Russian Fighter Jets Up For Grabs

http://newsfromrussia.com/business/companies/06-04-2010/112873-fighter_jets-0 ^

[kronos77]

In March, Russia's defense export giant Rosoboronexport signed a supply contract for 16 Su-30MKI (A) with Algeria. The estimated value of this deal may reach approximately $1 billion. Additionally, a contract for the delivery of six Su-30MK2 to Uganda was signed in March. The amount of the transaction may not be very high - up to $200 million, but it is the first time when new heavy fighters are purchased in sub-Saharan Africa.

Earlier, there were negotiations with Uganda regarding sale of six lighter MiG-29, Vedomosti reports referring to sources close to the heads of the department. This deal with Algeria is exercising of the option agreed upon back in 2006, during the signing of the contract with Algeria regarding the supply of 28 fighter aircraft of this type, which ended in 2009.

Algeria is engaged in re-arming of its air force with new generation planes. It makes the contract for the delivery of additional aircraft produced by Irkut Corporation a logical step, experts believe.

Heavy fighters like Su-27/30 have not been widely spread in Africa until now. Besides Algeria that purchased a batch of Su-30 МК I, over 30 jet fighters Su-27 from Russia’s Air Force were supplied to Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. There are also negotiations regarding the supply of 12 fighters Su-35 to Libya.

[MGMSwordsman]

Just another example of why killing the F-22 program is going to get a lot of US airmen shot down in some future conflict when we have to go against an enemy fielding modern aircraft with serviceable pilots. Every banana republic is going to be fielding Su-35’s.

[Frantzie]

We have a muslim in the white hut. The public is more concerned about the Final Four and other inane BS on TV. Stupid sheep who watch TV which finances the left’s control of America. Their cable and Sat TV bills finance their serfdom. Stupid sheep.

An Air Force? That was America pre-Nov 2008.

[ColoradoAce]

I wonder why Uganda would need heavy fighter aircraft. Are they going to roll them down a hill at the enemy?

[spetznaz]

Hmmm, Uganda getting Su-30s. For the longest time Kenya was alright having an airforce comprised of Northrop F-5 Tigers (and training fighters of Hawks that could have a secondary attack capability) because it knew it had better planes than itsTanzanian and Ugandan counterparts (who had ex Soviet designs and/or their Chinese clones). Ethiopia and Eritrea had more advanced Russian fighters (Flankers for Ethiopia, and Fulcrums for Eritrea ...at the start flown by mercenary pilots - Russians for Ethiopia and Ukranians for Eritrea), but that was alright since those 2 nations were at war (the Ethiopia-Eritrea war), and Kenya is quite close to Ethiopia (when the Ethiopians were hammering Al Shabab in Somalia, the Kenyan armed forces were at the Somali border killing any Somali fighters running our way, with some incursions into Somalia territory. Over two decades prior, Kenyan forces - with American 'observers' - during the Shifta war also did quite some damage. One key principle is no prisoners were taken.

Thus, Ethiopian Flankers are not an issue, but Ugandan ones ....quite different. Not because Kenya and Uganda are enemies - they are quite close (the East African community, which in coming years will be fully integrated with even a common currency, includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi ...with South Sudan and probably Ethiopia joining later). It is more a matter of pride for Kenya, by far the strongest nation economically in East amd Central Africa.

Thus, if I was Saab (which has had success selling its Gripen to South Africa) or LockMart (with the F-16 in particular) I may want to send some guys over. Kenya was looking at replacing the F5s, but instead decided to look at some Ex-Jordan F-5Es with radar upgrades. I am sure with China sniffing about all over Africa there must have been an offer for the Chinese/Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, however with Uganda getting Russian Flankers ( a better fighter by far) Kenya will most probably not opt that way, and anyways Kenya's military has been strongly Western historically.

Anyways, this should be interesting. I had a discussion around 2-3 years ago with the father of my then-girlfriend (her dad was a high ranking military man in Kenya who had been partially trained in the US) and I once brought up the question of the F5 replacement. Back then it was definitely something that was not a top priority for the Kenyan military.

However with Uganda getting Su30s, that makes the F-5s woefully inadequate. Kenya will probably be doing some shopping going forward.

[El Gato]

What in the H*LL is Uganda going to do with 6 SU-30s?. The county is so small they'd be much better served with something like an F-16/F-18/Mig-29/Eurofighter/Rafael, etc, etc. Although they don't really need even those. Something like the A-29 Super Tucano (from Brazil), or equivalent, would be even better for them.