"The ecosystem of fighters." What are the Indians planning to replace the MiG-27

India wants to replace its MiG-27. But with which planes to replace them?

David Ex discusses this topic in a magazine National Interest.

India is trying to replace its MiG-27s, and with them other "old fighters," writes Ex. The key point here is this: New Delhi wants to spend about $ 18 billion on 110 new fighters. They will replace the MiG-21 and MiG-27.

In December 2019, the Indian Air Force planned to finally withdraw from service "the last few Soviet MiG-27 fighter-bombers." Thus, the 38-year stay in the MiG-27 "will be put to an end."

Pilots, the author further notes, are unlikely to “miss” the “fast, but unstable” MiG-27, which “is derived from the MiG-23 fighter-interceptor.” Ex also writes that the US Air Force test pilots, who happened to pilot the captured MiG-23 as part of the once-secret Constant Peg program, literally “were afraid of the plane because of its tendency to explode in flight.” The MiG-23 accelerates "until it explodes," said John Manclark, who commanded the Constant Peg program in the mid-1980s.

The Indian Air Force has been purchasing the MiG-27 since 1981. This type of aircraft participated in the battles during the war between India and Pakistan in 1999.

In Ax's article, this aircraft is called “complex and unsafe” compared to Western types of aircraft. Moreover, the "other Soviet types" of aircraft "were safer" in flight than the MiG-27. The Indian Air Force lost at least ten percent of its MiG-27s as a result of disasters.

So what will India replace its MiG-27 with? New Delhi intends to spend about eighteen billion dollars on the purchase of 110 new fighters instead of the MiG-21 and MiG-27, suggesting that the new aircraft will fly in company with European Jaguar, the French Mirage of the 2000s. and Rafale, as well as the Russian MiG-29 and Su-30. In addition, Teja’s own fighter will be “next to fly”.

All this hodgepodge, the American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin called "the world's largest ecosystem of fighter jets."

The material recalls that Lockheed is supplying India with a new version of its iconic F-16 fighter, the F-21. Lockheed's marketing ad describes the F-21 as a “new fighter,” although it actually “shares” many of its core functions with the F-16V, which the company previously sold to Bahrain, Greece, Slovakia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Comments

[Vladimir_2U]

It’s like dumping frogs, jellyfish, tropical fish and a kitten into an aquarium; an ecosystem like in India with fighters will work out.

[TermNachTer]

Let the Indians have a headache. Logistics issues, personnel training, etc. As the old Russian proverb says: "The problems of blacks, the sheriff does not care"

[cost]

The last batch of MiG-27 that we delivered to the Indians, they exploited for a long time. But all the resources of the fighter are exhausted, there are no spare parts, it’s time for him in history. In total, India plans to purchase about 200 single-engine Tejas aircraft. This number approximately coincides with the number of MiG-27 withdrawn from the Indian Air Force. ”Technical characteristics of Tejas and MiG-27 are close. The Indian aircraft has supersonic speed, it is armed with a GSh-23 gun, which makes it similar to the MiG-27, 8 suspension points.,

[Timon2155]

Well, on the MiG, not GSh-23, but six-barrel GSh-6-30. And so yes, the time of the 27th has passed. It is too complicated (variable wing geometry = weight and a bunch of "extra" mechanisms); engine, PrNS and avionics are outdated, there is no radar (minus universality). Time ... There are a lot of incomprehensible moments in the article: for example, it exploded, high-speed (27 is far from 23, 27 has a different engine and unregulated air intakes - the speed is limited to ~ 1800 km / h). It is unfortunate that we poheril the topic of single-engine fighters such as MiG-21/23/27. For some tasks, they were used by the way. And there’s no need to talk about supposedly twin-engine safety: this is not confirmed by statistics, the whole west flies on the same F-16s, mirages, etc. and does not buzz. Yes, and we passed all of Afghanistan on the Su-17M3 / M4 standards, count engine failures in the most severe conditions on the fingers.

[Strashila]

Syrians on the Su-22, continue to fight that year.

[zyablik.olga]

Quote: Rich

The last batch of MiG-27 that we delivered to the Indians, they exploited for a long time

In fact, the construction of the MiG-27ML Bahadur was carried out in India at the aircraft factory in Nasik from 1985 to 1996.

[knn54]

Is Lockheed ahead of the rest?

[Svetlana]

Quote: knn54

Is Lockheed ahead of the rest?

One of the leading manufacturers of military equipment in the world and has the right to an opinion. Yes, this opinion may not coincide with yours, but nonetheless ..

[Zaurbek]

All the time it was interesting why Mig27 was not made on the basis of Mig23ML, MLD? A much prettier plane would be easier.

