pressure on acquiring specific options, plus potentially widen the range of a ailable aircraft that are usable, for example a bit older aircraft optimised for ease of serviceability, reliability, and economy of flying, if they can carry cutting edge air to air and air to ground missiles, could have a cry useful place. For example the Jaguar is very versatile, and Trainers like the Hawk Trainer, are dual purpose, and aren't the only ones. Relatively low cost too, But what can be fitted to them, that can be fired at long ranges ? If you don't have to get dangerously close to very expensive opposition aircraft to shoot them down, then the issue becomes can you stockpile enough, and manufacture enough, to make sure you don't run out ? Best Wishes. Bob from Wales. 👍

[@anilpopli9184]

@@brownnoise357 बॉब आपके विचार सही हैं, भारत को एक महान देश बनने के लिए पूरी तरह से आत्मनिर्भर बनाना होगा । मजबूत लाठी भी रखनी होगी । Bob, your thoughts are really suitable in the present dilemma and the decision making process. India Must be self dependent and self developed in all critical technologies. India must have big village type sticks LATTH. We have to be ready always for a big bloody and long war , in the most economical way. Also, perhaps , Indian policy makers have to think of broad alliances on equal footings . Bob, I have taken the liberty of writing in my language first. ⚔⚔🤔🤔

[@srini30]

Nitin, speaking along with a presentation gives a good grasp of the topic in depth, probably a remote on hand to pull each bullet point would help a lot. Overall lot of work to summarise and bring it to us to understand criticality than just criticise the govt.

[@aryaman05]

Thank you Nitin. Good one.👍

[@anilsinha4968]

The best option would be to buy additional Rafales and get going with the development of jet engines with France. It is mighty important to get AMCA,TDBF,Tejas MK2 flying. America is a treacherous partner. It would be foolish to trust them from past experience. Ideally the aircrafts should have been bought keeping the operational requirements of the Air force but here geopolitics comes into play just because we don't manufacture our own aircrafts and engines. For this reason we should strive to have our own ecosystem. Plenty of R&D needs to be done for which money has to be made available.

[@ayushgupta_4]

True decision must be taken before elections

[@souptikdirghangi4951]

Nice please do it regularly.

[@Santosh-te9js]

Taking money was and is problem Giving back money is HEALTHY THOUGHTS 🙏

[@arun_901]

Informative

[@alokkumarsingh1852]

I would blame IAF for this problem, they still have mindset of purchase of assets from other countries and companies. They should have helped in developing indigenous systems like Indian Navy is doing. Indian navy is way ahead in terms of Atamnirbhar Bharat and theatre commands. IAF and IA both are used to old system of purchase of assets from other companies and kickbacks. GOI should ban for purchase from other countries and fund more and more for domestic ecosystem, promote SMEs as big companies are only interested in assembly.

[@padmasenan557]

Aatmanirbhar is good. But that alone can't win wars. And warfighting is a costly exercise in which stakes are too high , in terms of the country 's integrity Let's eat grass, but let's give the best to our armed forces, the AIrforce in particular. Don't trivialise such serious issues by talking of Aatmanirbhar. In any case, the Tejus and all projects for fighters in the pipeline are dependent on imported engines

[@PoliticalMatter]

We need 10-20 years for our own aircrafts. Step by step. Lets start with manufacturing jet engines. Research on hydrogen jet engines etc now.

[@TapasRanjanNayakk]

I am sick of IAF doctrine. Now IAF needs number, but our generals crazy/obsessed with Omni/multirole fighters (blindly following western doctrine) but our situation is different, we need NUMBERS very cheep, low (maintenance &operating) cost fighters, without any complications (even without gun only AAM) for regular AP/CAP and assist leadin fighters in operation. India must scrap MRCA and aquire 500 to 800 HLF-42 type as soon as possible

[@warnpassion]

That's not the IAF/IA's job.

[@joeybenra]

INDIA 🇮🇳 should have bought the latest F-16 models long long time ago …. Nothing to say 😢 !!!

