Forgive me for the use of the word ‘cripple’. But in the next Fifty years the PLAAF/PRC wiill be in a position to challenge the USAF/US in a conventional war, while Russia will not be.

You have look at the numbers of current J-10s in service and the number of J-11s (Su-27s) and the upcoming J-15s (Su-33 clones). Their numbers are not in the 1,000 range either – but they are very effective machines nonetheless. Like you I feel that the meager number of F-22s are too small for it to handle global needs and US defense responsibilities – but such decisions are left to the politicians to determine – unfortunately. The F-35 is a very capable fighter and attack aircraft in its own right – do not sell it short.:)

Not at the moment because China is not as wealthy as America at the moment. It would change significantly if China continues to grow at the projected rate they will be able to field more modern systems in larger numbers. I am not underselling the F-35, unlike many I think it would make a fine aircraft, but it is in essence an F-16 replacement for the USAF while both the Chinese and Russian Fifth generation fighters are in the class of the F 22.

In an all out war the large number of F 35s with some F 22s would be enough but on a limited conflict like for example Taiwan if large number of J-xx are in service the PRC will gain an advantage.

That looks very decent, as does the PAK FA. Will the Americans regret cutting back the F 22 production in future. I think they will, because a crippled Russia is no match for America and the PAK FA won’t be there in enough numbers, but an emerging China, well thats a totally different matter altogether. 1000 J-XX vs 200 odd Raptors :).

Actually the contract has never been signed till now, the media has said the signature is imminent a few times before. But this time it could happen for real as they have agreed on the draft.

UCAVs will never replace Air superiority aircraft.

And why should the Air Force Pilot be cocooned when the people in the Army and Navy are not, risk is part and parcel of a career in armed forces and people are aware of the risks.

X Post from BR.

Americans are all over the competition when it comes to Ads.

Has Eurofighter forged ahead in India’s MMRCA competition?

Source

A flurry of reports in the Indian media quoting unnamed sources have pointed out that the Eurofighter Typhoon has forged ahead of the other contenders in India’s bid to buy 126 MMRCA fighter jets for an estimated $10 billion.

An expected visit of Britain’s Defence Secretary Liam Fox to New Delhi later this month is seen as sales call on the Indian MoD to further hardsell the Eurofighter to India.

While one report said Eurofighter was ahead on technical evaluation by the Indian Air Force, another said Eurofighter and the Dassault Rafale had scored more points than the others in the technical evaluation report submitted to the MoD over three months ago.

However, there is no official word from the MOD and none of the six contenders- Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Eurofighter, MiG, Dassault and SAAB Gripen-have received any communication about the status of their bid. “There is complete silence. We have not heard anything from the MoD after the completion of the flight tests”, a senior Gripen Executive said.

The MOD has been sending queries to the IAF on the MMRCA competition in relation to the performance parameters and the latter has been responding to it, according to IAF Chief P.V. Naik who was quoted as saying during a news conference.

Informed sources told Defenseworld.net that the technical evaluation report lists out how each contender fared against specific clauses in the RFP and whether they met the performance parameters as outlined. “At the end of the technical evaluation, there are winners and losers. The winners will be in the shortlist who will be invited for commercial negotiations.” “At this time, we don’t know which ones will be in the shortlist. While some aircraft may be ahead of others on purely technical parameters, issues such as life cycle costs and offsets could complicate matters in deciding the shortlist”, the sources said.

Looks-wise I would take the JF-17 over the LCA anyday. Its a beautiful aircraft (may be i am biased because I love the F 16)