Interesting Eloise thanks - lets see if those source names come out of the bag.
fullonlockon wrote:Everyone secretly already knew this (except for Indians and Tom Cooper) but good to see it publically validated.
Unfortunately the only people who could know for certain would be Pakistan and US defence contractors at the end of the day. I can't speak for Tom Cooper but he will take the best available sourced information, and that should not include things such as rumour, wishful thinking and secret thoughts from people who don't know.
India made a claim very early on (same time as announcing the MiG-21 loss IIRC) and they really might
genuinely think they have something - however there is an entire history of aerial conflict to look at that will show you how difficult this can be - even Gun Camera film has not always provided the answer.
Verbal callsigns - you can go back to WWII - and everyone knew the other side was listening in so you use codes to subvert and deceive. (Bolo in Nam one example)
Electronic SigInt/ComInt (AWACs etc) can be wrong and again subverted especially if only based on signals gathered during peacetime.
The Pilot can be wrong - how many times have pilots simply never had a clue or been firing at a friendly because they couldn't ID the aircraft. How many could tell the difference between a BF-109 and a Spitfire in the heat of the battle. How many pilots do you think could tell the difference between a MiG-19 (J-6) and MiG-17 in Vietnam in spilt seconds under stress?
Even an Indian spy looking at wreckage in Pakistan - do they happen to be an expert on aircraft recognition down to that level - not certain is it.
So they might have a genuine claim but this has never been a simple 0 / 1 game like so many assume.
I suppose the Pakistan side wants Russia to count the Su-30s now does it....