India Cuts Order of FGFA Fighter. F-35 on the Horizon?

India was developing an amazing 5th generation fighter with Russia. Many had speculated the jet could take on America's F-22, F-35 and China's J-20. It seems India may be having second thoughts. India has cut by 1/3 its order with Russia on the FGFA fighter. Both nations were to develop the jet together. However, India is upset that the plane is taking too long and will cost more than what they were told. Some are speculating India might be talking to America about a purchase of the F-35. Considering America's pivot to Asia, it would make sense.

thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2012/10/25/india-snubs-russia-on-fifth-generation-fighters/

Didn't the Philippines just cancel its request for American old fighters and buying new British (European) fighters instead?

Me thinks India will follow the Philippines. The Philippines got its free new fighters from Europe by promising them the oil under those disputed islands. Smart move.


India and the Philippines have been pretty close the last few years on defense.

reply to post by Pervius


The Philippines have not purchased new planes from a European supplier. They recently selected a South Korean offering though.

To the OP. The problem with Inda is that they cannot afford these airframes. Even the selection of the French Rafale has not been finalised. India's aspirations for a modern first world airforce conflicts with India's aspiration to resolve the dire poverty of the majority of its population.

Regards

Eurofighter parts production gets moved to India if they choose to buy some:


articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com...

Looking at the economic numbers in the end game the fighters will be virtually free for India as well.

Smart move England.

Originally posted by Pervius
Eurofighter parts production gets moved to India if they choose to buy some:


articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com...

Looking at the economic numbers in the end game the fighters will be virtually free for India as well.

Smart move England.

You really have a problem with the English, even though England hasn't existed for 400 years or more, and even if it did, it would not be England's decision to move production anywhere.

Originally posted by Pervius
Eurofighter parts production gets moved to India if they choose to buy some:


articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com...

Looking at the economic numbers in the end game the fighters will be virtually free for India as well.

Smart move England.

Eurofighter lost that competition to the Rafale last year. India is taking delivery of a large order of Rafale to replace their modernised Mig-21s as their medium capability.

The FGFA is to replace their high end capability which is currently the SU-30 MKI.

A switch to partial F-35 buy wouldn't surprise me, both as was way to keep the Russian feet to the fire and as a way to get technology transfer. I don't think it'll be a straight up replacement though as it doesn't have the endurance for the indian role.