Yeah, Emir......the question right now going thru everyone's mind in the IRIAF is what to do about the rapidly aeging zamon-e Shah AF.
The Mig-29's and Su-24's have added some muscle, and are capable 4th gen types, but a numbers aircraft is REQ'D, which will form the backbone of the IRIAF for the next 20 years.
it doesn't have to be an F-22 or PAK-FA.......but if they develop the Shafagh, and how it looks with stealthier features, and enlarge it substantially, it's a great platform!
Two RD-33's in that Shafagh airframe with a ZHUK will be like pulling a miracle, if it happens.
It will elevate Iran to a level coveted by many nations..........self sufficient in fighters of least 4++ generation combat aircraft category.
The specification can only be modest such as the ability to carry two R-73's and two R-77's. All air to ground ordnance like the mk-82's and mk-84 dumb bombs, mavericks and other LGB's upto a total of around 8000lb's. You couple that with a 1000km combat radius, and it's right on the money.
It's not too much to ask, and this would beat the hell out of that Azaraksh or Saeqeh F-5 airframe hands down.
Brathram , u and i now both agree on same thing now ... I dont understand his thing in Iranian military fans , India is flying Mig-21s and Jaguars , Floggers , Pakistan is flying 1960s aicrafts , Turkiye has alot of F-4s and F-5s , so is Misr etc IRIAF has suffered alot due to sanctions and embargoes but its still a fighting force . However in next 6-7 years It will need a total change in its fleet .
IMO the the best option for IRIAF
1- Seek additional Mig-29s , doesnt matter if airframes from one place and engines and radars from other places , but its an easy , economical and instant solution and a huge boost ... Iran already operates alot of fulcrums , an additional punch of some 50 air-crafts will-secure the interception branch of IRIAF .
2- AEW / AWACS ir-140 or 158 in numbers around 8-10 . However I dont know if 158 can be used for military purposes . But rapidly needs AEW , Iranian AF currently uses the F-14s in AWACS role supported by F-4s and Mig-29s Gasht formation . point is Iran needs 8-10 AEW & AWACS . Again ... Russia or China ... Just surveillance AESA Radars !
3- Prepare for a 4.5 generation platform today , An air superiority aircraft with capabilities matching Su-30 MK atleast . Not an easy task but Iran has done wonders in last 7-8 years in defence production .... Ma mi Tavnim ... 100-120 such fighters over next 10-12 years would be great . I have already explained how ... Seek Zhuk M or A ( if possible ) along with RD-33 from Red guys ... use Phantom Style Airframe ( 4th generation ) , employ FLCC , 4 channel FBW , HMS , BVR with R -77 etc , Sejjil ...
4- Make alot of UCAVs , Modify karrar to Carry More A2G weaponry , specially naval Missiles like Ghader etc . It already is capable of carrying Sadid ( irani version of Israeli Spike ) along with Kowsar and Nasr . If it can also carry Ghader then it will be huge boost . 300 units of UCAVs which can deliver A2G missiles means a serious threat for enemy in PG and even beyond . While sofreh Mahi project must be completed before 2020 at all cost .... VTOL UVAC ( A2G capable ) in large numbers would mean alot .
5- Shahed 285 and P-2091 ... already going on ... a huge number of Combat ready modern Helis
Topic: We will see a reformed Air Force soon (Read 2592 times)