[@atulmittal5809]

Nitin Ji, in present era detailing on past procuement and detailed presentation on charactristics of different kind of fighter aircrafts from US, France or Russia seems to be out of sync. My reasons are as follows: 1. India has already established that it has technical competense and idustrial eco-system in place to manufacture modern aircrafts. Let us take up Tejas. Its aerodynamics, control algorithms which are the brains is best in its class. We already have two squadrons of Tejas which are flying in indian skies. What all we need is to incease the rate of their production. IAF rather than putting pressure on government to increase the rate of production of the Tejas is always too keen to import the fighters. I have observed in many public debates that majority of our retired military officers rather letting us know the technical beauty of these state of art systems crib on delay in procurement. 2. Nitin Ji, there is one issue with your presentation. Let me tell you what. Why have you not shred any slides comparing Tejas Mk II with Rafale or F21 or Typhoon. My understanding is that Tejas mk 2 is better than Rafale. However, most of the people would say that we don't have Tejas mk II with us. It is true for the moment. But it is already in making. Sheet cutting for tejas Mk 2 has already been done. It is expected to be out by 2024, and will take to shy by 2025. Can it go in mass production by 2028? Answer is yes if IAF provides sufficient resources. IAF should double the budgetory support for Tejas Mk II so that HAL can double the number of prototypes. Increase the number of test pilots with time table based certification deadlines. IAF never does those kind of things because the idea is to depend on the imports. 3. Fighter aircraft has two main systems, a) the aircraft and b) the weapons. Please let me know did we 2 years ago had Beyond Visual Range Air to Air (BVR) missiles? Answer is no. Did we earlier had SAAW? No. What about Air to Surface Brahmose missile? We did not had it till recently. Look at the current situation. We have ASTRA mk which is a 120 km range VBR better than existing Russian VBRs used by IAF purchased at very hefty price. We have got avionics, electronic counter measures. How many countries have Brahmos type Air to Surface missile. Astra mk 2 which uses dual pulse motor with a stated range of 160 km is in offing. Tell me why are we worried about procurring fighters from France or USA or Sweden? Why does not IAF puts its energy and resources to put Tejas mk 2 on super mission mode. This nobody talks. There is a colonial mindset. Or lobbies supported by potential sellers. 4. Now let us discuss the issue of santioned strength of 42-45 squadrons. When was this number proposed. More than 15 years ago. Right. Did you have those types and number of Brahmos then? Did you has Pralay and Agni 4 and Agni 5 then. What about UCAVs. Did we had israeli drones 15 years ago when 42-45 number of squadrons strength was decided? What about excellent air defence systems like Aakash, QRSAM, MRSAM, LRLACM. Why dont increase number of batteries of these systems. 5. Nitin ji, is it not a hawkish attitude when you base your hypothesis on the blanket statement like nothing can be ruled out. Do you think China can afford conventiional war? Sir you are serisously wrong. Post 1962, how many wars India had with China? Not a single except border skirmishes. Ofcourse, western block specifically US would like to see increased animosity between India and China. Just look at the Ukraine - Russia war and please compare it balance sheets of the American weapon manufacturers. It becomes crystal clear how the big games are plyed at global scale. How many democrates and Republican hold shares in these weapon m,anufacturing companies. I am sure you may some idea. Sir, the way there was a report on Adani group, why don't indian jurno produce some research based good reports on western weapon lobbies. 6, Let me tell you where our government has failed. Government should have formed a SPV in 2021 itself for the manufacturing of AMCA. It is true that indian provate sector may not be willing to put in the kind of capital required for setting up manufacturing lines and developmental research work. Govt of India should have infused equity inlieu of minority stake in the SPV. 7. We need jobs in India. Why to loose indian jobs to foreign govts? 8. We are able to manufacture nuclear submarines. We can manufacture crygenic engines where liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen is to handeled at minus 300 deg C. We can produce Gallanium Nitride based AESA radars. We have our own seekers for missiles. Sir, why is it that only in the case of fighter aircraft, we lack so badly. Answer is so apparent that I don't have to say in so many words. Govt should bring a bill in parliament putting ban on import of fighters. Put more money in indegenous programs. Let us not use the China Jinn to assist import happy lobbies.

[@omkarbhise380]

Very good analysis! Kudos!

