Miragedriver
Brigadier
In a separate speech via Internet radio the New Defense minister announced that the Mirage III and Neshers would be expected to continue flying until 2016. However, in that speech no mention was made about finding a replacement. With more and more of the meticulusly kept Mirage III’s falling from the sky due to airfram fatige there are limited choses for a replacement
The only choices I foresee could be:
1) JAS-39 Gripen, but it has British Avionics/Radar, and they own an interest in Saab so that eliminates the JAS-39
2) The F-35 is completely unaffordable.
3) The SU-30 and Mig-29 was rejected because it’s Russian. However, atitudes are changing.
4) The F-18 was rejected because it has two engines. This a poor excuse since Spain puchased some additional F-18 from desert storage for around 10 million each (with extra engines to boot).
5) The F-16 was rejected because of runway debris (an unlikely story. The English were concerned that Argentina could have an American Aircraft with BVR AMRAAM).
6) The Rafale was rejected because there would be no technology transfer and it’s too expensive.
7) The J-10 could be an option with the insertion of Israeli avionics and radar.
8) The Spanish Mirage F-1’s were rejected because of the airframe fatigue.
9) The Jordanian Mirage F-1’s (that deal has been draged out way too long and is now DOA)
10) Which leaves us with the Mirage 2000, but nobody will sell them since they’re still useful.
The other option is to purchase some used Mig’s form Russia. Sir Lanka purchased Mig-27 from Ukrain for under 3 million each with an eight year (2500 hour) overhaul guarenty. See article
I would like to get the opionion of Sino Defence members as to what interceptor aircraft would be most feasable and also maintainable. I have my thoughts, but I’ll save them for the repleys.
The only choices I foresee could be:
1) JAS-39 Gripen, but it has British Avionics/Radar, and they own an interest in Saab so that eliminates the JAS-39
2) The F-35 is completely unaffordable.
3) The SU-30 and Mig-29 was rejected because it’s Russian. However, atitudes are changing.
4) The F-18 was rejected because it has two engines. This a poor excuse since Spain puchased some additional F-18 from desert storage for around 10 million each (with extra engines to boot).
5) The F-16 was rejected because of runway debris (an unlikely story. The English were concerned that Argentina could have an American Aircraft with BVR AMRAAM).
6) The Rafale was rejected because there would be no technology transfer and it’s too expensive.
7) The J-10 could be an option with the insertion of Israeli avionics and radar.
8) The Spanish Mirage F-1’s were rejected because of the airframe fatigue.
9) The Jordanian Mirage F-1’s (that deal has been draged out way too long and is now DOA)
10) Which leaves us with the Mirage 2000, but nobody will sell them since they’re still useful.
The other option is to purchase some used Mig’s form Russia. Sir Lanka purchased Mig-27 from Ukrain for under 3 million each with an eight year (2500 hour) overhaul guarenty. See article
I would like to get the opionion of Sino Defence members as to what interceptor aircraft would be most feasable and also maintainable. I have my thoughts, but I’ll save them for the repleys.
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