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| S-400 TELs at a military parade in Russia |
The Taiwanese air force will perhaps sigh in relief at the news that Russia is refusing to sell China Sukhoi Su-35 multirole aircraft — one of the world’s most advanced fighters — and top-of-the-line S-400 air defense systems over fears that Chinese engineers could eventually copy the technology.
The Russian-language Kommersant business newspaper reported earlier this year that Beijing last year had requested 48 Su-35s, valued at more than US$4 billion, as well as an unspecified number of S-400 systems.
With Taiwan already playing catch-up in the race for control of airspace in the Taiwan Strait, this development will provide relief, as the introduction of the Su-35 would have added to Taipei’s headaches.
My article, published today in the Taipei Times, continues here.
"US analysts argue that the Lockheed Martin F-35, which Taiwan might now be interested in acquiring, is a superior fighter."
ReplyDeleteThat's crap - the F-35 is designed primarily for the strike role rather than dogfighting; compared to the Su35 it has limited maneuverability and limited air-to-air weapons. It'd be good for tactical bombing missions, due to its stealth but once detected, and without air superiority escort (the F-22 which Gates cancelled), it would likely get murdered by the big Sukhois.