[@utpalbhowmick6281]

MR NITIN IS 100% CORRECT ABOUT OUR AIR FORCES . WAKE UP GOVERNMENT.

[@avirupsaha100]

When shall we purchase more fighter jets???? It's being so late considering the rapid depleting air force... We simply need more & more numbers asap... Tejas MKII shld be put to mass production in 300-500 qty to promote make in India.. and 100+ Rafales under mrca so that we can give befitting replies to xina & other neighbour

[@Tintin-gv9ir]

we are very slow whereas we cannot afford to be slow

[@Santosh-te9js]

If CHINESE WANT STANDOFF WHY WE SHOULDN'T CONTINUE 🙏

[@tejmachhar4903]

This is the top most national security issue

[@User-ce4zu]

Need to purchase 4 more Rafael squardans with immediate effect ...Tejas MK-1, 2 will take more time

[@blunderking3369]

Mig-21 Airforce 😂! Indian Govt.should block those lobby’s within the 3 forces ☝🏼

[@TapasRanjanNayakk]

I am sick of IAF doctrine. Now IAF needs number, but our generals crazy/obsessed with Omni/multirole fighters (blindly following western doctrine) but our situation is different, we need NUMBERS very cheep, low (maintenance &operating) cost fighters, without any complications (even without gun only AAM) for regular AP/CAP and assist leadin fighters in operation. India must scrap MRCA and aquire 500 to 800, mass produce HLF-42 type as soon as possible parallel to Tejas &AMCA

[@rakeshbarman3486]

wtf r u talking about ,first of all hlf 42 is a trainer jet btw , and our lca line production rate is low and we are increasing it by starting new line ,for 82 local orders ,we have to buy one last trench of rafale around 100 for sure ,

[@TapasRanjanNayakk]

@@rakeshbarman3486 stupidddd.first mind your language.. It's not just a trainer...like.fa-50..turkish Hur jet..!!! It can be modified.. cheep fighter... Improve your knowledge.... I don't take free class.. at least learn to use decent language

[@rakeshbarman3486]

@@TapasRanjanNayakk still its a trainer ,if it was as same as fighter jet then we wouldn't have tejas mk1a and hlf 42 , first learn the difference between categories, a trainer doesn't have full fledged fighter jet capability, it is used to train fighter pilots , we have tejas mk1a ordered already , we need 100 last rafale foreign fighters , thats it ,it will replenish our fleet ,by 2030 our mk2 will be at production stage and amca will be ready too

[@TapasRanjanNayakk]

@@rakeshbarman3486 find out what's full fledged????...... After you got the answer., If it's the multi/Omni role !!! If that ,read my first comment, there you will get the answer... Simple, low cost... We need NUMBERS , lot of.... Because china producing J20, massive numbers

[@coldram1111]

IAF need good strategy. Govt should push hard for domestic arms industry. Too much focus on services based IT industry is destroying Indian economy and security.

[@ravindrapatankar3363]

Will the uav's and drones bring down the fighter get requirements?

[@riya4144]

Get 36 more Rafales and 72 Tejas MKI A...this will help quite a lot. Don't get any other type of aircrafts, logistics will be a nightmare

[@mehulshah4077]

I can't understand why IAF wants to match the numbers of Mig 21 worth 2.5 Crore jet strength with 800 crore planes. The cost of 1 aircraft in a covert operation can create havoc

[@parrytosh]

Selecting a new variety would mean a straturous route. If one sees all the airforce bases of India on google maps, one can notice a lot of them have recently gone under lot of modifications - may be to accommodate for Rafale?.??

[@Ballakoor]

One aspect we may have to consider is the delivery time of the the fighter planes. We may consider splitting the them between 2 more Rafales squadrons and balance in MRFA in order to get more in short time.

[@mikgsal1384]

IAF will never get 114 MRFA. At most another 36 Rafales in G to G deal and also additional 90 LCA Mark 1A and Mark 2 built by India to make up the gap. Clearly it the the intention of the government atmanirbhar and the right one in my opinion. No big ticket purchase will happen before 2024 election. In the meantime India has to stay steadfastly neutral and avoid any wars for a few years.

