How do you compare the F 18 to the F 15 ?

IN related news, but posting it here on the IAF thread, as it may have a bearing on the MRCA competition as well..

Indo American ties are 😎 at the moment

this is not what I predict what the winner will be for India, but what I think SHOULD win.

and that is.. the lovely F-18E

sure.. it probably isn’t the best raw performer. it probably won’t be anywhere as good a dog fighter than the Typhoon or MiG-35.
But hey, when is the IAF an all fighter air force?
The IAF already has Su-30MKIs which will be great fighters.. and if they ever get the LCA.. a light weight fighter. the F-18E will give the IAF a great striker. While the Flankers will keep the skies clear of whatever their enemy throws at them, it will be the F-18E dropping its wide range of air to ground ordinance.. and lets face it.. the F-18E is by far, the leader of the group when it comes to A2G. Having the F-18E can perhaps allow the IAF to retire the Jaguars and Floggers too.

I am not sure about the retirement of Jaguars in particular. Some of these are not very old and the older ones are currently being upgrades same goes with the Mig 27s. Hows does the F 18 E compare to the Rafale in the A2G role. And ain’t the F 16 used by the Israelis in the A2G role extensively ?

I have no qualms about the Mig 35 or any Russian planes other than that our fleet is totally reliant on Russian stuff at the moment. Its not good to let a country have that much leverage even if its a close friend.

I hardly think they will have the same deterrent value either. 🙂

Very impressive considering it has no tvc. 🙂

Kaveri before the time frame is not realistic. The most realistic option is the F 414 which will need only minimal modifications compared to others. They have to decide whether to compromise on the engine or drop it all together. I meant risk dropping it.

While, I believe the Super Hornet is the likely winner. The F-16 does have it share of merits. With the Israel connection and the easier progression to the F-35 being two major ones……..(in my book)

One major Plus in my book is its deterrent value. Imagine the Pakistanis getting block 52 mechanically scanned F 16s and us Indians Block 60 AESA ones, that too in higher number. And we all know how the Pakistanis pride themselves over their f 16s.

Another plus is that its proven, single engined, can be integrated with ASRAAM the IAF is getting with their Mirage upgrades. Can also be integrated with israeli missiles i believe, which are being considered for the LCA as well. Also the progression to F-35 would be a nice backup option if the PAK FA disappoints.

😀

So do I. From what I have read on this forum the IAF seems incapable of resisting the temptation to amend the specification of the aircraft. No manufacturer can be expected to ever finish developing a product if the customer’s requirement is never frozen.

The current government is very committed to the LCA. The defense minister has recently announced that no matter what at least 140 ac will be bought, of this only 40 will be MK1. I do not think they will allow the IAF to shift its goal posts again regarding the MK2. But the elections are due next year we are hoping the opposition shows the same commitment towards the LCA if it comes to power.