[Pavel57]

Biased assessment in the MiG-27 article. There are other estimates. For example, according to the results of exploitation in Sri Lanka.
But with what to replace, it depends on the priority of the tasks. In addition to the Su-30 and MiG-35, we have nothing to offer.

[Strashila]

"New Delhi intends to spend about eighteen billion dollars on the purchase of 110 new fighters instead of the MiG-21 and MiG-27," again for the same rake, but what can Russia offer? The demand for cars with one engine is actually constantly there, the Soviet legacy of the MIG-21, MIG-27, SU-22 is constantly decreasing. Who will occupy this niche, the Chinese or the Americans, the Russians have no proposals in this class.

[URAL72]

One engine, this is not the main thing. Let them take the Su-35, and part of the Su-30 will replace the MiG. Savings on maintenance, training, aerodromes of the 1st class, etc. are not needed. MiG-35 as a shock also nothing, given the price and succession with the MiG-29. Need one engine - let them wait for Tejas, as a fighter it is not needed.

[eagle owl]

Firstly, the MiG-27 was solemnly removed from service on December 28th:

Secondly, not an expert from Lockheed. and a US sales manager. Introduces miraculous vacuum cleaners

[Mihail2019]

And, then it is clear where the surprising and generally incomprehensible phrase comes from: "The MiG-23 is accelerating" until it explodes ".. - what did you mean? What did you want to say ?!
And now it is clear - from "sold" and not that you can hear - any nonsense, just to advertise the goods and "sell".

[Ratmir_Ryazan]

Russia needs to reanimate and implement the S-54/55/56 single-engine aircraft project as soon as possible.

This aircraft, along with the MiG-29/35, will become a front-line multi-functional fighter, inexpensive in terms of cost and operating cost.

Yes, he will lose a little in the maneuverability of the MiG-29/35, but by operating the S-54, you can saturate the Air Force with a fairly modern, multi-functional fighter for little money.

Many countries that do not pull the purchase of the Su-30 will gladly buy its single-engine counterpart.

The S-54 would become a plane for novice pilots, and after the flight of certain hours they can already be transferred to the more expensive and maneuverable MiG-35, Su-30/35/57.

For the same India, the S-54 would be an ideal option.

- S-54 front-line multi-functional fighter, which in fact can serve as a fighter and attack aircraft;
- The Su-30 fighter-interceptor, which will become an operational reserve and will be located in the depths of the country, in case of a breakthrough of the front by enemy aircraft.

Project C-54/55/56 must be revived urgently !!! If I were a billionaire, I would pay Sukhoi Design Bureau myself so that they would continue to work in this direction.

[novel66]

you are a good person. I just remembered ..

[Zaurbek]

Along ... not necessary. Need one.

[novel66]

debatable .. why not along?

[Zaurbek]

And why two fighters in almost the same weight?

[novel66]

well let's say. one more for earthly purposes, and the second aerial, reasonable specialization, you know

[Zaurbek]

For our friends with AFAR equipment (up to) F16 was used for both ground and air targets. 1-2 local options, with an aiming container and without.

[novel66]

they are enemies to us ...

[Zaurbek]

They yes .... but we must take an example in the right things. F16 and F15, and the turbojet engine is one ....

[svp67]

Pilots, the author further notes, are unlikely to “miss” the “speedy but unstable” MiG-27,

38 years, generation after generation, they flew on these airplanes, their flying lives starting and ending in his cockpit and they won’t be bored ?????
And someone can correct me, but isn't the MiG-27 subsonic?

[Evil Booth]

phakha Indians any planes hit 10-30% of the park. mainly because of unwashed hands. by the way in the heap a bunch of cars that also beat. and accelerate while it doesn’t burst; it's not the boost mode in the Intel or Geforce cores, but the super-fast and furious mode! especially when the plane is stolen 1 with non-lighter parts ... this can also be driven up by an unknown ceiling. And in general, an excess of thrust for 23/25/27 for speed with a load and not like f16 300 km without PTB with low weight + ptb acceleration speed and maneuver like a piston cylinder ... or f35 with a supercurrent of 1,3 mach instead of 1,6 and 100 km instead of 300 and with a ton instead of 2 like that of a su27 (the numbers are clear to show but essentially true)

[75 Sergey]

F-21 or MiG-35 - what's the difference ?!

[Aleks1973]

Quote: svp67

And someone can correct me, but isn't the MiG-27 subsonic?

Supersonic ... With a limit of 1880 km / h.

[Mihail2019]

The company still has a speaking name - "LoHKid".
If that is a joke of humor ..

[John smith_777]

How do we plan to COMPENSATE for the loss of these aircraft in the 90s, which today, with proper modernization of the avionics, engine and weapons, could solve many problems?