Speaking to EurAsian Times, Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha (Retd.) who is also on the editorial board of The EurAsian Times, gave a very nuanced explanation. He said, “First, the trials from shore-based test facilities will establish whether the aircraft can take-off from a ski jump.
There are a number of mathematical calculations and simulations required. Once it is conclusively established, the arrester wire trials would perhaps be undertaken to establish whether the aircraft can stop within the available deck after wire pull out.
This should lead to ship trials. It is a long-drawn process. Similar trials would have to be done with competing aircraft. Should both meet basic necessities of launch and recovery, the QRs of performance will have to be demonstrated. Based on these preliminaries any decision can be taken.”
So while both fighter jets are engaged in stiff competition, there could be no preliminary parameter to gauge if one has a clear edge over another. The Indian Navy could be expected to give a clear picture once both jets are tested.