Posted on 08/15/2007 3:22:58 PM PDT by hardback
BACKGROUNDER: Compiled by Bill Gertz
Reports of sale to Iran of Su-30s rattle Israelis
Russia’s arms export agency Rosoboronoexport disclosed recently that it plans to sell Iran up to 250 advanced Su-30 fighter bombers, dramatically increasing the power projection capability of Iran and possibly giving it a nuclear delivery vehicle other than missiles.
The sale was disclosed at the Paris Air Show and reports stated that the sale could include advanced S-300 air defense missiles as part of a modernization aimed at upgrading the aging Iranian air force.
U.S. sources said the sale of Su-30s in such large numbers to Iran would open up sales to Iran of Chinese versions of the jet, known as the J-11 that would include new precision guided missiles and munitions that the Chinese are building for its aircraft.
Iran may also purchase Il-78 refueling tanker aircraft that would be part of the long-range aerial assault capability.
Every day, Putin gets to be a bigger pain in the ass than the day before.
Just getting the pieces on the chessboard.
This is a top-of-the-line aircraft. Ther is now no doubt in my mind that Russia is gearing up to fight us, and it is lining up allies to join in (China, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicauraga). It feels that the most likely initiation of hostilities will be the U.S. and Iran, and it is confident that the U.S. will be standing alone, except for maybe Israel, and a long shot, Australia. But what it’s really counting on is an appeasing Democratic congress to derail any real martial involvement by the US, so that Russia and its allies can present the world with a fait acomplis that the dynamic has changed, and the U.S. is no longer pre-eminent. A classic chess move.
I have a feeling these aircraft would barely crossover from their airspace before they were made into pixey dust compliments of the IAF.
“Russia’s arms export agency Rosoboronoexport disclosed recently that it plans to sell Iran up to 250 advanced Su-30 fighter bombers, dramatically increasing the power projection capability of Iran and possibly giving it a nuclear delivery vehicle other than missiles. “
Just out of curiosity. How do these fighter bombers plan on getting to Israel? The minute they cross into Iraqi airspace they are toast and the minute they cross into Syrian airspace Syria is toast.
Raptor food.
I have to look at threads like this with a macabre sense of “I told you so”.
Many people on FR thought (and may still think) he’s the greatest thing in Russia since sliced bread. I’ve seen them rip posters apart that had anything negative to say about him.
Putin is first and foremost KGB. Regardless of what the Russkies put into power, their government will always be totalitarian.
They just changed one form of it for another.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC4jx1vQJ5Q
Funny!
I am getting really sick of having that same feeling, on one topic or another. I'd REALLY like to be shown to be wrong more often! I'd rather be eating crow with a better world than to endure the flamefests--and then have no real desire to say, "I told you so," when things become apparent. :-(
I sympathise with you FRiend.
i told everyone who would listen the cold war didn’t end when we were told, that it was just put on hold. they thought i was nuts.
If they can’t pay for the nuke plant how are they going to pay for airplanes? They haven’t made any repairs or improvements in their oil and gas infrastructure, so they are going to be short of cash form their major income source.
This is very short-sighted on Russia’s part. The Iranian government is not trustworthy.
That goes with the territory when you live on the dark side. You can never trust the people you do business with.
Israel must find out when these planes are to be delivered...and meet the shipments with bombs and torpedoes.
“...Chinese versions of the jet, known as the J-11 that would include new precision guided missiles...”
More of the BJ Clinton legacy?
The rise in oil has made all of this possible.
;-)
Yum...
Burp...It gives me gas though...
Well, now that’s a pleasant surprise (for the Russians I mean). Iran’s SU-30 purchase means that their own old F-14 Tomcats will be replace. And in all technical comparison, the Flanker can outperform the F-14 in most of the terms.
As a aircraft observer I also heard a report said that Iran’s Flanker may base on my country Malaysia’s SU-30MKM series. Unlike the SU-30MKI, the MKM series consists no Isreal’s component which means that all Muslim countries can purchase this kind of version. Just for your information, my country’s Flankers possess advance Thales avionic systems from France, good enough to combat against a technical superior foe.
Well, unknowingly and indirectly my country’s Flanker series has inpire some confidence in Middle Eaat country eh.
Well...I dunno...
I was always confident that you could have an “advanced” fighter aircraft (pick one, it really doesn’t matter) and match it with the best pilot/aviator your country could have...
Pick a pilot/aviator trained in the US (western tactics), of any nationality like Britain, Israeli, German, Italian, Australian, even a Saudi...Doesn’t matter pick a country that has worked closely and allied with the west...Even maybe a French pilot...I know a few that are very skilled and tenacious...
Put them in even a slightly less technilogically based airframe to the SU-30 (whatever make or model)...
It might be a good fight, might even be a challenge...But it won’t go the way of the SU...Not in a 1 v 1 fight...
Put an American Airforce or Navy/Marine Corp in our top of the line F-22, JSF...There would not be a fight...
In a real world engagement an Iranian pilot could get into the SU-30 and go up and try to meet us in the air, and it will not even be a fair fight...
I empathise...I really do...The SU-30 is a remarkable aircraft...It is very capable...But the true value is in how it is supported, and how it is flown...
As the story here is that Iran bought a bunch of these things...Well...Israel will have no problem with what they have on hand to deal with this issue...
You live in Malaysia??? cool...Where??? I’ve been to Bali, Lombok...Nice beaches...I’d like to go back someday...but I’m afraid I’d be too hated...;-)
This reminds me of an old said during the World War 2 and Korean War, no matter how good is the aircraft can be, it’s the pilot’s quality that makes the difference. And the reason why the American F-86 Saber pilots can outfight the MiG-15 it’s because American pilots at that time are very experienced, well-trained and cunning. If only Soviet at that time got better pilot quality then I will imagine even the best U.S. aces will have a real bad day.
Back to the topic, so far from what I heard from the report (or rumor if you insist) that Iranian’s Flanker project is base on my country Malaysia’s MKM series (Thales avionic systems, remember?). If this is found true than even assume that their system is less advance than the Malaysian one, the U.S. pilot will face some tough time if the war ever broke out. And historically shown that Russian’s fighter like Fulcrums and Flankers are real joy to fly and those fighters can be very lethal even with decent training. And if right upgrade and modification, the outcome for those who dare to mess with them will be one fate to answer, death.
Of course, to avoid international controversies I hope that my country won’t provide any direct inpiration to the Iranian unless they took their security matters responsibly.
Finally, allow me to introduce myself who live in Malaysia and my country just celebrated her 50th independence in 31st August. And everyone can look towards the reliable source to research my country’s Flanker series.
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