[@VishalD-rt5uz]

wonder why iaf did not give follow on rafale order

[@Santosh-te9js]

And WE R PROUD THAT PRANAB MUKHERJEE BECAME PRESIDENT ALSO 🙏

[@vishwanathsalagame2324]

Good information. culled, compiled and well presented. Recent developments in drone warfare is one big reason why govt / IAF bosses may not be very sure of how to get prepared for the future.. It is well understood that we need more squadron strengths. I don't accuse them (IAF/govt ) of delay . I am sure they are trying to get the best combination of air assets given various factors.

[@balkaransidhu5334]

126 mirage 2000 was good move.

[@peteregan3862]

Australia is using the AUKUS agreement to cover a range of defence technologies. Japan wants similar technologies. The Australian PM has just visited India. While we have the AUKUS 3, it is easy to envisage a wider group that includes Canada, Japan and India jointly developing defence technology. India may have to replace it's S-400 system with a US system built in India.

[@G2nesh2s]

S400 is the best Air defence system till date..does US give us THAAD?? I doubt.

[@peteregan3862]

@@G2nesh2s Russia has delivered 2 of 5 S-400 systems to India. It turns out that it is not a huge upgrade on the S-300 system. However, it can capture radar signatures of aircraft like the F-35. US won't sell F-35 to countries with S-400 and maintenance agreements with Russia. Patriot appears more the equivalent of the S-400 than THAAD which is more a high altitude anti-missile system

[@kulkarniprabhanjan]

Select Rafale for IAF and IN, follow on order for MK1A and MK2, And full steam ahead on AMCA and TDBEF with M88 engines.

[@patriot9981]

It is wonderful that acquisition is taking too long. MODI 1.0 raised expectations to high level. MODI 2.0 is slow. 100% manufacturing of F21 in India with out HAL can be better solution

[@srikanth85in]

You would be making the same program in 10 years time ✌️

[@rajrao716]

Sir plz make video on indian army also

[@sachinmesta4238]

Hello Nitin, did you miss putting F-15EX as part of MRFA contention?

[@ivihari]

We are talking on the same topic again n again...nothing is moving from the IAF...

[@rajasingammuthusamy959]

42 SQ requirement from 1947

[@valerianpereira1259]

India should be the IRCRAFT manufacturing Factory of the world. All Brands..All Kinds. Technology Integrated. Value added. MFG: HIGH POWERED ENGINES in India. Various like Mcdonnel Douglas/Rolls Royce. for high altitude: stable: safe: Economical Integrate technologies:STEALTH: Silent.. precision:

[@commonindian3997]

Sir babus are sitting on file since 2007 and air force is still "thinking" while Chinese are building indeginus high powe stealthy jets and their engines. Parikkar ji hote to shayad ho jata. HAL is a liability rather than asset. Countries like Qatar UAE and Egypt have ordered faster than us

[@KashishDora]

It's already too late. Decision on MRFA Should have been made by now. A process which started in 2001 couldn't be completed even in 20 years. Air Force has paid the price in the form of finest pilots being lost to Mig-21s. And now their combat readiness has suffered. Incompetent Political leadership over 20 years has lead to this state.

[@sanjaynsaigal]

What's the status of Kaveri's tests in Russia?

[@parrytosh]

The later we chose, the older the technology is gonna get

[@chetankhandave]

India needs "Integrated fighter aircraft Development Program", like we have "Integrated Guided Missile Development Program".

[@vm8136]

Long range missiles were not available for sale, so there were fewer pushbacks from ruskies or Yankees. Not so with aircrafts. Indigenous programs are crushed the world over by bigger powers. Check Canada’s Avro arrow or Israel’s lavi programs. Same for Indian hf 24 marut

[@gbhatia9809]

