Korean War………..US had High Kill to Loss Ratio

– Agree

Vietnam War…………..About even early with a slight edge to the US. Which, drastically increased in the later stages – i.e. Top Gun, USAF Fighter Weapons School, etc. –

Debatable the Veitnameese had more aces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Vietnam_War_flying_aces
http://www.acepilots.com/vietnam/viet_aces.html

Indian/Pakistan Wars…..to be honest not sure of US/Western vs Soviet Types Breakdown???

Superiority in the 1965 airwar is hotly debated with each side claiming superiority. Pakistanis had better hardware albiet in smaller numbers. During this war IAF used mostly British planes and PAF had a better kill ratio with their American jets.

The 1971 war the PAF ran away to save itself during the latter stages of the war. According to neutral media the losses on both sides were roughly the same with India having a slight edge. But with superiority in numbers this was good enough for the IAF. The F 104 starfighter fared poorley against the Mig 21s of IAF.

Libya………USN Destroyed 4 Libya Fighters on two separate occasion with no losses.

True

Iran / Iraq War……….Most Sources claim Iran was the Victor with Mainly American Types vs Iraq’s Russian / French Air Force.

Not Sure about this ? In another thread flex was talking about Iraqi Mig 23s doing rather well against F 14s of Iran.

Saudi / Iran……….Saudi shot down 2- Iranian F-4’s with F-15’s (Even

Both American types.

Gulf War I and II…………..No contest US and Allied Forces lost only one aircraft to a Russian Type. (Mig-25 vs Hornet)

The Allies had superiority in numbers, Early Warning AC, Better pilot training etc.

Mideast War vs Israel……..High Kill to Loss Ratio’s for Israel. Extremely, high since Air War over Lebanon in 1981. (i.e. no losses to F-15’s or F-16’s)

True but now Egypt in American fold buying U.S aircraft, only a conflict with Iran will test the Israelis.

The total superiority of western fighters are (apart from Arab, Israeli conflicts) demonstrated only from the Gulf War onwards, and in most cases they had superior numbers, network centric assets and better training.

You are thinking short term. I am sure that India’s leaders are thinking long term.

The weapons acquired nowadays by your country will be still in service for decades to come. If you think you know what the strategic and geopolitical situation of the world will be 20 years from know, then you are either a prophet or….a fool.

Occasional price increases, shipment delays and temporary technical glitches are inconveniences that can happen with any supplier unfortunately. They are secondary inconveniences. If I was an Indian citizen my priorities would be as follows: I would prefer to purchase weapons from the country that is the least likely to apply sanctions in the future, from the place that does not attach strings/restrictions and conditions to a deal, from the supplier who is the most willing to provide technology transfer so that I become less and less reliant on weapon imports and develop my own military industry.

Just my 2 roupees worth.

If you are thinking longterm my friend then my country’s government has already given us the hints which way its leaning. The land mark nuclear deal was the first sign. Participation in redflag is the second. Buying C 130Js and P8Is is the third.

Now if I was making decisions in Kremlin, I would offer better deals to an old ally who is looking for options elsewhere, so as to maintain the relationship. Even if I do not do that, I will not increase the prices of weapons which were fixed in previously concluded deals to screw my ally.

On the contrary while Indian leaders have tried to maintain a good relation with Russia, Russian leadership has shown poor judgment with regards to India. And that my friend is your loss not ours in the long-term.

Republic Day Pictures.

Ok lets not ruin the rafale thread for this particular debate so folks.

Will the Greeks get F 35 in future. This question, I think has the most relevance to their acquisition. It don’t make sense for them to get F 16s now if they cannot upgrade. ?

Rest In Peace Steve, May God Be With Your Soul…

True.
My best pick , would be 40-60 EF with CaptorE and meteors, and 200 pieces of whatever comes from the nEUROn program.
The combinations seems much more promising than a pure F-35 fleet.

Neuron, Err when is it due ? And at what cost ? Buy Rafale or EF and S 400s.

Best bet against F 35 😀

Turkey would have something to say about you getting F 35. They are a partner nation.

But the F 15 was sold to closer allies. It was sold to Israel and now Korea.

Then there is Japan, Saudis, Singapore etc.