the middle connectors seem to imply there’s potential for six missiles. currently chinese missiles are large like Russian ones
f-22 could do six

or conversely it can only do four, and the unused middle pylon is for instances for one single large weapon per bay.

Except that SH Mirage-2000 would probably be more expensive than new built MiG-35, besides how many SH Mirage-2000 are available? There are 5 regiments of MiG-21/Su-22, even if they want to re-equip only 3, are there 108 Mirages available? (or even 72, if VPAF regiments have two squadrons, i’m not sure here). Rafale is even more expensive. ( and again, i’m not sure how dependable the french are right now, it’s not gaullist France anymore unfortunately)

it probably does not need to be replaced on a 1 to 1 basis.
most air forces are not doing that.

Vietnam’s priority is also long range stand off capabilities, so getting more Flankers is sensible. mirage 2000 has significantly lower operating costs than flanker or mig-35 and dont you forget that.
however its quite possible that they could just use Flanker variants and yak-130s.

Slightly off topic , but how about air defence? I know they have S-300PMU, and i think their Pechoras have been upgraded by Tetraedr to the 2TM standard , as of now though my info only comes from wiki, which seems to suggest both S-75s and Kubs have been upgraded too. Also, it seems Strela-10 and MANPADS are produced in-country? Any more and better info? Are there more plans for modern air defence systems aquisition?

As for the air force, the MiG-21 and Su-22 are prime candidates to be replaced soon, unfortunately a chinese option is not politically feasible ( JF-17 would be great, and/ or J-10 etc.) That leaves the option of MiG-35, ideal in my opinion, as it’s not dependent politically on US as the Gripen and KAI T-50 are, or if not the MiG, then more Su-30MK2 and Su-35. Obviously used F-16s are the worse possible choices (expensive, worn out, politically insecure), and apart from that, i would strongly recommend against going in bed with the snake that tried to kill you… All the US wants is to use Vietnam as a proxy against China.

Vietnam should perhaps be like Algeria and follow a mixed French and Russian option. ex Mirage 2000s would be a politically feasible choice for a light fighter.
or upgrade the MiG-21s to a modern standard, either with Russian parts like Bison, or Israeli. Vietnam is closer to Israel now too. their T-55 tanks are upgraded by Israel.
MiG-35 is not a light fighter.

I’ve heard similar rumours – 3 regiments (72 aircraft) of Su-30’s planned.

Definitely a contender for Su-35 and even Pak Fa (even if acquired via Sukhoi/HAL FGFA so as to not peeve PRC too much).

while Vietnam is operating similar Flankers as China,
maybe it would be better they avoid operating the same type and strive for a better variant.
they should’ve went for the MKI variant instead of the MKK one.

since China is getting Su-35s, Vietnam should avoid that type and go Pak-Fa instead.
it would be good if Vietnam, India, and Malaysia, work towards a common aircraft to share parts and support among each other.

what should Vietnam do with its large Mig-21 fleet?
replace it with more flankers? tejas? perhaps even ex AdlA mirage 2000s? upgrade to bison standard?

should also consider more Hokums given its terrain and in the long term work towards a Mistral variant like Russia did with Sea Hokums and ASW assets

I saw that coming, actually. Algeria has always placed surprisingly strong emphasis on aerial refueling capability for a force of its size, and with them being increasingly open to European suppliers as well as Russia not developing anything competitive to replace the Il-78 the writing was on the wall.

seems like for every combat related aircraft, they buy Russian. Everything else European