Actually, I still think the RD-33 is currently best option, M-88-3 has a while to go and will be COSTLY, putting in any American engine will require a overwrite of the FBW and such. There is the 10000kg RD-43 which can also be put into the FC-1. This engine is planed for SMT-II/-III upgrade for the Mig-29.

If anything the LCA is as good as the Gripen when it comes to performance and such, it’s about a little lighter, same fuel, similar engine thrust and etc and for half the cost of the Gripen. I don’t think India should proceed with this deal for 126 jets, I mean they should just stick with the LCA even if it might be around only 1-2 years after this deal. However if they do want this, I think the best option is Mig-29M and M2K-5, if they want commonality +cheaper platform=cheaper deal then Mig-29M is a better option, if they want diversity of different weapons then M2K-5 is a better deal.

Ok for example, at how far off might an E-2C 2000 or Phalcon or P-3C or a Su-30MKI with Bars detect a LARGE aircraft Carrier and be able to target it to guide an AshM at it?

I don’t agree that the NSM is more versatile than Harpoon, Exocet or Uran when it comes to deploying it from different platforms, however the NSM is just a better missile, with better electronics, longer range and lighter weight. It’s range is only some 30kms better than that of Uran. As for Alfa/Klub, yes it is a different story, as for targeting data past 150-200+kms, well there are quite a lot of ways of detecting and targeting ships over those ranges.

Anyways, we have discussed somethings on ACIG regarding AshMs and Carriers. ppl over there share different views.
http://www.acig.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2795&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Comparing the Su-39 to the A-10 is just simply unfair, the Su-39 is more like a multirole fighter(not a good fighter nonetheless).

We should compare the A-10 to the Su-25A/K.

When it comes to Su-39, it can designate it’s own targets, carry huge loads(16 Vikhrs+LGBs+Rockets+BVRAAMS+Fuel tanks all at once), it can operate alone, ie with BVRAAMs it can defend itself safely, it can carry all kinds of PGMs and of course Anti-Shipping missiles. The Su-39 seems to be the REAL multirole machine for 3rd world countries who cannot afford to operate something like Mig-29SMTs/Ms, Flankers or whatever Western.

However, I just don’t see a real big need for the Su-39 or A-10 these days and ATTACK HELICOPTER, ie CAS. I would already prefer REAL multirole fighters like F-16, F-18, Mig-29, Su-27, F-15 and whatever, from medium altitude getting info from UAVs or designating their own targets with something like LITENING/SAPSAN and dropping any sort of PGMs for some REAL armoured column killing. Weapons like JDAM, Brimstone, Hermes, KAB-XXX, Nimrod, and whatever can all be used cheaply and effectively. If I need to drop down to low altitude once in a while to use my gun, I will once in a while. This way at medium altitude i also stay out of low level trashfire.

For the same amount I can get 10 Mig-29SMTs/Ms, I can get probably lets say 7 Mig-29SMTs/Ms + 4 Su-39s, I would certainly get the 10 Mig-29SMTs/Ms. Not only the 10 Mig-29M/SMTs will be cheaper to operate, since less aircraft, less for maintenance, the 10 Mig-29s would be better than 7 Mig-29s in AA, I can of course deliver more ordinance far away and etc.

Su-39s, A-10s, Attack Helicopters are all nice, but too role restricted and of course very vulnerable to modern MANPADS and low level SAMs which are becoming very powerful, fast and longer ranged.