Even after two decades since the acquisition case, the Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) search has seen a system absent from trials and failing trials, being passed as technically compliant and ending up as, apparently, the cheapest. Also problematic is the difficulty its purchase could pose by provoking U.S. sanctions under their CAATSA.
Boeing is the third international manufacturer to have announced a partnership with Indian companies for the production of fighter aircraft in India.
The RFIs issued by the Indian Navy for submarines and helicopters have created a model for the implementation of Make in India in defence, which will become the standard for future programs.
An agreement of intention between Lockheed Martin and Tata to build F-16 fighters should not be mistaken for an actual order from the Indian Air Force.
The insertion of a ‘nationalisation clause’ in the strategic partnerships policy has left defence companies scratching their heads wondering how they can offer cutting edge technologies.
