Considering that the
combined defense spending of the Baltic States in 2014 was 1.2B Euros,
that the Czech found leased Gripens better than F-16s, that Switzerland refused to spend for them, that Hungary got some,
that Romania's F-16 AM/BM MLUs from Portugal are not going up to FOC as planned, that Bulgaria is struggling to
find 8 new fighters as it cannot maintain its MiGs due to cost, your sentence :
is worth …. say little?
The F-16 line is doing fine, that's true, but the cost is different than that of the Thunder. Oman ( rich ) and the very
captive market that is Iraq have provided for a timeline of production to run until F-35s are delivered.
As soon as the JSF gets there, there will be a generous aftermarket for US and Euro F-16s / MLU opening.
That will take precedence. You could add that the F-16IN ( =latest V ) did not make the MMRCA cut and I'll pass
the Egyptian choice as it has to do with politics mostly but still …
Even assuming that a souped-up F-17 would only be good enough for Third World nations ( your words not mine ),
let me remind you that many more of these exist ( say all over Africa ? ) many of which are Islamic in part or toto
and would thus be likely to shift from Ru to Pak wares without a doubt?
Last but not least, the Baltic States saw how much help they could expect from America with Ukraine!!!
And as they are active participants in European defense, I would not bet on your claim about 'em either.
In any case, my scenario was hypothetical as the sale of French stuff remains as of now and only meant to
respond to what was already an argumentative intervention from you concerning my answer to someone else.
I think I'll let you play by yourself hence and laugh from the sidelines with Danger-Zone.
And are you sure being Indian played no part in that response of yours?
Just wonderin', Tay.