If the Egyptians buy the PAK FA, they will have the best air superiority aircraft in the region. No matter what the Americans say, the F-35 will simply not cut it.
One thing I always strive to be, is objective. No matter who, how, when or what, I never try to let patriotism or nationalism or any of that baloney pony get in the way of what I think is really the truth based on evidences I've seen. That being said, I simply cannot agree that any version of the PAK-FA in its current physical makeup will be anything close to the F-35. Regardless of if it's a Dutch one, a US one or an Israeli one.
The shaping and coating in the F-35 is far superior to what we've seen so far in the PAK-FA, by miles, my friend. We've talked about this on the other thread and listen, I'm not the only one in on this side of the debate. There are truck-loads of experts and enthusiast who share the same thought.
Even if there is a possibility that Egypt could get these in the future, just because it's our dear Egypt I still can't say that it would outperform the F-35 in Israel. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing it in the EAF since I don't believe we will ever see the day where the US supports an American stealth fighter being acquired by Egypt, so we will be more than happy to see the PAK-FA there as it will offer Egypt a great opportunity to jump into the 5th generation club, but it won't be anywhere near the level of F-35. Maneuverability-wise, it should CRUSH the F-35. Stealth-wise? Nope.
I think the Colonel, with all respect, if he really thinks that's the case, give us more than just a claim. The bird itself needs to show performances to make believers out of all us skeptics.
Although, as far as Egypt is concerned, I would certainly think of at least exploring the FC-31. This thing has a lot of potential considering how quick and far the Chinese have come in their development of stealth aircraft.
My only problem with that is the introduction of yet a 4th platform that would need a 4th set of separate weaponry than what currently exists in the EAF inventory. I know India flies all sorts of different platforms but the sources are pretty much relegate to 3 excluding indigenous aircraft. Egypt should stick with the 3 it currently operates in the American F-16s, French Rafales and Russian MiG-35s and if they introduce a 4th platform, the choice is probably clear in this case.
Even this thing, to me, has better shaping than the PAK-FA, especially with the most important areas, frontal and underside. If you think about it, it's like a scaled-down F-22 minus the embedded nozzles.
But you should also remember that the definitive version of PAK FA will only be available after 2025 and who knows when the Russians will clear it for export. Stage 1 PAK FAs are also pretty good though.
What is the definitive version of the PAK-FA bro? Or Stage 1? Are you telling me there will be Stage 1, export version, Russian version and FGFA?
