With the major aspects of the immediate incident covered, the six reporters on the ground set about sending back stories as the smoke from the debris lifted and a clearer picture of the site emerged.
Once acquired by IAF, the medium transport aircraft (MTA) will replace both AN-32s and IL-76s, it is learnt. The idea behind the revamp is to meet modern operational needs.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
Points to be noted –
1. Indian Navy Design Bureau wants to base its SSN designs on Shchuka B..partly due to the fact that no other country would share so much on subs and Shchuka B is one of the best designs when it comes to attack subs
2. Russians arent selling anything thats commissioned and is operational. They are short of subs, yasens are coming in slow and things are getting crowded again in North Pacific & Atlantic.
3. They may also need the newer hulls for Boreis
4. At the same time they need Indian money. So IMO they are letting us have Kashalot. Its a old hull, needs extensive refit to bring it back to operational levels and in process our Vizag boys would also better their learning. That explains 6 long years.
5. Contracts should be well drafted…dont forget Gorshkov
Points to be noted –
1. Indian Navy Design Bureau wants to base its SSN designs on Shchuka B..partly due to the fact that no other country would share so much on subs and Shchuka B is one of the best designs when it comes to attack subs
2. Russians arent selling anything thats commissioned and is operational. They are short of subs, yasens are coming in slow and things are getting crowded again in North Pacific & Atlantic.
3. They may also need the newer hulls for Boreis
4. At the same time they need Indian money. So IMO they are letting us have Kashalot. Its a old hull, needs extensive refit to bring it back to operational levels and in process our Vizag boys would also better their learning. That explains 6 long years.
5. Contracts should be well drafted…dont forget Gorshkov