According to the defence minister, if the Rafale deals falls through, they’ll order more Su-30MKIs (i.e in addition to the 60 odd under production slated for delivery to 2018).
The Chinese and Russians seem to manage without a squadron-sized building block.
That’s precisely my point, the Mirage & F-7 will likely serve in the PAF longer than the MiG-21/27s in the IAF.
Added up the numbers on Wikipedia. Assumed they were grouped in larger squadrons.
Sure, they may order more SU-30s, but these are being manufactured very slowly it seems.
No, IAF will still be flying MIG 21S/27s post 2020, almost definately if Rafale deal not signed and they decide to wait for LCA MK II, that or they will be reduced in size to around the same size as the PAF. Lets also remember the Jaguars are getting very old too.
I would not rely in Wiki and just adding up numbers to get an idea of strength. Air Forces do not work like that.
Many Mirages were cannabalised for spares, many F-7s are in overhaul so rest are used to make up front line numbers, attrition has also taken its toll, and some are kept in storage.
Squadron strength in PAF tends to be similar to other airforces, anywhere between 18-22 aircraft. Beyond this it becomes difficult for a standard squadron structure to manage more aircraft. It’s very rare to see squadrons of more then 24 fighters anywhere in the world, many in NATO have just 12 aircraft.
Russia and China used the Regiment system, which is very similar to squadrons in everything but name.
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