Leaving any symbolism aside, most recent Indian arms purchases from the US-the C-130J, the P-8I, the USS Trenton LHD and now the C-17 have all been systems which don’t really have any rivals. The Russians don’t have anything in the class of the C-17, which can haul the Indian Arjun MBT besides do a lot of other things.
You are right as always. Just felt like ranting against the Russians....though i must admit that i am not impressed by the hauling tank argument. Haul it where? In what quantities? If they have to do a number of sorties it might be easier and actually faster to truck it in quantities or load them on a freight train. Agreed that you are just mentioning its ability to do that but this one seems a bit of a red herring. Would really like your opinion on this.
Is the Chinook deal also likely to go through quickly?
Can the C-17 land in THOISE or any of the new strips opened in Arunachal and Leh with a full to the gills load? Can it be air-air refueled for ultra long haul? Your insight would be appreciated.
And finally, has the prospect of sanctions of spares for all this equipment completely vanished? I remember the Sea King gear-box spares problems.