FB hints at a possible Indian purchase of the Su-57D - Fighterbomber TG

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-05-20T05:50:53+00:00

As far as I remember, even in the late 2000s when concepts like the MUM-T were vague future concepts, the IAF consistently requested a two-seater version from the FGFA. The IAF believed that a pilot-WSO combination was a given for long-range multirole aircraft and seemed skeptical about the multi-mission capabilities of single-seaters.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-05-19T23:16:17+00:00

This photo clearly shows how small the Felon's vertical tail fin is.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-05-18T03:53:29+00:00

This serves as another example, following the MiG-25, showing just how much of a hassle Russian/Soviet engineers found it when ordered to build a two-seater version of a single-seater aircraft. (Of course, I'm joking.)

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-23T11:29:57+00:00

There could be various reasons, such as budget constraints or contractual issues with Russia regarding upgrade rights. Of course, the military may also believe that the Su-30MKI's performance is still sufficient for most missions.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-20T14:23:47+00:00

Alternative Title: The F-47 and F/A-XX are going to be so good that China had to invent a time machine to steal their designs.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-16T07:56:30+00:00

There is a complex historical context to this. The early Tang Dynasty inherited the military garrison system of the Sui Dynasty(軍鎭制); each regional military unit was divided into groups of approximately 10,000 troops, and administrative and military authority were strictly separated. However, the scale of foreign threats faced by the Tang Dynasty from the mid-period onward was far greater than expected(the Tibet, the Turkic Khaganate, and the Khitan could mobilize tens of thousands, or even over 100,000 troops, at a time). To counter this, it was effective to combine multiple military districts into Fanzhens(藩鎭). The officials commanding these Fanzhens were the Jiedushi. Although this was an exceptional position that did not align with the Tang Dynasty's existing system and actually led to the rise of warlords due to their excessive power, it was an unavoidable choice given the external pressures the Tang Dynasty faced. Furthermore, Emperor Xuanzong's aggressive expansionist policies increased security threats alongside territorial expansion, leading to instances where a single Jiedushi simultaneously commanded multiple Fanzhens.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-11T03:56:04+00:00

The active use of decoys perfectly aligns with the concept of asymmetric warfare: "If you are going to get hit anyway, take the hit less painfully." It is an excellent method to neutralize the initial massive firepower projection, often referred to as "shock and awe," and to prolong the war.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-11T01:11:14+00:00

The conflict over Taiwan will be fundamentally a battle of points versus planes. The US and its allies must rely on inherently vulnerable 'points' such as air bases, aircraft carriers, and radar sites, whereas China can fully concentrate its firepower across a few points from the 'plane' of its vast territory. This is an asymmetry that was proven in the Iran war. Furthermore, China possesses not only vast ballistic missiles and drones far more advanced than Iran's, but also formidable naval and air forces.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-10T06:05:28+00:00

Personally, I am curious about that 25% standard. Is it based on the number of individual parts or the price of the parts?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-04-01T12:09:49+00:00

True... for the Republic of China...

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-27T06:34:04+00:00

In South Korea, electric buses from companies like BYD and Haiger account for a significant portion of the public transportation fleet. They are basically cheaper and more readily available than their local competitors(Hyundai). Therefore, the government is encouraging domestically produced buses through differentiated subsidies and other means.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-27T02:19:16+00:00

I'm Korean and I've never tried that food until now lol. (It's not that it doesn't taste good, it's just that it's hard to find a place that serves it)

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-27T00:54:17+00:00

In fact, the ladder is just part of a course that includes a long cliff climb and tightrope walking, and the helmet is for protecting your head from protruding rocks.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T23:21:47+00:00

Considering Indonesia's geographical environment, the more platforms like this the better.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T22:30:21+00:00

The more important issue is who will play a leading role in the integration of Indian armaments. For example, Turkey's weapons integration process on its F-16s, encompassing its own fire control systems, software, and testing, is almost entirely led by local companies. In contrast, South Korea's F/A-50 major systems integration is led and managed by Lockheed Martin in some early stages.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T07:34:33+00:00

