Is SNIPER IRST capable? That doesn't look like Sniper in the picture you posted.
Also as per my understanding, IRST is only used with sidewinders as the whole objective is to locate and target Stealth aircrafts that cannot be targeted via radar missiles such as aim120..
When you lock a target from the radar you can
then see it on the MFD via TGP feed..like the pictures you posted
@Signalian A bit of technical side, you might be able to locate the target via Datalink, bull's-eye coordinates , bore sight, IRST , buddy, awacs or ground radars but at the end of the day you need a radar to fire the weapon be it your own radar or from support, you
cannot take out the target without the use of radar ( be it directly or indirectly ) until the weapon goes pitbull. Radar will be involved one way or another unless its a WVR fight... that's my understanding..
I am not talking about AG operations here of course..
Also dont forget, if you turn off your radar you wont be able to see the other guy as well.. yes your buddies can help you but in a battle things aren't that simple. Turning off your radar can only help you against a SAM and that too in certain scenarios only.
If you would become invisible by just turning off your radar then combat aviation would be a totally different thing..