December 20, 2003 at 9:07 pm
The island of Sakhalin becomes independant and becomes wealthy due to its Sakhalin-1 and 2 oil, as well as having a low population.
Border issues are primarily with Japanese vessles entering disputed areas.
For the Air Force it was decided to do a high low mix of Gripens and a special variant of the Su-30.
The Gripen-C’s primary task is to defend the capitol (which is Yuznho Sakhalinsk) about 100 miles north of Hokkaido. Special attention is given to it’s multi role capabilities.. they will consist of 3/5th of the total fighter force and will be the primary defender while..
however for long range patrol of the northern half of the island and off shore oil rigs will be handled by the Su-30, due to it being affordable and its long range needed. It will be similar to the Su-30MKI variant with the Israeli EW however the French MFDs and HUDs will be replaced by the same ones used in the Gripen-C in an attempt to find some commonality. ALso the TVC will be removed to the simpler non TVC Al-31s.
weapons integration wll include S.African and Israeli systems that could be used by both the Gripen and the Su-30.