Foreign customers want the best they can currently get
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Best is not just equipment specs and performance: foreign customers look at the spare parts & maintenance packages which is why Russian equipment is so popular. If the plane does not pass the tests, there will be no major export market and will cease production as unprofitable - since the profit is based on the 1300 USAF planes as well as foreign sales.
[Best is not just equipment specs and performance: foreign customers look at the spare parts & maintenance packages which is why Russian equipment is so popular. If the plane does not pass the tests, there will be no major export market and will cease production as unprofitable - since the profit is based on the 1300 USAF planes as well as foreign sales.]
Russian equipment is extremely unpopular because it seldom meets published specs, maintenance is a bear, and parts are of indifferent quality. Where Russian gear comes out on top is kickbacks to purchasing agents, and a low upfront cost. As long as you never need to use the equipment to ward off a competent and well-armed adversary, Russian equipment is good enough. Of course, many customers have no choice - they are typically barred from buying cutting edge Western gear either because of human rights violations or suspicions that they will transfer that tech to countries like China or Russia. In India’s case, it’s a combo of kickbacks and tech transfers that Russians are willing to pass on, but Western suppliers are reluctant to countenance because of a fear of creating future competition.