There is nothing in NOK inventory that can counter the F 15K Slam Eagles

So nuclear weapons and missiles with enough range to hit anything at least as far as Tokyo, to say nothing of artillery trained on Seoul, do not constitute a real, dangerous response?

Would you take such a Cavalier attitude if millions or your own countrymen’s lives were directly threatened?

I actually quite like the look of the swing-wing lightning! 😀 It looks mean and battle ready!

But methinks that all the extra weight would give it even shorter range than the conventional version, were there plans to give it enlarged fuel tanks or did the design not get that far?

safety, twin engine reliability, bigger payload, more diverse mission profile?

how about F-8 vs MiG-21BIS?

I think the problem when comparing aircraft like this is failing to see them in their wider context. In a WarPac vs NATO conflict they would be unlikely to see any 1v1 combat, they would be acting as part of huge national and international air defense systems.

Some of the Soviet equipment was, one on one, less technically capable than it’s NATO counterparts. But failing to see it was part of the wider Soviet war machine and you miss the point straight from the off.

Sorry if that sounded like a rant, it’s a subject close to my heart ;):D

Well, they are not that cheap to buy and to run. Plus the major thread has quite a bit knowledge about the Sukhoi.

I found some sources that quoted around $30m for an Su-30MKI, but others as high as $70. Which is the more accurate figure?

Either way, I still think Brahmos is the way to go in terms of anti-shipping missile, even if it is land based launchers.

King Air 350 is a bit small for an MPA, as well as only being a twin engined aircraft.

As for replacing the Lightning II, get back to me when you can fly a King Air off a carrier with a useful load 😎

What exactly are the F-22’s obvious short comings in sensor fusion?

IIRC its datalink capabilities do not compare well with the F-35, the F-22 can’t share its radar data with other friendly assets. Other than the pilot getting on the radio that is.

Could a nimrod render assistance other than locating the ship?

Can it drop inflatable life rafts or anything :confused: