As the article points out, maybe some of these Mig-31's are intended for Iran, which has a very large area to patrol. Plus the long range missiles that can be carried by the Mig-31E would give a slight edge to Syrian pilots.
Syria to get Mig-31E from Russia
- Thread starter crazyinsane105
- Start date
As the article points out, maybe some of these Mig-31's are intended for Iran, which has a very large area to patrol. Plus the long range missiles that can be carried by the Mig-31E would give a slight edge to Syrian pilots.
The_Zergling
Junior Member
Given that the Syrians already have the infrastructure and equipment for the MiG-29, there is probably some sort of strategic reason that's not immediately obvious to this possible purchase. Unfortunately I can't really think of one - The MiG-31 is for all intents and purposes an interceptor... and if I remember correctly, ideally used to shoot down high speed bombers. I can't easily foresee a scenario where that would be essential to the Syrian Air Force.
I think the aircraft has greater political value than military one. A high speed dash in and out of Israeli airspace, while having no military affect whatsoever, provides great political victory. I think the Syrians used to do that with their Mig 25 before the Isreali figured out how to shoot one down. Its the same way the Indians used their Mig 25 to do sonic booms over Islamabad, useless military but great politically.
Israel does this all the time by the way. Even doing sonic booms over the Syrian president's home.
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They also denied back during the 80's that they were going to lease India two nuclear submarines, but fact is that they did. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
I think Crazy is right. I doubt that the Russians of all people would not sell arms when given the chance. Of course the Syrians have not bought yet they only have 5 for evaluation purposes and, as already pointed out, the Mig-31 is not exactly ideal for the Syrian's purposes. I bet they will go with the Mig-29s.
it might be true coz iran operates a similar class of fighter f-14a tomcat i think only a few can fly , also mig-31 with aesa radar also it can serve as a small awacs combat aircraft for point of defense, also with long range aam it can serve a a deterent to us air-craft try to operate.but like in all my post depends on how iran really know how to use its advantage in battlefield condition.:coffee:
M16A2 vs AK-47
Banned Idiot
I highly doubt that just 20 F-14 of the IRIAF or 5 Mig-31 from syria will do any good of they went up against the Isralie Air Force or the U.S. Air Force. :coffee:
The Russians have up to 300 Mig-31's that they can give to Iran. The first five are just for testing and evaluation. And besides, Iran probably just wants enough aircraft so they can give some level of protection to their nuclear/missile sites.
Pointblank
Senior Member
5 won't be enough. Factor in aircraft availability, and to provide adequate air protection would require at least 20. Include expected losses due to attrition and accidents would make that at least 25.