By the time it enters production around 2009, I would expect the Su-35 to incorporate further modifications and improvements. The Russians (and Soviets) have done things that way all the time.

Once it enters service, it may be refered to as a 4++++++ generation aircraft.

To reduce training costs, modified Tu-134 airliners are used to train RuAF Backfire and Blackjack bomber pilots. Some have a long pointed nose (radar). Others are fitted with bomb racks.

A similar role may be given to the SSJ-100. Some western content in the airplanes may not be enough to stop the Russians to build bomber trainer versions which can also be utilized as VIP transports.

New Mirazh for the Russian Border Guard Service

Rybinsk based shipyard Vympel (part of KSMK) finished the construction of the regular fast cater of the project 14310 Mirazh (Mirage) for the Russian border guards. Project 14310 was designed by CMKB Almaz. The necessity of the construction of these high-speed patrol caters has been determined by the growing needs of the border guards of Russia in high-speed, nughly maneuverable ships combining the properties of interceptors and patrol ships, capable of solving a wide range of problems in the most complex conditions. The just finished ship has a new navigational-tactical complex Matelot. It is the newest control system of the ship on the basis of the computer technologies developed by the domestic designers. It allows searching and intercepting targets independently or together with other units. Data on the results of the operations is automatically registered and archived. Experts point out that this latest version of Mirazh considerably surpassed the predecessors which are already commissioned with the units based in the Caspian, Baltic and Azov seas.

News source: http://www.Shipbuilding.ru

The article looses credibility. Syria does not have the PANTSIRs yet.

I have nothing against ergonomics. But it ranks low in the list of desirable aspects/features/qualities of a combat tool.

You may have to use your weapon in freezing ambient temperatures and you will wear gloves, mitts etc. Your soft, tender and sensitive fingers will not even touch the firearm and its controls :rolleyes:

You guys talk about ergonomics on a combat rifle. …why not ask for some fine engraving, gold plating and perfect checkering:D

One of the main reasons assumed for the lack of follow on sales (ie those that bought SA-6 and didn’t go for SA-11) was because having radar guidance on each vehicle made the system more expensive to buy

Indeed. Rosoboronoexport officials have admitted in the past that their high asking price was the reason for the lack of success of the BUK on the export markets.

To be honest those little 40km and 120km range missiles for the S-300 series where 4 missiles per launch position would make more sense than further upgrading Buk. Fit 12 or 16 of the 40km range missiles on the Buk chassis that is carried horizontal but can be raised to vertical for launch and you’d have an excellent replacement. For its role 40km is a good range, larger systems can be used for longer range and most of the systems developed to support the BUK could be altered or replaced to support the new missiles.

That would make sens. However, you must keep in mind that the S-300 system was designed for the air defense units while the BUK was for the army. The BUK system/missile can probably take more abuse/punishment in the form of rough terrain driving, extended periods of outside deployment etc. it is probably the army’s preffered choice. The newer BUK should also have a range significantly longer than the 40 km of the smaller missile of the S-300.

BUK is a piece of a network there is no need for its replacement to have a quantum leap in numbers of targets engaged or range etc

Yes. We should remember that BUK was the replacement for the very successful SA-6 system (which is still widely used today). As for the expected upgrades on the new BUK, one should have a look at its naval version SHTIL (SA-N-7), the newer variant of which is now a VLS system.

I would expect the new BUK to be carried in container/launchers and fired vertically.

Utter nonsense. nobody is really scared by Russia, just slightly confused as to why a country that is not threatened by anybody except internal enemies and its own looming demographic disaster feels the need to try and play ‘look at me and see how important I am’.

Garbage. You are speaking like a true Russophobe:p

The fact is that the Russian population is about 100 million and plummeting whereas the US is 300 million

It is actually 143 millions. But people like you always exagerate (by a wide margin) :rolleyes:

Shrinking at the moment, yes. But measures have been taken (including cash incentives) and positive signs are emerging. We will know better in a few years 😉

Still, no one expects Russia’s population to match the USA…let alone China’s or India’s 😀

and rising its economy is massively over reliant on energy exports.

I just checked the price of oil (almost at $80 per barrel). With worldwide demand expected to increse in the future, maybe over-reliance on energy exports is not as bad a thing as Russophobes would like to present :rolleyes:

Russia might be a big power in the future but it will never rival the US China or India in the future.

Russia has been a big power even in it’s darkest days. Just mess with it and you will find out :dev2:

It will be a middling power like the UK and France, nothing more.

Hahahaha, wake up and smell the caffeine. As we speak the GDP of Russia is surpassing them. With the present trend, it will surpass Germany’s GDP in a few years. By 2020+, Russia’s economy is expected to be among the top four (USA, China, India, Russia), leaving Japan behind. :rolleyes:

No one is expecting Russia’s economy to surpass that of the USA (after all it has half the population). But, neither did the Soviet Union’s economy :diablo:

I never said Russia was not powerful just that it no longer has super power potential like the US, China and India do

The USA is a superpower with collapsing bridges that are dangerous to motorists :rolleyes: . Look at your own economic and infrastructural problems…. As for China and India, do I need to talk about their problems?

All countries have problems and issues. Try to be objective before tapping on your keyboard :rolleyes:

Oh and in ten years time there will be even less Russians in the world.

Just do some research on the measures that are being taken to prevent that and then only start tapping on your keyboard :rolleyes:

You have obviously not been to Africa or South America lately then.

You don’t seem to have been there either :rolleyes:

I have been in those places. France has a lot of influence on the French speaking countries in Africa. As a large economy, and having a permanent seat on the UN security council (with Veto powers), France has influence all over the world. But, in most places, Russia’s worldwide influence is much greater. Yes, even in many countries in South America.