[Rockpile]

Since the Indian Fleet Air Arm wants new fighters the IAF could do a joint buy such as Sukhoi 33s or F18s. If they do buy Rafales then the naval Rafale version would make sense to get as much commonality as possible.

But damn the Indians sure do screw around. Their bureaucracy must be something.

[sukhoi-30mki]

The only aircraft worthy of being considered for a joint buy would be the Rafale and the Super Hornet (the SU-33 was passed on in favor of the Mig-29K by Russia). The Super Hornet is somewhat of a pig in terms of hot rod performance when compared with the Rafale, but it’s mature, has lower per-unit costs, and, likely, very enticing industrial cooperation offerings from Boeing.

Not to mention that it uses the same engine as the planned growth variant of the Indian LCA (which, however, may not see the light of day).

[Oztrich Boy]

One consideration has to be deck spotting on the smaller Indian carriers. Su-33 and (probably)F-18 out

Not pictured: LCA Tejas (slightly smaller than Gripen), Su-33 (way bigger than F-15), and Mig-23K ( about Typoon size, but folds down to Gripen size)