Crobato,
I’m surprised that you don’t show much remorse over that fact. I know that there are only so many things that Backfires can do that Badgers can’t and that, clrealy, these extra capabilities aren’t worth the airframe and operating costs… But… It would sure be useful for the Chinese aviation industry if they could draw on the PLAAF’s experience of operating large super-sonic bombers. Especially if the Chinese ever plan on making one of their own.
When China considered Backfires back in the nineties, the Russian General Staff was opposed to it. Up to now, there are still officials in the Russian government that is still opposed to the sale of strategic weapons to China, considering China still a strategic competitor and potential enemy. The Chinese and the Russian export agency have built an entire arms procurement strategy based around this. The Chinese are not going to trust the Russians on such matters, fearing that the Russians would bug or cripple the aircraft.
In any case, the Chinese Tu-16s are merely used as cruise missile launchers. Backfires are not going to be better on this mediocre role.
China tends to avoid provocative arms purchases in trying to keep some sense of harmony with its neighbors. The Sovremannies, Kilos and the Su-30MKKs are enough to test the boundaries of these controversiality. They are not going to push this one level higher AKA by purchasing Slavas, Akulas, and Backfires.
As far as what the Chinese is going to do is to take a serious look at the aircraft (as if they’re buying it), but in reality are just gathering enough information to set the parameters for their own H-6 replacement.
Bombers are only as good as the stuff they carry. What do you propose that Chinese Backfires should carry to help deter US carrier groups? If that is the case, why can’t such missiles be already carried by Su-30MKKs, JH-7As or H-6s?
There are also many questions about logistics, service, and support. China seems happy enough with the Sovies and the Kilos but not on the Su’s. I don’t think the PLAAF would be willing to take the additional logistical burden of carrying a new plane and engine type. I also want to make clear to everyone on board that China never buys used and second hand stuff for their own armed service regardless of how many hours you have on the frame. They’re (the Chinese officials) are truly fixated on the idea that things they buy must always be new. This fixation is simply not a point to be questioned, discussed or debated. They want it that way and that’s final. (The only used stuff they buy either goes to the scrapyard or gets studied by engineers).
Before, it was the Chinese who knock on the Russians door to buy weapons. Now it’s the Russians knocking the Chinese doors to sell weapons. Huh? Are the Russians really concerned that the EU might actually lift its embargo?
Sign In
