It does not mean they will buy US made aircraft.

Same goes for any other participants, in this race for one of the most lucrative contracts available.

American media has been telling us about India's purchasing F-16/18's for years now. So far they have not.

There is a Purchase/Sell/Upgrade in process for the SU-30's in India's sphere, some will be modified to a MKIII standard, a few new builds are in the works, others (I'm thinking the 27UB/30 varients) are being sold off, Belorus is one of the purchasers.

The MKIII modification has no Israili involvment, in any capacity.

India is purchasing some MiG-29K for one its carrier. Future procurment is unknown.

Thats all that is definite.

Of course the US is pushing hard, as is France and Russia.

Could you blame any of them?

This will be a windfall for any concern.

Russia really does that "anything": India want to contribute at that contract, want to produce some components including engines. This condition only Russia can offer. More, India have already infrastructure for russian aircraft, so it can easy, very easy to maintain that nomber of aircraft.

India have many advantage if buy MRCA.

But, there is of yet no clear winner, as far as the issue under disscusion.

Sukhoy however; Does have a strong counterpoint, citing Russias long standing relationship with India, as well as their satisfaction with Russias products so far.

@foxhound,sukhoy

They do have a unparalleled air fleet, as far as diverse origins.

Their largest military supplier is Russia though.

And given results of Cope India(04-05,) as well as the CONUS events (W/ a reunified Luftwaffe,) I can see a very tough sell for the US.

USA Fanboys (whats next? A plane with relitivly small Non-adjustable intakes, and exaust pipes on the same magnitude. Cleared for near orbital, and Mach4 flight.) Will trounce out the well worn "Real combat" stories.

But, India's leadership being the thinking/rationalizing type, realizies they may not always go 5 to 1, against poorly trained, ill-equiped forces.

History Channels "Dogfights" feature. Willy "Irish" Driscol and "Duke" Cunningham, One of Americas best fighting teams, admit to running away when confronted by MiG-21's.

As far as the constantly "revised" kill ratios.

Mention and look-up the word "Honchos" in reference to Korea and Vietnam. They were Russian pilots, and from most sources gave back as good, if not, better than recieved from US/NATO pilots.

These portions may be off-topic.

But, I see it as covering some bases, as a pro-USA might bring up the "real-combat" argument.

To assume however; The USA lacks accomplishment, is ignorant, in it's own right.

This is not to insult or praise any entity, just bring up a rare-used counterpoint.

If there is one thing I as an aircraft enthusiast love about Russian aircraft its that their cheap, easy to maintain, and give a good bang for the buck.