the initial plan in early 1980s was to license build 4 more squadrons of M2Ks. then a cost / political decision was taken to get Mig29s instead, which didnt live upto the expectation.

So you can say desire for more M2Ks is 20 years old now!

before the Su30 came, the M2K was the most sought after
posting for graduating fighter pilots. many of the ‘toppers’ ended
up there I think.

some say extra facilities were built up in repair shops and bases
to cater for these 4 extra sqds and iaf could quickly absorb more
numbers…but I dont know for sure.

as a trivia, all the LCA testpilots are from M2K sqds. most saw
combat ops (bombing) in kargil too.

Jagan2

the missile has not undergone tests, its rocket motor has in captive firing.

the first ‘real’ test is hoped for late this year.

how many Z-8 does PRC have ?

look up photos of PyongYang on the net. wierdest city on the planet – acres of gardens and ultra-neat buildings but few cars or people on the street.

some say the Govt buildings are just shells meant for show.

http://www.gajo.org/images/nkPic/pyongYang/py-021a.jpg

I would keep some more B52 and B1 wings – the kind of conflicts / enemies the US will have to engage (Islamist fundies) are very amenable to “B52 therapy” – a barrage of PGMs from 20+ kft delivered precisely by third party guidance.

eg. Shomali plains north of Kabul.

the rest is ok, good to shooting down the odd J7 or Mig19 fielded
by these opposition forces.

I’d also change the helicopter fleet to a more counter-insurgency/CQB oriented armaments , leaving enough anti-armour to absolute *crush* the north koreans at a opportune time.

Enuf F22/FA22 needs to be around for intimidating PLAAF.