Ukraine War has significantly changed dimension of Air warfare. Loitering munition, armed drones, unmanned aerial vehicles to guide artillery fire and near fool proof anti-missile defense systems have become the frontline options. Probability of long stretched war has further highlighted importance of domestic manufacture. The Congress led UPA Govt. had floated tenders for 7-squadron (126) Rafale fighters in 2008 with one squadron(18) in fly away condition & 108 to be manufactured in India at HAL. This project was rightly scrapped by Modi-1 Govt in favor of India's Tejas which will provide 18 squadrons (324 planes) thus boosting India’s domestic production. Tejas MK1 which has US engine GE 404 had been flown by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Raha in May 2016 who became the first IAF chief to fly the home-grown fighter & then it was flown by US Air Force Chief General David L Goldfein, in Feb., 2018 certifying it's prowess. Tejas MK2 would be a world class 4+ gen. plane with GE 414 engine & till it's production picks up, 2 squadron of Rafale (36 planes) & MK1 should fill immediate gap. In 1961, HAL had test flown HF24 Marut designed by Dr. Tank & then rated as one of the best in the world & 1st Supersonic plane produced outside US & Europe. However, pacific Nehru did not allow it's production & insisted on production of short-haul dual use transport aircraft instead. The HF24 Marut story would have been repeated had Rafale production gone through. Decades of work has already gone into Tejas at HAL & manufacture of Rafale would have killed this imp. project especially as Dassault was neither willing to certify the quality & the cost nor the time schedule of licensed Rafale production at HAL. Since the quantum of manned fighter aircraft could be restricted due to emerging primacy of unmanned aerial warfare, the next generation of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft must come as joint venture with its export & supply to the Air Forces of both the countries. During WW2, Indian domestic manufacture at HAL had tremendously helped Allied force in Africa & Far East. The frontline Vultee A-31 Vengeance bomber of US was manufactured at HAL. It also served Australian Air Force. HAL came to rescue to complement allied requirements as allied factories were being bombed in Europe.

[@daraj9609]

I think it will better if we go ahead with Rafael aircraft as current platform can be shared. Along with it we should negotiate a technology transfer for Safran engine that can be used for AMCA.

[@genius1jaydeep]

Hey nitin, nor defence ministry nor government of India and nor Parrikar decided to cancel the 108 rafale. You should clarify that PM or pmo never have any type of talks with cabinet or defence minister. When PM announced the cancellation of deal after that defence minister got the news.

[@anthonydsouza9571]

Buy 2 or 3 squadrons of Rafales because we have the infra-structure and have paid France, for India specific enhancements, for which we do not have to pay again

[@parrytosh]

Forget AMCSA. It’s gonna be late.

[@raghunathd6094]

Adding newer types of aircraft would increase the complexity of tech stack (already very diverse) that needs to be trained on and maintained. Maybe best bet is to go for an additional number of Rafale squadrons and hope HAL + industry can stick to theur deadlines of Tejas Mk1A, Mk2, AMCA and, TEDBF. Providing additional business to Rafale might also provide impetus for Barracuda submarines tech transfer.

[@raghunathd6094]

Also a deal needs to be finalized on the jet engine...most probably with Rolls Royce as they are the only ones likely who are coming forward for technology transfer and IP rights for the new engine....needs to be done under strict timelines to orevent any cost overuns like in case of Kaveri engine

[@crusoerob8550]

Countries were reticent to buy the rafale from France before India evaluated and bought 36 of them and now they have a long customer list. France is a experienced manufacturer and they make engines too. We are new and don't make engines and don't have large fleet of Tejas yet. But we are already dying to sell our jet on a purchased engine? Are we serious? Are we not putting the cart before the horse?

[@tonyraheja1]

NG procurement has to be fast tracked and i dont think there's any dilemma as far as IAF is concerned.... There are clear cut shortages vis a vis northern threat and they must be met ASAP.

[@peteregan3862]

A lot to consider. Cannot separate Navy from Airforce - not value for money. Indian Navy wants a dual engine aircraft, is it really necessary??? If so, there is only one choice F/A 18s for Navy and Airforce as stop gap to an indigenous fighter for Navy and Airforce. F-35 is very expensive, but has the tech India needs for the future. Will the US allow India to indigenise the F-35 without all it's electronic capabilities so that India quickly gets a fighter for Navy and Airforce, perhaps with F-21 combat systems, then contact systems are upgraded over time??? This way India also gets F-35 engine technology and future access to the engine upgrades developed by PW and GE.

