There was also an Argentine plane, I forgot the name, something like polqui or pulqui that was based on a German design.

I am sure the Soviets had many rivals to the MiG-15 and 17 from one of those WW2 design houses that no longer exist today.

The Gripens would have been the better choice but since it is no longer an option I would go for that idea of reduced F-35 buys and SLEP some of the other F-16s.
They don’t really need the F-35s unless is strike related, which will likely be due to nato commitments. other wise the F-16s is enough for air policing that tiny airspace, or when they do patrols in the Baltic.

maybe in the long term, F-35 plus TA-50s would be better, they can replace their alpha jets and some F-16s

who cares. did something get stuck?

Modern combat aircraft are expected to be multirole, carry sufficient counter measures, have improved range, all of which necessitate the need for more space.

light fighters were useful in the days of of the Cold War when air forces can afford specialized types and there were more man power committed to flying and maintaining aircraft, but the current era demands aircraft to do more, while having less personnel. this results in a need for larger and heavier planes that can do it.

Consider how many smaller countries ended up going for some very large and heavy fighters.
Russia and the US has totally not committed to that form factor for some time.

the US also had the F-101, F-102, and F-106 during that time.

but this is easy. Mirage 3, F-4, or MiG-21 and it’s not even close. There is a good reason why these three types continue to fly today and receive upgrades, even though its been half a century.

What kind of radar will that fighter version of the M-346 will have? what can fit?

There is no such a thing.

wrong

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