While at least four indigenous designs (TAS, L&T, MDSL & KSSL) will compete, reportedly Stryker is also offered to India. And here comes the question, what variant actually will be pitched?
During the visit of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Stryker ICV-D and ICVVA1-S were showcased.
What's the ICV-D?
It's the FBH (Flat Bottom Hull) variant also designated M1296. It's a 19T platform, the lightest such variant. Thus it can be put into C-130 as well! It's equipped with Kongsberg RT40 turret (MCT-30) with XM813 30mm gun. It's powered by Cat 3126 engine (350hp).
India's Cancelled Fighter Jet Programs - which could change the course of future
Ground Attack Fighter-I (1965)
Transonic, two engine platform to be powered by M.45, short range strike platform..but soon there was requirement of better capability
Ground Attack Fighter -II (1966)
It was to be powered by two R.11F-300, supersonic platform with air-to-air defence as well. Ordnance carriage on eight under wing stations as well as internal bay! However, lack of necessary infrastructure led an alternative.
HF-24 Mk. 1R
Feasible alternative to GAF-II, powered by R.11 it was to be a medium range platform offered to be in services by 1976. But it didn't see any future, instead requirements led to ASA.
Acc to SIPRI the defence budget of India and China in 2020 stands (current value) at Bln $72.88 and Bln $252.3 (for the official value please see third and fourth tweet). But this huge humongous gap wasn't started in one day.
Now, this thread is based on data shown only by SIPRI, not necessarily match official one , to avoid complexities. Acc to various sources, Chinese defence budget in 2021 officially stands at CNY 1.35 Trillion (~Bln $209). Please check next tweet for official Indian data.
When Indian test pilot taught a lesson to German legends
India's first indigenous fighter jet (and also first from Asia) HF-24 was designed by HAL. The design was much ahead of that time and India earned an incredible achievement soon to be faded away .
At first German legend Wilhelm Messerschmitt was offered to lead the joint design team . He had made Bf 109- second most produced fighter aircraft ever, Me 209- the fastest of that time and Me 262- world's first jet fighter. But he refused the offer.
After his refusal, Dr Kurt Tank and Herr Mittlehuber were invited as consulting lead designer. Tank was also a famous designer who made several famous WW 2 fighter aircrafts as well as a fighter jet for Argentina.