[@paresh1411]

I might add this and will sound weird though, while most weapons package will work with Saab Griepn E which we already have for Rafale, not sure how we can augment fleet strength by adding 3/4 sqdrns, that is to say to work then along side Tejas Mk1A/2 and Saab promise of availability of 90%, and allowing India weapons package, i do understand that logistics are difficult to manage varieties of such plane but bear in mind we shall do away with Mirage, Mig29 Jags et al in due course

[@navneet8269]

Yah ek clerical conversation tha itne chahie itne hai itne Ghat Gaye Kaveri engine yah France US UK ke sath jet engine technology ka karar HAL ka apna 5th generation Jet fighter banane ka program sirf 36 rafel fighter kimat 9 billion dollar aap research karke yah bataen ki indigenous program ki kya progress hai Nitin aap ek bahut acche defence expert lekin is episode ne niraash Kiya fir bhi dhanyvad

[@sudeeplimaye4399]

How about shifting to tooth to tail perspective for deciding which one to buy. Rather than gepolitical or make or buy Perspective.

[@prasenjitdeb9139]

To be honest I think the fleet strength is around 27 or 28 given we still have few squadron of mig 21

[@SoumyaAdhikari-k4g]

This great lack of squadron is due to no new fighter jet deal during congress 10 years between 2004-14 , & also they nearly closed tejas program, which was reactivated in modi govt & now 2 squadron are inducted & many are on order

[@varunsadhofficial]

@StratNewsGlobal Can the IAF convert retiring Mig-21 to unmanned fighters?

[@risheshbhat3848]

There are loads of videos like such what nitin should have stressed is india going for mass scale production of either Rafaels or gripen of whatever the f production is on offer by usa. We need to set up a military industrial complex. Asap we cant wait. Plus taking in account of corruption and unnecessary obstruction from bureaucrats and chandigarh loby which again found no mention ?

[@hemantaphukan9679]

IAF in collaboration with our obsolete bureaucracy will take another 50 year's to select a new aircraft. And Pakistan will continue to hunt our outdated Mig 21s. We are sick of hearing MMRC.

[@GGexcellence]

Hi Sir, any chance our Kaveri can produce more than 100kN thrust with an afterburner. Its on par with F404 producing dry thrust rt

[@jaihind9462]

No chance bro

[@mikgsal1384]

At present Kaveri is 48.5 kN dry and 74kN with afterburning. So long way to go to 100kN. It is sort of equivalent to F404 which powered the LCA TD in 2001.

[@GGexcellence]

@mik gsal thank you sir.

[@amarjeetsehmi8995]

India Modi must conclude agreement on priority with America, France or Britain to get them made i India or in the event of conflict with China , Pakistan Turkey together should get operation suppliment forthwith of fighter jets from ordered country France, America and Britain and domestic production to keep as second line of defensive use.

[@Santosh-te9js]

Sir BUDGET IS FOR DEPARTMENT OR MINISTRY HOW THEY UTILISE THERE GOOD THOUGHTS 🙏

[@captainnemo8072]

Is it possible to buy complete rights for SU30 and manufacture it locally with customized components, like 3rd party engines, composite airframe, etc?

[@Dennis56781000]

IP is not possible. Also we don't have any insight on AL31 engines. So we will be dependent on Russia for engines.

[@captainnemo8072]

. It's a shame. We could have attained the full potential of this beautiful design. Imagine SU30 with GE 114 or Safran engines with light weight composite airframe, miniaturized electronics and AESA radars, armed with Brahmos NG, Meteors and Pythons.

[@Dennis56781000]

@@captainnemo8072 Bhai read about the thrust of Al31 engines. It is around 120+kn wet. GE or Safran engines don't produce that much. We would require F22 raptor or F35 engines for such application which are not on offer. Also changing engines would require design overhaul which is useless to do tbh. And we are upgrading the electronics indigenously.

[@captainnemo8072]

IAF is waiting for 7th generation jets.

[@jaihind9462]

Arrey im tired off iaf designing planes tejas programme is probably older than me 😭

[@parrytosh]

Why not go for raffle? Didn’t they trump over other choices (4 of the 5 other than Rafale are reoccurring as possible choices, Saab is not there and SU35 is new entran) ? Best is get 3 more squadrons from Rafale, a squadron each of MiG29 and Su30 - that gives us 4 more squadrons and put an order for either Rafales or F21