To me it seems as the opposite: there are both public and vested interests in keeping running or subsidized production plants all across Russia, resulting in overlapping items.

There is a bit of both, which is typical.

What about fielding four different attack helicopters ( Mi-24, Mi-35, Mi-28, Ka-52)?

Mi-35 was originally an export designation for Mi-24. Mi-24 as such is no longer produced. Mi-35 were acquired because it was economical and Soviet era Mi-24 are wore down. They share many components with Mi-28.

Or several different iterations of Mi-8?

I don’t see why this is an issue. As older samples go through overhaul more modern equipment is installed.

Switching to fixed wing, until now VVS has avoid to keep MiG afloat purchasing the Mig-35

MiG-29 is exported in good numbers and also the only modern naval fighter availbale. It is also cheaper to operate and infrastructure is there. I do believe that it is better to operate a mix of MiG-29/Su-27 due to cost and efficiency.

still the several iterations from the Su-27 family are worrying.

Su-30M2 were available at good price and there is a deficit of two seat Flankers. Something similar with Su-30SM: numbers could be built quickly and it is an advanced fighter aircraft. Also, you support the factories while they switch to other projects.

– Airframe and aircraft systems 23.0%
– Engine 1.8%
– Aircraft Armament 10.0%
– Avionics 36.2%
– Aeronautical equipment 29.0%

What is meant by aeronautical equipment? Aircraft systems which are not covered in the other sections (Pitot tube for example).

Are there any data on the difference in maintenance for MiG-21/23. In debates I keep reading about it but I have not seen any numbers/statistics.

It looks like the SMTs they are buying are close to 30 million a pop, so there is no way the MiG-35 is not appreciably more expensive.

Yes, but this amount (17 billion roubles) seems to include ground support and test equipment. This contract is relatively expensive because frames are supposed to exist already

The 37 MiG-35 are expected to cost 37 billion, wich is 1 billion per unit.

I am skeptical about the +M4 performance. How would you launch the missiles and protect the missile sensors? What would be the range? IIRC PAK-FA was supposed to be faste, but the requirement was lowered due to complexity.

Was the F-16 acquisition expected? Pakistan and China have offered JF-17 to several countries. You would think they would rather acquire more JF-17.

I hope this is the right thread to ask. As some of you probably know, Argentina could be interested in acquiring Kfir Block 60. As a platform the EF-2000 is way superior, but it does mount an AESA radar that could provide certain advantages. Is this aircraft a threat for the EF-2000 based in the Falklands?

Indeed, good news, but that price tag….O:

The way I see it is that it includes a 20 year support package. But Mi-35 acquired recently were way expensive…

Regarding any potential upgrades apart from comm/IFF equipment and probably GPS, and POSSIBLY a MFD replacing the old radar screen- but until confirmed or infirmed no idea- i won’t expect much more than that. I think the most the factory offers is integration of R-73 but i don’t think Croatia has them, right?

What is the life of a MiG-21bis? I read in an article on Serbian and Croatian MiGs that it was 3.200. OTOH Finnish MiG-21 were retired with a maximum of 1.700 hours.