Posted on 11/18/2010 8:58:42 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
India is buying 107 American F414 jet engines for its new LCA (Light Combat Aircraft, or "Tejas") jet fighter. These engines will cost about $7.7 million each. Eventually, most of the LCAs built will be powered by the Indian Kaveri engine, which is still in development hell. The F414s will substitute only until the Kaveri is ready. To deal with the Kaveri problem, earlier this year India made a deal with French engine manufacturer Snecma, to provide $200 million worth of technical assistance. Last year, the Indian air force had asserted that help from Snecma would not save the ill-fated Kaveri engine program. But the government apparently believes that it is necessary for India to acquire the ability to design and build world class jet engines, whatever the cost. Only a few nations can do this, and India wants to be one of them, soon, at whatever cost.
We in the West seem to see India as a jolly good buffer against the merciless Mings in China, so we’re generous. Time will tell, hayna?
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