falcon.16 wrote:Corsair1963 wrote:madrat wrote:FCAS is actually in the same weight class as F-35, so it most certainly is a threat to the program.
No as they belong to different "Generations" and are decades apart in development.
Germany and Spain can't wait 20-30 years for a replacement for their 4th Generation Fighters. (Tornados, Hornets, and Harriers) Nor, does replacing them with F-35's compete with the forthcoming FCAS. As the latter won't be ready for 20 years and would replace the Typhoons in the Air Superiority Role first. (i.e. Germany and Spain)
Yes, few days ago a Spanish Admiral told will be F-35B by 2027 for replacing Harrier II, and its possible F-35 A for Air Force. They are studying to buy all together B and A versions.
In 2022 or 2023 will take a final decition.
Given their requirements (and if they want to stay in the STOVL business), they don't really have a choice. The F-35B is the only game in town. Luckily for them, it and the F-35A are easily the best too.
The F-35 really is re-defining air combat/strike fighters. Previously, NATO and non-NATO allies bought plenty of F-15's, 16 and 18's (although more of the latter 2). This brought them to parity insofar as performance with Russian Flankers and Fulcrums. Buying and fielding F-35's gives them a dramatic advantage. Mostly stealth, but also SA that'll run circles around those previous aircraft.
Pre-F-35 Red Flags went well for the blue forces if they scored 2:1, maybe 3:1 over red air (air to air arena), or took "acceptable" (read, more than a few) losses to red SAM's and integrated air defense networks. Flying the F-35, blue force achieved up to 20:1 air to air records, along with few if any losses taking out red SAM's, attacking key targets etc..
That's a BIG difference. They will (almost overnight) out-class much larger air arms, including (in some cases), Russia itself. Lemme put it this way: Russia would take it on the chin were it to send its Flankers, Fulcrums, or what have you into Israel. Every day that ticks by, more F-35I's arrive. And with them, out the door goes any perceived Russian advantage. They can fly their best SU-30SM's/35's into Israel, including their best pilots.
Most of them won't be coming home...