It was mentioned that since this is the first major attempt, they had over designed the aircraft to avoid any mishaps. The consultancy from EADS will assist in shaving of these extras. Irrespective of that the Navy is looking at future prospects in trying to build a naval fighter. Lice to see that Navy is well committed to the project.

Once the new engine is selected I guess thrust would not be an issue any longer.

When the entire nukes and missiles are under a central control, a launch would effectively state a fight to finish and be finished [MAD]. And I wonder ever if the BMD would act as a deterrent as with the case of US/Russia owing thousands of nukes and launch vehicles.

Even in the case of countries with smaller number of nukes ie India and Pakistan, a BMD development in India is now probably countered by an increased rate of nuke production by Pakistan.
I would like to know for whom would it cost more economically, in this case and to what extend the BMD is effective, assuming that fissile material is short?

One case the BMD is good to have would be if the non state elements succeed to make a launch, which has been identified and verified immediately by both government agencies, and need to be shot down without escalating the issue leading to MAD.

There are air force’s still like Indian Air force that is looking forward to acquire more twin seater’s, the PAK FA twin seater is a requirement put forth by the IAF. So whether the computer or man is smarter, some still likes two heads, four arms and four legs.:)

ok, if America makes India the P6 and MMS is the prime minister then deal done. :dev2:

Well otherwise I don’t see much chance. PAKFA, AMCA and possibly naval PAKFA, what more 5th gen would a country need? Not yet aware whether Indian Navy is planning for a USMC kind of force in the future.

Don’t see a Mainland attack on Formosa in the future. Why should they do that? Ruins business. And honestly I think China has already outgrown that conflict, its eyes are set on bigger things. Also Formosa already has too substantial interests on the mainland to seek a conflict they can’t win and don’t have anything to gain from.

Yes, but if things turns bad economically and politically in the decade to come you can expect the unexpected. Sometimes nationalism is a way of deflecting the real issue which is true about any country.

And regarding U.S. support – not realistic. If push comes to shove Washington will sell out Formosa as it did with so many “allies” and “friends” before. In half a generation Formosa will be proud to re-join the Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng Empire.

Quite true.

Sorry about speaking the language of nukes, but some how I am lost otherwise if someone asks to defend Taiwan.

The population of eastern cities of China are Taiwans enemies?

You’re aware that we’re talking about the same people here … the Chinese people? And that their differences are purely governmental?

Sheesh….

Oh well, if Taiwan thinks it needs to survive an assault from the PLA, that’s all… And the comment, if they want to be independent from the CPC. Looking at the east 20 years from now, my mind is in sync with the rest nations and their attitude, its over before it began.

Taiwan is quite capable of designing it’s own fighter jet, if enough money is thrown at it. The task that would tax them the most would be propulsion, but there are ways around that with the freedom of movement of labour.;)

Well if they really seek survival a single nuke and delivery weapon can guarantee it, no amount of fighters can. Fighters can only delay the inevitable.

ok, I got one more scenario, what if there is a big war? We all know that the India is a major buyer. What if India needs urgent replenishment of its reserves from Russia, would C-17 be helpful? wouldn’t it give an advantage over Il 76?

Please do consider the ease of loading and unloading of both these planes too.