With only a 100-odd F-22 Raptors and the possibility of all the secrets being lost if one gets shot down, it's not surprising that the US may decide the reward is not worth the risk

Typhoon is ahead of Rafale in some ways; built as a true MRCA whereas Rafale is more like a modded fighter

Typhoon have support of quite a few EU countries and Qatar too

Also has some inherent low observability features whereas Rafale only plans to upgrade them later

This post has been edited by KLthinker91: Jun 21 2019, 09:47 AM

there's this saying about beggars and choosers...

This thinking is not entirely wrong, but does have some flaws

Economy works in, broadly, 10 year cycles. Right now we are on the cliff of a recession. Say the next year or 2 years it happens. That means in just 6 to 7 years we will see a boom again. Defence expenditure planning can take that into account.

It's possible to build a credible defence, but the question is a credible defence against what of course. The disadvantages of SAMs is that they are limited purpose units which would be useless if, for example, an Mh370 happens again and a fast jet needs to be sent up to see what's going on using pilot eyeballs.

Jets are also useful in case tensions rise with our neighbours - not Singapore, perhaps, but other neighbours. They can support ground troops and represent a powerful political card. So at least some capability here would be very useful.

Even though during a budget crunch period we can only buy cheaper trainer and light combat aircraft, they are important to have because they will provide training and exercise for fighter squadrons in preparation for the possibility of buying more expensive jets in the future. Whereas switching entirely to turboprops and SAMs would basically kill the TUDM fighter capability for literal decades, through loss of experience.

Anyway, even with the current budget its possible to build a "credible defence" force, IF the country spends carefully and the money doesn't mainly go to benefit "local industry" instead... Ahem ahem...

This post has been edited by KLthinker91: Jun 24 2019, 01:46 AM

1 pilot RIP

Yeah so weird

Who supplies the components Indon use for their ships? Sensors, guns, engines?

Please post the source next time

I want to know when it's Daily Wail so I can skip reading immediately

Actually while Tornado is indeed being retired, it will be replaced by Typhoon

As for numbers, the number of fighter jets is set to go UP with introduction of F-35 and more Typhoons retained than initially projected, so this is just tabloid trying to stir shit up

For Rafale fans

Better keep in NATO good books then if they wish to employ all those English weapons

Rising Sun flag bersama2 with Marehsia flag

kenapa tiada orang protek sana sini, konon2 disrespectful yadda

Losharik