Indo-US joint fighter exercise in November (Cope Thunder 3)

PTI ^ | PTI

[Srirangan]

New Delhi, April. 6 (PTI): Indian Air Forces frontline Sukhoi, Mirage 2000 and upgraded Mig Bisons would cross swords with the United States Air Force F-16 fighting falcons in the second series of joint fighter exercises in November this year.

The pilots of the two air forces would match their skills in close range as well as beyond visual range combats over Kalikunda airbase in West Bengal. In their first test of wits, the Indian pilots had got the better of their American counterparts in Gwalior last year.

But the contest that time had been between the US F-15's and the Indian SU-30's and Bisons. And the US air force this time are bringing in their Fighting Falcons that too of Batch 50-52's, the latest upgrades series.

According to top IAF officials, 8 to 12 American F-16's would be taking part in the exercise 'Cope Thunder Three' and India, besides the Su-30MKI and SU-30K, would field the Mig-27s, Mirage 2000 and Mig Bisons.

The US officials have been very keen to have a closer look at India's just acquired SU-30MKI. In the past, New Delhi has spurned invitations for the frontline fighters to visit America for taking part in multi-nation air exercises.

Original Article - Indo-US joint fighter exercise in November (Cope Thunder 3)

[Srirangan]

Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Super Flanker (statistics & specifications) s/s F-16 Fighting Falcon

[A.A. Cunningham]

Look for the ROE's to be heavily skewed in favor of the Indians, again.

[Srirangan]

What makes you conclude that? Hardly any details were present in the article, could you quote some sources?

[Chode]

yup... like last time it'll prolly be designed to show how we need more F/A-22's rather than a full up head to head shootout

[A.A. Cunningham]

You don't know history very well. Sit up higher in your chair so the following doesn't go so far over your head.

Although the US fighters flew with certain restrictions that handicapped their effectiveness, the performance of the Indian fighters exceeded expectations.

[Blue Scourge]

But the contest that time had been between the US F-15's and the Indian SU-30's and Bisons. And the US air force this time are bringing in their Fighting Falcons that too of Batch 50-52's, the latest upgrades series

Whoever wrote this article is mistaken if he thinks the 16's are better than our 15Cs

[Pukin Dog]

US Fighters will be only testing to make sure that their radars properly identify the opposing types. Beyond that, the US pilots will be flying target practice for the Indians. The US does not show what it can do in combat, until forced to. There will be articles saying how the Indians bested the US, national pride and all that, but both sides know what the outcome would be if our side was let loose.

[Pukin Dog]

Before the F-16 was bulked up to increase its radar and weapons capability, it was actually a well kept secret to those outside the Fighter Mafia, that the F-16 whipped the Eagle regularly.

[Tallguy]

Whoever wrote this article is mistaken if he thinks the 16's are better than our 15Cs

Yeah, really!

[Tallguy]

Before the F-16 was bulked up to increase its radar and weapons capability, it was actually a well kept secret to those outside the Fighter Mafia, that the F-16 whipped the Eagle regularly.

You're not including BVR engagements in that statement are you? I have always assumed that the inherent superiority of the F-15C was that it generally got to "look first/shoot first".

[Chode]

i thought all our BVR shots could data link to AWACS for their guidance vector before launch???

[Pukin Dog]

Nope. Not referring to BVR. But then, we would have to put the Tomcat ahead of the Eagle in that case.

[chariotdriver]

Well what else could be expected?

The F-16A was a lightweight close in dogfight acft(knife fighter) while the F-15C was a high speed interceptor with some ACM capability.

You take an F-16A & F100 engine, with 2 sidewinders and its 20mm gun, and it will win any dogfight. The F16 could pull a 9g turn.

The two aircraft had different design objective criteria