[sukhoi-30mki]

Infographic from the Hindustan Times

[2ndDivisionVet]

Why don’t we still make an export fighter like the Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and the F-5E/F Tiger II? Bueler? Bueler?

[samtheman]

More thinking from India:

http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/future-of-manned-combat-aircraft/

[Jumper]

Military exercises are all about training pilots, as too about developing new tactics. There are too many factors to understand for this claim. Did the pilots both represent the best available; did each plane have the best available engine, electronics, weaponry, etc.?

Frequently, export versions of aircraft do not get the best engines, electronics, weapons packages, or Pilots. This allows the US and France to sell their best airframes while keeping a lid on performance. That is done to ensure when the Shaw of Iran is overthrown the Militants do not have the best.

I would be interested to see the results head-to-head with the best available version and pilot in simulated or real combat conditions.