There is more to this purchase than an aircraft
by Manny on Feb 08, 2007 09:31 PM
People compare the manuverablity of the Sukhhoi and say..this is a better aircraft than the other one..so that should be bought.
The days of close aircombat dog fights are over.. Its all about BVR (Beyond Visual Range) category. In that phase, nothing.. I mean nothing...comes close to the US.
I feel India should go the F-18 Hornets as well as the C-130J Hercs. Even the US armed service have not incorprated the C-130Js as yet. I have seen the C-130 do a STOL (short field take off and Landings). Its mind blowing to watch this ugly beast, take off from less than 2000 feet of runway in an almost 45degree angle.
Strategic alliance with the US is important without spoling the Russian partnership.. So the Sukhois for strategic aircrafts as well as signing the deal with them for the 5th gen aircrafts should keep them happy.
But we need the force multiplyer technoligies from the US to augment the fine Sukhois.
