zon95
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Vietnam will replace Mig 21 Jas 39 - Defeat the Chengdu's fighter
** [CANDIDATE FOR VPAF'S MIG-21 REPLACEMENT PROGRAM] **
Saab JAS-39
As you may know, the VPAF is in need of a lightweight all-weather interceptor to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet. The candidate must fulfill certain criterias like high speed, good maneuverability and cheap to replace a large number of MiG-21. So why would we consider the Gripen?
1. It's a lightweight fighter with empty weight of only 6800kg. It's only half the empty weight of the MiG-29M. Even at max take-off way, the Gripen weights at 14000kg, which is only 1 tons heavier than the empty weight of MiG-29M. It allows the VPAF to use older runways which only suit for light fighter. And the ability to take off and landing on short runways or country highway is a big plus for the Gripen.
2. With maximum load of 7 tons, the Gripen can carry 4 medium range missiles (Rb.99 or MICA) or 6 short range missiles (Rb.74). It can also carry guided munitions and anti-ship missile (RBS-15). This is better than the combat load of VPAF's MiG-21 (consists of R-13 and R-60M missiles).
3. Lightweight airframe, along with a powerful engine and the assists of the canard gives the Gripen a good maneuverability.
4. Low maintance cost and easy to maintain processes help keeping the operating cost down as the air force budget is somehow tight.
But there are also many factors that lower the point of the Gripen in this consideration like:
1. Aircraft cost is high. At US$ 60 million, each fighter costs equally to a much heavier and powerful Su-30MK2. Buying a large number to replace the MiG-21 is nigh impossible.
2. One third of the airframe (especially the engine) and components comes from the US, along with NATO standard weapon inventory. This poses a great difficulty in buying weapons and spare parts if the US doesn't lift the weapon embargo.
3. Buying the Gripen means retraining all the pilots and mechanics to safely operate and maintain the fleet.
Conclusion, this article has shown the pros and cons when considering the candidates for the replacement of the MiG-21 fleet. It serves the analytic purpose only and does NOT pose our Ministry of Defense's decision. Thank you for reading.
VS J-10A/B
** [CANDIDATE FOR VPAF'S MIG-21 REPLACEMENT PROGRAM] **
Saab JAS-39
As you may know, the VPAF is in need of a lightweight all-weather interceptor to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet. The candidate must fulfill certain criterias like high speed, good maneuverability and cheap to replace a large number of MiG-21. So why would we consider the Gripen?
1. It's a lightweight fighter with empty weight of only 6800kg. It's only half the empty weight of the MiG-29M. Even at max take-off way, the Gripen weights at 14000kg, which is only 1 tons heavier than the empty weight of MiG-29M. It allows the VPAF to use older runways which only suit for light fighter. And the ability to take off and landing on short runways or country highway is a big plus for the Gripen.
2. With maximum load of 7 tons, the Gripen can carry 4 medium range missiles (Rb.99 or MICA) or 6 short range missiles (Rb.74). It can also carry guided munitions and anti-ship missile (RBS-15). This is better than the combat load of VPAF's MiG-21 (consists of R-13 and R-60M missiles).
3. Lightweight airframe, along with a powerful engine and the assists of the canard gives the Gripen a good maneuverability.
4. Low maintance cost and easy to maintain processes help keeping the operating cost down as the air force budget is somehow tight.
But there are also many factors that lower the point of the Gripen in this consideration like:
1. Aircraft cost is high. At US$ 60 million, each fighter costs equally to a much heavier and powerful Su-30MK2. Buying a large number to replace the MiG-21 is nigh impossible.
2. One third of the airframe (especially the engine) and components comes from the US, along with NATO standard weapon inventory. This poses a great difficulty in buying weapons and spare parts if the US doesn't lift the weapon embargo.
3. Buying the Gripen means retraining all the pilots and mechanics to safely operate and maintain the fleet.
Conclusion, this article has shown the pros and cons when considering the candidates for the replacement of the MiG-21 fleet. It serves the analytic purpose only and does NOT pose our Ministry of Defense's decision. Thank you for reading.
VS J-10A/B