Austin are you completely ignoring reality here.

Just because missile systems are related does not mean they are identical.

You are seriously suggesting an SLBM and road-mobile ICBM are the same thing?

Multiple sources suggest (Russian ones at that), that the Bulava IS a Topol-M derivative missile. In fact, dig hard enough on RIA and I bet you will find a QUOTE from a Russian military official about this.

The Bulava is most definitely a derivative of the Topol-M.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070807/70536185.html

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/3m14.htm

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070827/75176580.html

Just as the RS-24 will be an upgraded Topol-M intended for silo use.

Modernizing the Su-25 makes sense, it has performed well when needed. If Russia wanted to go postal on the Chechens it would seem like an ideal platform. The Su-24 upgrade will keep their strike fleet viable as the Su-34 begins to be fielded in increasing numbers.

Unfortunately the more I look into it, the more conflicting information gets.

Some sources suggest the SM just allows some precision weapons (like the link the the older thread) suggests.

While nomenclature would suggest a full multi-role kit to make sense.

What an “SMT” upgrade is also differs due to the multi-stage nature of the upgrade.

If anyone has a reliable link to a variant break up, hopefully updated recently, it would be great. It doesn’t seem like the modernization has really been publicized too much with the media.

I don’t know if this was posted somewhere, but this was definitely discussed fairly recently on the forum.

It seems that the RuAF is going to be getting upgraded MiG-29s, but they are being referred to as the MiG-29SM (so I guess that means no fuel upgrade, more inline with their original point defense fighter concept I guess).

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070802/70212524.html

I’m surprised they didn’t just send a Kirov. 😀

I guess no knowledgeable member will dispute that. However, the question raised is if can do that better than any of the “Eurocanards”. My humble opinion: no, it can’t.

The avionic equipment is a highly volatile business. When even the USAF is often unable to stuff its aircraft with newest marvels and make them work probably, I doubt Suchoi can do it easily. The experience within the RuAF and most operators of Russian equipment with newest technology is at best limited. At best it gonna take a few years to get operational. The “Eurocanards” will not stand still in that time.

I think any avionic equipment can theoretically built into the Eurofighter, just given the funds are available.

This is based on your very limited and extremely biased opinion.

Considering the technical specs are on the side of the Sukhoi, and as I have pointed out, the weapon suite is also rather Sukhoi sided, it’s pretty clear the Su-35BM overcomes any European fighter. I’m not saying the kill ratio will be 20:1, but that’s assumed if you are not a complete oaf.

Not to mention prices of the jets – it’s an automatic win here if anyone thinks straight.

But a F-22 has not a RCS of 3qm, against a RCS = 0,01qm = 400km *0,24= 96km,
RCS = 0,001 = 400km * 0,13 = 52km for tracking.
RCS = 0,01 = 400km * 0,06 = 24km area search and for volume search only 1,3% of 400km = 5.2km !
RCS =0,001=400km * 0,018 = 7,3km as and for vs 400 * 0,0025 = 1km!

Your SU-35BM is only F22 Fodder!

Hahaha you don’t say? 4+ G and 5G sound familiar? :rolleyes:

Oh yes, once the IAC’s start coming online I can imagine the old Soviet hulk spending allot of time as a ‘training ship’ or some other less than frontline vessel, with just the occasional cruise. Indeed once two IAC’s have been built I can see the temptation being to build a third to keep the unions happy, the skills in place, the fleet standardised and operating costs down.

Assuming the IAC is not delayed and is built quickly, which, is a point of debate as well I’d bet.