j-7 capability

just wondering, since all new planes have bvr and longer range, will j-7 not adequate enough to defend and intercept other fighters when they need to fight. I mean most plane with bvr can engage the j-7 at a great distance so how can j-7 defend itself??

it can't. if it gets lucky and get close to a plane with bvr and better radar, then it might have a chance. But I doubt it.

than what is the purpose of the j-7 now, if it can't even engage bvr missiled equipped planes, i know that a lot of asian country don't have it but still would j-7 job be limited

The J-7 is based on the MiG-21 platform, and we've seen many MiG-21 upgrades, such as the MiG-21-2000 from Israel:



"IAI Lahav has augmented the original weapons system by introducing a new armament interface and control unit, which enables computerised control and release of weapons, including third- and fourth-generation air-to-air missiles."
"The upgrade package for the MiG-21 gives the aircraft beyond-visual-range capability"

New cockpit:


EL/M-2032 radar upgrade (recommended read, see page 2 on PDF):


With proper upgrades the MiG-21/J-7 is still quite useful. It's not as good as a late model jet fighter, but not all of your security concerns/border enforcement require expensive, modern fighter jets. For an example, if the PLAAF wants to station a squadron of planes near the western PRC-Mongolian border, J-7's will do just fine.

For a Russian aircraft, it has good short-range combat capabilities

If China can use them correctly, they would be perfect for an ambush attack, if they fail, meh, they are worthless anyways

well...

With the success of F-7MG/PG, its domestic equivalent dubbed J-7G was quickly developed at CAC based on the similar design upgrades. This new variant features improved electronics including a new KLJ-6E Falcon PD radar (Chinese copy of Italian Grifo MK II or GEC-Marconi SSR) optimized for PL-8A/PL-5C IR guided AAM (might even be able to fire PL-11 medium-range AAM) plus a new HUD, HMS and Type III IFF. The engine is thought to be the same WP-13F turbojet, but it might be replaced by the more powerful WP-14/Kunlun in the future. The prototype of J-7G first flew in June 2002 and the delivery to PLAAF started in early 2003, following the end of J-7E's production in 2002. The introduction of J-7G suggests that J-10 (even J-11) might only enter limited production and won't be able to replace all J-7/8s due to its high cost. J-7G will serve alongside J-10 and J-11, in a "high-low" combination. 16 were delivered to PLAAF (serial # 50x8x) in October 2004. Its unarmed version is called J-7GB to replace J-7EB.

Click to expand...

so if it can shoot BVR it still wont be worthless (it can stand against ROC F-5's).... or u can make it an ultra-maneuverable by giving it TVC and maybe canards?

if they can do that, the j-7 will be the first fighter capable of dodging missles at will. but the best path? cheap export.

the export is faster and less pricier, in fact, YOU GAIN MONEY!

so yea export!

TVC and canard?!?!? Go for the J-10 instead

but i thought the upgrade for bvr is kind of expensive though

It... kinda is, this is why I really don't want China to upgrade the J-7, itz just not worth it