I get what you’re saying, but it really is that simple–in general, the fewer who know, the better. I didn’t say that security could ever be perfect, and I don’t think that Devils Advocate meant to say that, either. The F-22’s secrets are not completely secure even with Americans, of course, but adding the manufacturers and air forces of other countries would make them far less secure still.

What has come out in recent years through various arrests and trials suggests that, with the exception of the blackest of black programs, the military industrial complex leaks like the Titanic.

Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer to be evaluated by UAE air force

Two UK Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft based at BAE Systems, Warton, departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1 August to be evaluated by its air force and air defence.

The two aircraft may be chosen by the UAE is as part of the competition to choose a new jet trainer for the country’s air force and air defence.

Earlier this year the UAE down-selected the Hawk AJT alongside two competitors to potentially meet its AJT requirement. The winner is expected to be announced before the end of the year.

The Hawk AJT’s will be tested in temperatures in excess of 45° Celsius, and will include more than 30 flights during the two weeks it will be in the UAE.

Hawk sales executive leading the UAE campaign Steve Wearden, said: “The evaluation will play a central role in the competition and the aircraft will be put through its paces in conditions we don’t experience in the UK.

He said that the Hawk has “a great deal of experience” in aircraft operations in hot, humid environments because it has been used in many countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, for over 25 years.

“The aircraft undertaking the evaluation are aircraft that will ultimately be delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence to train the next generation of RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots.”

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/08/01/215842/hawk-advanced-jet-trainer-to-be-evaluated-by-uae-air-force.html

I thought that the UAE was going for the T-50?:confused:

Of the top of my head they should nearly have all of the 102 F-16I’s and there was an article posted in the ‘Modern Military Aviation News’ thread claiming that the IAF was planning to upgrade the entire F-16C/D fleet to that same standard as the Sufa, that should give them over 200 of one of the most capable F-16 variants out there. On top of that there is the F-15 fleet which is/ (?) was undergoing an upgrade program. All in all a very powerful airforce and probably more than a match for any other in the middle east.

The below is a good site.

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/

Adapting? All they need do is stick a decent radar into its nose and they got a good all rounder that can do almost anything

Maybe you could explain how CAPTOR is not a decent radar?:rolleyes:

Well if they converted the entire Typhoon fleet and stuck to the ridiculous idea of procuring V/STOL F-35s they could replace Joint Force Harrier with Joint Force Strike Command!:p

The 16DDHH’s are not designed to operate aircraft. Yet, that doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t for that matter. Remember, the RN Invincible Class CVS Carriers currently in service with the Royal Navy! My whole point is a small number has its benefits………..

The RN’s carriers are significantly larger than the Japanese boats and were intended to operate Harriers from the outset. They are also capable of carrying over 20 aircraft including up to 16 Harriers. They are in a different class to the new Japanese ships.

I disagree – I believe it makes a Japanese aircraft carrier inevitable. The question is when, not if, it will be built.

I have to agree with Turbinia, a Chinese carrier does not mean there will be a Japanese carrier- it is a very long way from inevitable.