<don't hold your breath. Uncle Sam is arriving at the end of Feb. And is most likely to leave all of us in a daze. Now tell me who does not like something for 'free'? And presents?? Hmmmm.....two words come to mind - Kitty Hawk!!Ofcourse the Russkies are not going to be a happy bunch. They can always retire to Goa to recoup.....;-))- Bosco>
Not so fast on the Kitty Hawk, Bosco. Here is an update on the Gorshkov from today's TOI. Headline: "Gorshkov deal wont be scrapped: Russia". Sub heading: "Controversy over warship cost escalation will be sorted out soon, says Russia's Consul General". Four years have gone since the deal was signed and little or no progress has been made. Now it is likely to be delivered only after another 4 years (assumng the price is agreed). It looks like India was only interested in a serviceable aircraft carrier and the burnt out Gorshkov refitted in 4 years seemed like a steal. Now the Russians are talking about giving it "high combat qualities and long service life." Its a middle weight flat top compared to heavyweight Kitty Hawk. And it carries only 12 fighters (versus Viraat's 30 and KH's 70 plus). Those 12 might disappear in a flash if the MIG29K's have a similar crash rate as the Sea Harriers! I hope we can count on the Russians and Brits in Goa to help revert Dabolim to civilian use. ;)
