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Bad ideas remain bad, irrespective of how many times they are repeated. LCA Mk2 cancellation benefits nobody but the MMRCA vendors abroad worried that LCA success + additional Rafales/Su30 upgrade means no more MMRCA. We need Mk2 to bridge the gap to AMCA+ improve mfg skills. https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1299730255624642560
The aim of a fighter program is to not just develop a cool looking fighter packed with gizmos. It is to build an ecosystem of designers and manufacturers to support that fighter. That fighter should also be manufactured well and supported likewise. You learn only by doing.
The entire purpose of splitting the original LCA program of a single Mk1 type design into Mo1 then Mk1A and Mk2 was twofold. From Mk1 to Mk1A we would improve the fighter beyond local threats and enhance maintainability.
Mk2 would build a "new" LCA which was no longer limited by it's original light weight configuration. Remember after the LCA was launched PRC purchased hundreds of Sukhois and J10s. IAF wanted more. So the 2nd tranche of LCA orders would hence become the new MWF ie Mk2.
By taking this crucial and important decision the then RM Shri Parrikar not only supported the PMs make in India campaign he also ensured the product was tied to the IAFs actual needs. The Mk1/Mk1A would replace the Bison whereas Mk2 would take over from aging medium fighters.
This would ensure the IAF was getting the products it needed as versus adopting "all that was available" as PAF did with the JF17, then discovered in Feb 19 that it didnt match up to either the Su30 or the Mirage 2000. And now PAF are hunting for upgrades.
This decision is also vital from the industrial perspective. You learn by doing. By the time we move to AMCA, ADA/HAL/ pvt partners would have 3 generations of manufacturing, sustaining products under their wings. The Mk1, Mk1A and Mk2. Continuity in production and staff skill.
This will avoid the exact mistake seen post Marut. Limping from no fighter to a new fighter and almost beginning from scratch, and forced to begin with all new teams.
So the plan or push to cancel the LCA Mk2 is a very bad idea. It reduces the numbers associated with the LCA program and halves them, which only benefits vendors abroad. Increases risk of AMCA program failure. Again, good for vendors abroad.
