I had some hot discussions with people from the German defence department about the C-17.
There are two things speaking against it:
a) we would need Antonovs anyway, since the C-17 can’t haul everything over to Afganistan the Antonov does. (And it would be unable to lift the planned HTH)
b) it is far more expansive per ton compared to SALIS

So we would pay more for a less capable system.

The AN/APG-59 was used in the F-4J, which entered service after 1966.
Basically you are proposing a F-4. No matter how you turn it, it won’t get below the Phantoms OEW, especially as I expect you want to add range, multi-role and a second crew member. This fighter won’t by any better than the Phantom models that were used over Vietnam.

No, I want it to be lighter. Only single seat. Call it a Su-15 with more emphasis on manouverability.
I guess I’m along the lines of multirole. Big nose to add a capable radar, deltawing and two engines. I would sacrifice the second crew member, and some internal fuel capacity to get the weight down.
Adding Canards would be a logical step, but I don’t think that fits the timeframe.
Therefore, conventional layout MiG-21 style.

What happened to that ground effect aircraft concept Boeing proposed some years ago ? I think it was called pelican.

Edit: http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2002/september/i_pw.html

This may also increase the chance that European nations order more US stuff. The F-35 for Germany and France is thinkable, as is the Chinook for Germany. In conclusion, we might see the day where there is a real trans-atlantic open market for military equipment …
yeah, I know, a bit utopistic.

BTW: When the A330 cooperation works well, creates jobs and quality is good, it may open the door for the other Airbus military aircraft: the A400M.

Add to that list some C-17’s. In my opinion the most pressing need in Europe.

I think that is really wishfull thinking. Adding another completely different type to the IAF is just insane in terms of logistics.
If they go for Rafale, they can finetune this with their M2K update. Same applies to MiG 35/29.

One thing to consider would be that referendum about noise. If they vote for it, the Swiss AF is pretty much homeless. I mean which part of Switzerland is no tourism region ?

So, they need a new place for pilot training. This would be in my opinion a big bonus for an aircraft from the neighbourhood.

Otherwise Gripen seems to be a logical choice. With the SwAF willing to load off many aiframes, they could purchase the numbers they need. Take 5 new build Gripens and get one refurbished for free (or something like that).

Not to talk about the concept, to operate Gripens with a conscript force.

The discussion is somewhat pointless, without knowing what is meant with best.

If we only take pure a2a, then the Raptor comes out on top.

If we include available weapons, mission flexibility, and availability for export customers, we will most probably see a Su-30MK Variant on top. US types suffer from the black box syndrome, and the new European fighters shine with the absence of available weapons.