And the AMRAAM is the end-state of all our missile technology? Not by a long shot.
By working with the British, we're moving toward the next step in ramjet technology. Four times the speed of sound will be meaningless at longer ranges when EW assets are employed, and will PALE in comparison to end-range speed and maneuverability of the Brit-Raytheon mix.
Everybody's so worked up about the Indian exercise and you deliberately fail to consider some of the key constraints of that exercise:
1. Lack of AWACS support, while the IAF had full ground control radar at their disposal.
2. SEVEN TO ONE engagement ratios. F-15C pilots were flying into a hornets' nest BLINDFOLDED.
If Soviet/Russian aircraft are so potent, why was the USAF deliberately crippled for this fight?
I dont think the last exercise really was meant as a test of russian aircraft against US aircraft.
I agree that the US aircraft were crippled in the last Exercise. But we cannot look too much into it. It was the first exercise in many decadesand both sides did not field fully equiped aircraft. US probably underestimated IAF and Indians were more interested in testing a real life encounter which is likely to happen with Pak which does not fly AWACS or AESA radars.
Lets not get into a discussion about whether US aircraft are better or russian aircraft are better. Thats not worth it.
"By working with the British, we're moving toward the next step in ramjet technology."
Ramjet?? Ever heard of the Indo-Russian Brahmos (the worlds fastest missile) and already in service in India? Please talk about stuff that are "in service" not stuff that will be out in a few decades.
"1. Lack of AWACS support, while the IAF had full ground control radar at their disposal. "
I agree with that.
"2. SEVEN TO ONE engagement ratios. F-15C pilots were flying into a hornets' nest BLINDFOLDED. "
This one is pure BS and gross exaggeration. Do you have any link?
The real figures are 2 to 1 or (3 to 1) if you count in the pure ground attack jets.
"If Soviet/Russian aircraft are so potent, why was the USAF deliberately crippled for this fight?"
Thats because its meant to simulate the overwhelming numeric odds the USAF is likely to face when it engages similar fighters of the PLAAF over the Straits. There the carrier based F-18 will probably face the odds of 10 to 1 against the PLAAF comming from the mainland although the PLAAF Migs and Sukhois will not be so advanced.