If Russia starts bombing campaign in Syria it’s more likely against rebels who are closer to Tartus & Latakia than ISIS.

seems the odds are in favour of PLAAF placing a order of 24-36 Su-35s compared to even acknowledging that the JF-17 even exists … forget ordering even a token amount ..

They have no need for it since PLAAF already operates J-10 as “light fighter”.

Some of pro PLAAF bots here will fight tooth and nails (not talking about Deino), about the Su-35 deal. This is because Chinese acquisition of the Su-35 is a symbolic slap in the face because it highlights China’s difficulties in making modern fighter jet engines (actually even last gen ones), that their own flanker variants are not as good as the new Russian ones, and radar difficulties.

What Su-35 deal?

Captain Ville Uggeldahl flies in RIAT 2015.

That’s the situation today, not a fictional war scenario.
The entire south of Finland is covered by the battery ‘s that protect Saint Petersburg. The airspace over Helsinki is within reach of the Units stationed at Roschino.

And that’s why you need something (F-35) what can operate under those circumstances.

you don’t need bomber in vicinity for surprise. Flankers have enough range that it can be based from 1000km away for strike. there is big likelihood that if Finland waste money on expensive fighters it will have far less money for operational tempo and airdefense. big surprize land attack club from diesel electric subs.
Finland not competitive country could not maintain Nokia let alone having smart verstile defence industry

F-35 is superior to any Russian fighter and it will trash any fighters coming from Russian without any problems. Russians don’t have to worry about Finnish air force as long you guys don’t try any Ukraine style nonsense with us… otherwise scrap collectors will have field day when they collect those MiG-29 and Sukhois littering the Northern Finland.

You are building paper UCAV’s again.