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.
RE:There is more to this purchase than an aircraft
by Mahesh MVU on Feb 08, 2007 10:51 PM Permalink
I wonder if the US is fielding the F 35 JSF and peddling it to us....that is a much better buy than the F 16. It incorporates the latest technologies and is the best single engined fighter today. It is also avavilable in three versions: the CTOL, STOL and STOVL. That will be a much better aircraft than either the F 16, Saab Gripen, Mirage 2000, Mig 29 or even the Dassault Rafale. The EF 2000 is not a bad buy either....but that might a dalliance with EADS or the European Union....which India is not prepared to enter in. The final decision will still belong to the Babus in Delhi, lets hope they make the right one!!!
RE:RE:There is more to this purchase than an aircraft
by Manny on Feb 09, 2007 01:25 AM Permalink
The F35 JSF costs $195Mill and the F22 Raptors costs more than $250Mill a piece.
Its way too expensive. Even though the US airforce and Navy may replace their aging F-18s, they are are still ordering and retaing thei F-18E Super Hornets. and complimenting them with the F-35s.
If India goes for the F18E/F super hornets, we may eventually request the F35s. Australia just placed an order for the F18Es inspute of they beig part of the F35 JSF development partners.
