There is still no word on when when field trials will start for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft fighter competition. (paid subscription required)
One of the issues that complicates this is mother nature: If the demonstrations do not finish by July, then they run into delays as a consequence of the monsoon season.
Current competitors for the medium fighter are the, "Boeing F/A-18, Lockheed Martin F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, Mikoyan MiG-35, Saab Gripen, and Dassault Rafale."
It's intended to replace their fleets of older model MiG-21s, which are at end of life.
My guess would be the the MiG-35 has the inside track, the Indian AF already has operational experience with the MiG-29, though the least expensive over the life time is very likely the Gripen.
It's unclear to me whether SAAB is submitting the base Gripen, or the improved Gripen NG.
No comments:
Post a Comment