Posted on 05/10/2006 10:46:05 PM PDT by Paleo Conservative
The Mexican navy has selected Sukhoi’s Su-27 over the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen to equip its first air defence unit.
Head of the service Adm Armando Sánchez Moreno says the new fleet of 10 fighters will enable the navy to carry out “strategic surveillance” over key areas of Mexico’s coastline.
Preliminary selection work was initiated in early 2005, and the navy is now entering into contract negotiations with Russia’s Rosboronexport agency for the purchase of eight single-seat Su-27s and two Su-27UB two-seat trainers. Local sources indicate that the entire package – which also includes spare parts, tools and personnel training – is worth slightly over $410 million.
If you want on or off my aerospace ping list, please contact me by Freep mail.
What exactly is "strategic surveillance" and how does one conduct surveillance with a supersonic, single seat air superiority fighter?
They are going to use them to take out the Minutemen.
That's a given.
The SU-27 has a recon configuration as well as a limited ground attack capability, IIRC.
That said, SU-27's make dandy Stinger, Sidewinder, and AMRAAM targets.
Why bother with that when the US Border Patrol discloses their locations?
Are they going to replace their adobe f-16 copies?
Having said all that, if this sale actually happens it will be the first time the Mexicans have had anything resembling tactical airpower in decades. But there is just something about a Mexican SU-27 that I find extremely unintimidating.
Interesting they took the SU-27 over the cheaper MIG-29. I'm guessing the Sukhoi has superior range?
Range may be an important issue for Mexico. I don't think they have any refueling aircraft.
Most of you (probably all of you) know more about the specifics and tactical advantages of these planes. Besides keeping an eye on drug transporters, the Mexican Navy is concerned about whatever happens in Cuba once Fidel goes to that big Gulag in the Sky -- mostly they're concerned with an influx of refugees. Their other tactical concern is what will happen if (or when) there is another civil war in Guatemala (last time, there were armed units taking refuge in Mexico without the Mexicans having the capability to monitor them). The only other possible foreign threat would be a U.S. invasion, something every Mexican military officer says they'd lose.
Russia is warming up to AMLO and the mexican leftists in the military already!!!!! Putin is obviously planning to sell millions of AK's to the Communist mexican government when it gets elected in July!
Watch out!!!
Venezuela/Russia/south of the border PING
Venezuela bought some SU-30 MKK fighters...
Aeronaut ping and put me on your list Paleo
Maybe Vicente ought to make an appointment with Prisoner Hussein so he can ask him how well that plan worked out for him.
L
If Mexico moved on us today I'm afraid defending America might be up to you and me.
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