How many of these kind of deals have they done, in terms of either buying planes or having to do assembly.

You lose track. Seems like so many. The Russians SU series. Then the Swedes. The French. Now the Americans too with a deal.

That's how it works in India. If there is a deal, there is a kick back. The logic may be more deals more kick backs.

It would make more sense to develop your own, even that takes a long time. It would save money and advance the country technology. We don't even have to say that.

So why do they make all these deals with several countries for basically the same product? The overlap and foregoing of national R&D?

Might the plausible reason is everyone wants their bride and kickbacks.

If that really is the case, there truly is no hope for India.