MiG-29s were used in the A2G role in the wars of the break-up of Yugoslavia too… When you’re in a tight spot you’re not about to start negotiations for new FROGFOOTs – unless you’re Macedonia 🙂

This is from defence-data.com:

The most innovative Serb anti-UAV tactic was the use of helicopters. It appears that the first Hunter of the campaign was lost after the Serbs launched a Mil Mi-8 HIP helicopter to fly alongside the UAV and then a door gunner blasted the air vehicle with a 7.62mm machine gun. This then became a favourite tactic until allied fighters made it rather dangerous.

Link: http://defence-data.com/features/fpage34.htm

Please bear in mind that I have no idea whether this website is reliable or not – I found it simply by typing “allied force uav” into google.

Compare RAF fleet to Serbian fleet first.

And population, GDP, recent history (political and economic) and all that stuff… Basically, its a ridiculous comparison.

EDIT: Not to mention that, to make this scenario relevant, you’d have to give the RuAF resources and equipment of a similar level of not just the USAF but the whole of NATO…

Swerve,

You beat me to it (and in much greater detail). We need more like you on this forum.

“We are nearing the end of research and development work, and Mikhail [Pogosyan, the head of Sukhoi aircraft maker] confirmed that the first plane will make its maiden flight in late 2008,” Sergei Ivanov said. – it really dosnt get much clearer then that does it… Keep humming the Russian national anthem and waving the flag whilst deniying any delays though if it makes you feel good.

Funny how you are prepared to believe this source when it comes to the date (which neatly suits your argument) but not when it comes to the part that says, “we are nearing the end of research and development work”.

And anyway, I don’t really understand this fascination with delays to the project. Big deal. Every project of this nature is subject to delays, get over it, move on.

In the same circumstances, near a minor island, & if it behaved in the same way, probably the same reaction. Including the ranting from politicians.

Well, I was principally referring to the reaction by members of this forum but I suppose you’re right Swerve, the diplomatic reaction would also likely be much the same.

This is serious

Well, it isn’t that serious. But lets face it – the reaction would be drastically different had a Russian plane ‘accidentally’ suffered a ‘navigation failure’ and flown into US airspace. It might be seen as deliberately provocative and potentially dangerous.

I just doubt it will appeal to the Russian Military.

Me too. But it might appeal (in it’s light AWACS form) to Iran, Libya, Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Venezuela, Greece, Kazakhstan, Belarus… There may be others.