It would be a staggering development certainly, there are certainly question marks in my mind. Partnered up with their il-78 tankers it would mean a huge extension of the PAFs reach. I vaguely remember that some PAF pilots did test the S-27 and rather liked it so I could see certain quarters within the PAF being supportive. A twin engine heavy would be costly to operate in comparison to their current fleet and I also wonder as others have speculated if this isn’t a way of pushing the Chinese for a better deal for a similar type.

As for the Russian’s I wonder if this is partially a shot across India’s bow over the recent large number of purchases for US types, also whilst India talks about red lines considering how much Russian equipment they operate I do see that as a rather hollow threat.

A bit sceptical but it would make things interesting if it came off.

Syria reportedly receives MiG-31 interceptors from Russia

http://www.janes.com/article/53660/syria-reportedly-receives-mig-31-interceptors-from-russia

I think this is a more reliable source.

Sadly for a publication with such a prestigious history Jane’s in recent years is developing a reputation for poor reporting. They have developed a habit of re-reporting articles from less than reputable news aggregators without any kind of serious fact checking.

India won the exercises back in 2008 did they not?

It is not surprising at all.

If you are so sceptical, find a report that says otherwise.

How does one win a collaborative training exercise?

Ah I had a crush in Winona as a teen so thanks for reminding me of a happy memory LO.

Oh and as others have pointed out: point me in the direction of a fighter in the last thirty years that hit IOC with a totally unrestricted flight envelope, fully operational avionics and operating every weapon in the inventory.

Keep on grinding your teeth as you White Knight for a journalist who is totally unrelated to you in anyway…not at all

totally not

nope

maybe

?

A toast to Mr sweetman and his team. A red wine with copious amounts of crow served.
Its was a good fight.

Meanwhile at Sweetman’s office

Just for clarification…. my original response here:

At the same time they are obviously much less sharp towards combat helicopters, there is nothing European-made in the Mi-28/AH-64 class.. But as we have learned, even that might change soon.

1. There is not a single word stating Europe has ignored attack helicopters.. My assertion was the that combat types are not very numerous compared to the overall portfolio which is quite wide
2. I have said from the very beginning that Europe had nothing in the Mi-28/AH-64 class. By class I have meant weight/performance class. Where exactly can you see me shifting goalposts in the next posts?
3. Your “fair point” reply would only make sense if for some reason I have completely missed existence of EC665 or A129. Guess how probable that is.

Still anything left I need to clarify?

That is a better clarification but I don’t agree, aside from weight the Mangusta and Tigre are perfectly competitive and do compete with the Apache and Mi-28.

Tigre and Mangusta are still relatively lightweight choppers (2.5-3t empty weight, 2x 700-1,000 kW power).
Apache, Alligator or Havoc are heavyweight designs (5-8t empty weight, 2x 1,400-1,700 kW power).

To be honest that is just splitting hairs to suit your argument, throwing in weight it just moving the goal posts.

The Tigre and Mangusta have been in contests against the Apache and without checking probably the Mi-28. That rather goes against your assertion that Europe has ignored the attack helicopter market.

I am not entirely surprised, the mood music the last few months has been leaning towards a procurement of some kind after SDSR 2015. To keep legal there will have to be an RFP and a competition so it makes sense for Japan to have a stab at it alongside no doubt Boeing with P8 or business jet variant the Airbus with the C295, Bombardier with a Dash 8 variant and possibly Saab with a 2000 variant.

I would think in a contest the P1 would score very well considering it is custom designed for the role. The major barriers I would guess are cost and the fact the RAF already have two full crews trained on the P8.