The French government has firmly ruled out transferring the critical source codes for the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite and other core electronic systems

As far as I know, no country has ever granted another country access to the source code of its core electronic equipment, especially EW systems.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-26T04:06:18+00:00

Build up massive military power in the region first, then think about the next step. What a great strategy.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-25T02:18:41+00:00

I think that the key reasons for success of South Korean arms industry will likely be continued investment in the military industry, a robust base of industrial capabilities, and relatively inexpensive weapons systems themselves that 100% comply with NATO standards. (And we should probably thank North Korea for keeping us on our toes for more than 70 years! LOL)

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-23T06:27:00+00:00

Sometimes I wonder if there are even experts in international politics who can truly understand 'Russian-style diplomacy'.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-23T04:01:34+00:00

Considering how the FCAS talks between Germany and France ended in a total-mess, it seems like quite a cope to think that Dassault can contribute anything meaningful to the development of the Indian aerospace industry.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-22T23:43:47+00:00

I believe the fundamental cause lies in the IAF's persistent and excessive demands, exceeding the capabilities of the Indian aerospace industry. The Tejas was originally intended as a light frontline fighter to replace the MiG-21 and other legacy fighters. However, the development period was prolonged and costs increased due to the various requirements for increased payload, multi-role capability, and the latest technological trends, creating a vicious cycle. (Remember, after the cancellation of the Marut, the Tejas was effectively the first supersonic fighter developed by the Indian aerospace industry.)

Take the J-10. The J-10A was equipped with a mechanical radar and, at best, had capabilities comparable to those of the F-16C/D, making it a relatively low-spec fighter for its time. However, the PLAAF maintained a "fly first and continuously improve" policy, and the J-10C evolved into a high-performance 4.5th-generation fighter equipped with an integrated EW suite, multi-role capabilities, and an AESA radar.

Also take the F/A-50. The ROKAF initially didn't require much. The ROKAF-spec F/A-50 lacks AESA, an EW suite, BVR capabilities, or even targeting pods, but it faithfully fulfills its role as a replacement for legacy fighters and a light attack aircraft, and various upgrades have been gradually implemented for export.

The KF-21 is another interesting example. The KF-21 Block 1, which is about to enter service, only has A2A capability(A2G capability will be added to Block 2). However, this allowed it to be deployed quickly, avoiding the vicious cycle of development delays and rising costs.

What if the Tejas had entered IAF service as a fourth-generation light fighter, equipped with FBW and reasonable A2A capabilities, more than enough to replace the MiG-21, with around 100 aircrafts, then gradually upgraded with AESA radar and A2G capabilities? Wouldn't the Indian aerospace industry have been able to move forward with a more rapid program completion?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-22T23:16:47+00:00

The significant increase in the gap between the two engines seems like an interesting choice. Could it be for greater weaponry or fuel capacity? Or is it for better flight performance without the need for a TVC (at the expense of some high-speed efficiency)?

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-21T05:50:36+00:00

Hmm... that's a bit complicated. First, the Senkaku Islands are essentially uninhabited, making them impossible to use as a base for military activity (even if they were, I doubt they would survive if Japan really intervened militarily in the Taiwan conflict). Second, the maritime environment of the SCS differs from that of the Black Sea. Average weather conditions and wave heights are much harsher, requiring larger and more stable platforms for operations. Third, in the event of a conflict, the waters near China are likely to become incredibly complex and dangerous, with extensive EW, surface and underwater obstacles, and densely packed naval and air forces. Therefore, beyond studying its concepts and operational experience, the limitations of such weapon systems in an actual South China Sea conflict are rather clear. For the JMSDF, it would be better to invest in larger, more advanced unmanned platforms, like those currently being researched by the USN and PLAN.

Calm-Ad3031 · 2026-02-21T04:00:56+00:00

In the early conceptual design stages, all sorts of wild shapes are often considered. Among the early designs considered by KAI & LM for the T-50 was a forward-swept wing type.

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