Hi,
Thank you for your post---. My ideal number for the JH7B's would be 80 aircraft----.
I do not want to get into the tactical part of it----but if it can draw out a large number of aircraft over the ocean---then we have lesser number of enemy aircraft directed for land missions.
You have to look at the india Pakistan map again in distance-----Gwadar / pasni to Mumbai region----. By the time this aircraft is detected----it has a very good chance of sneaking thru and getting in range of the ground targets.
Secondly---the arsenal that it carries---and the range that it has----would keep the enemy naval flotilla way way out in the ocean. With air to air refueling---this aircraft has a range of 2000 miles radius.
When you look at the scenario----you need to have the distance calculator at hand as well to give you a better picture of the combat area.
JH7B is not the only aircraft needed---but also a J11D type aircraft as well.
Regardless of what happens----you have to be able to strike the Maharashtra coastline line.
@silent hawk posted a scenario in one of these threads----.
If you think a mirage 3 or a jf 17 can sneak thru---the JH7B is much more capable than these two----not as capable as the F111---but very very close to that aircraft due to its electronics package.