Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Can/should India really be trusted with this technology given the close ties between India and Russia?

I am aware of the U.S wanted to sell them the F-16/F-18 but still Shocked

No disrespect intended towards India though.

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Some discussion of that topic here: Indian Analyst recommends dumping Eurocanards for F-35.

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopi ... india.html

Why would you disrespect/offend someone by saying you cannot trust them? Indian history might be a guide. I guess there are good/bad in any situation, including in USofA apparently. Maybe only foreign born US citizens sell your secrets O/S? Can O'worms.

However the F-35 is riddled with tamper proof technology so that it can be exported safely. Otherwise it would not.

An example of F-35 tamper proofing (video courtesy of Lockheed Martin Software Development Lab): http://youtu.be/EtfHHPr4VII

Absolutely not. I am in favor of a strong India to provide a regional counterweight to a growing China, and for improving relations with India. But giving them the F-35 just hastens the day that Russian engineers get to tear an F-35 airframe apart and have their way. They can learn a lot even without the "magic word". The Indians can be plenty strong with their T-50's, Flanker variants and maybe a Eurocanard, and not need F-35s.

It doesn't even have to be about disrespect. There is an inherent conflict of interest with their investment in the PAK-FA/FGFA project.

spazsinbad wrote:

Why would you disrespect/offend someone by saying you cannot trust them?

Well, I didn't say we cannot trust them. I posed a question, and I don't think that it is entirely unreasonable to ask such a question. I can however understand if someone can feel somewhat uncomfortable by it. Is that a god reason not to discuss it?

Of course, if the U.S (and its partners?) is satisfied that there is no risk to the technology, then I have no objections.

Bad idea, unless the F-35 sold to india only includes technology to a level they (or their partners) have already acheived.

I agree. Some of our allies, such as Israel, seems to have been an issue in the past. Now the latest news on South Korea tampering. This kinda bothers me with 30,000 US troops in SK protecting from a nuclear NK. Of course the South Koreans want to grow their aerospace industry, but the hell with the interests of US technological ownership.

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_ ... 06385.html

I wholeheartily support our allies, especially Israel and the old British Commonwealth nations. In strategic terms, I support India as they are the world's largest democracy, but their relationship with Russia has always pondered me. I feel the US misguidedly dismissed them during the Cold War, due to the fact that the US allied themselves with Pakistan during the Soviet invasion of one of those 'stans, as well as other previous and latter issues. I guess it is called Realpolitik. The F-35 Sure has some envious tech.

I would not say that the Israeli's past history of transferring US technology to China has been forgotten, hence the tense negotiations preceding the F-35 deal.

maus92 wrote:

I would not say that the Israeli's past history of transferring US technology to China has been forgotten, hence the tense negotiations preceding the F-35 deal.

I would agree. The 90's tech that may of been transferred was probably due to pure financial gain, especially when the US looked invincible. I would think that the Israel of today, would be crazy to implement those transfers based on the geo-strategic conditions of today.

But you never know...Jefferson said there are no friends in the world, only allies. That always "chaps" me when an executive says "they are friends of the US". Sure that is diplomatic speech.

There are so many international customers for the Lightening, that selling some to India, if the situation arises, it is probably not an issue, other than the fact they are so closely arms aligned with Russia. Regardless, it is all a matter of time before the tech leaks. Just hope we have something even better in the pipeline.

Google this without the '' 'Lightening Definition' and I mean it in a nice way. Thanks.

aceshigh wrote:

Can/should India really be trusted with this technology given the close ties between India and Russia?

I am aware of the U.S wanted to sell them the F-16/F-18 but still Shocked

No disrespect intended towards India though.

It will be a cold day in hell before the Indians order the F-35. They are looking to drive a bargain that the US would have no part of. At least 50% offset, complete ToT and a bargain basement price. LM and Boeing should be happy that either Dassault or Eurofighter will be getting that "sweet" deal.

The Indians down selected Rafale and Eurofighter because they know that both companies are desperate for a big sale and they will have much more leverage than if they went with either LM or Boeing.

Forum: F-35 Lightning II

F-35 jets to India, good idea?