India Could Have Doubts About Russian Fifth-gen Fighter Buy

[Jinn Baba]

What a delightful post!

I recall a web live blog session and one participant asked a question (which you have addressed above) regarding Multi role fighters vis a vis dedicated specialist role platforms.the web expert gave an analogy of Single Reflex Lens and a point and shoot camera. he remarked a point and shoot camera would do almost any job that a D-SLR would but then again ask an avid photographer and his choice would be obvious to own a D-SLR with multiple lenses.
The same is case with Air Forces. they would definitely want dedicated fighters/ bomber / reconnaissance platforms if cost permits. most times the budget makers win and you get compromised solution. Very able but compromised machines and you make most out of them.

Thanks for the response.

One final question though- although the Rafale is no doubt a very capable aircraft, wouldn't it nonetheless be at a disadvantage against a stealth Pak-Fa? Or the Chinese 5th gen air superiority aircraft?

It might get most jobs done for the IAF but it wouldn't get them the air superiority they need against PLAAF. Right?

 

[anant_s]

Thanks for the response.

One final question though- although the Rafale is no doubt a very capable aircraft, wouldn't it nonetheless be at a disadvantage against a stealth Pak-Fa? Or the Chinese 5th gen air superiority aircraft?

It might get most jobs done for the IAF but it wouldn't get them the air superiority they need against PLAAF. Right?

A lot of people have asked this question but IAF has more to contend than just J 20 or FC 31. Remember PLAAF has J 10 B/C as well along with J 11 variants and shortly Su 35 too. These are significant challenge for any fighters.
J 20 at this moment is shrouded in secrecy and unless more is reveled about it, we can't compare it with even Su 57 (its supposed adversary).
I think from a purely strategic point of view, given limited budget available, it is best to concentrate on Rafale as a weapon system and build strategic doctrine around it both offensive and defensive.
Eventually a fifth generation fighter will arrive for IAF but right now too much of focus on J20 is like chasing a phantom.