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The MIG27 affair - Fighter Pilots reveal what the `defence analysts` forgot to tell
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Livera53
Joined: Jan 2007
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 20 Aug 2007 04:56:17 GMT Report for Abuse
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When the LTTE A/C were over flying CBO, in April 2007, I thought I heard from some Defence Ministry Officials justifying the purchase of MIG 29, saying that MIG 27s were to be phased out!
But, after Sunday Times exposure, suddenly, Mig 27s have become Operational & deadly to the enemy, as told today!
Who is fooling whom? |
jeewaka
Joined: Aug 2007
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 20 Aug 2007 05:41:35 GMT Report for Abuse
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Livera53,
When the LTTE A/C were over flying CBO, in April 2007, I thought I heard from some Defence Ministry Officials justifying the purchase of MIG 29, saying that MIG 27s were to be phased out!
Please give some links to prove above comment. Any lier would be able to give these 'I thought I heard ...' stuff.
Mig-27 is a good ground attack aircraft. Mig-29 is a dual purpose (air to air+ air to ground) aircraft. But the key is that Mig-29 is almost six times more expensive than Mig-27.
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Livera53
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20 Aug 2007 06:49:53 GMT Report for Abuse
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Jeewaka,
I will try to get the Newspaper or the Interview. Should have been around late April or early May 2007. It looks like, you did not hear/read such comment? |
SAS1
Joined: Jul 2007
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 20 Aug 2007 09:33:52 GMT Report for Abuse
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When the LTTE A/C were over flying CBO, in April 2007, I thought I heard from some Defence Ministry Officials justifying the purchase of MIG 29, saying that MIG 27s were to be phased out!
I remember the article, it was reported by Iqbal Athas. But I think he made mistake because Mahinda said the Mig-29s will phase out the Mig-21, but as we don't have any Mig-21s in service Athas assumed Mahinda made a mistake and meant the Mig-27s. But I think what Mahinda was refering to was that the old Chinese F7s will be phased out by the Mig-29s, because F7s were really derived from the Mig-21, Mahinda wasn't briefed properly. So Athas was being stupid but he never corrected himself, and he started going on about how the Mig27s shouldn't be phased out becase we just got them this year. |
SAS1
Joined: Jul 2007
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20 Aug 2007 09:52:53 GMT Report for Abuse
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Here'the link:
http://sundaytimes.lk/070520/Columns/sitreport.html
During a meeting with Editors and senior editorial management staff of print and electronic media, he declared, 'the addition of MiG-29 fighter jets was not thought of after the LTTE attacks.' He added: 'It was part of the planned development of the ADS (Air Defence System), which envisaged a shift from MiG-21 (a reference to MiG-27 since the SLAF does not have and never had MiG-21) to MiG-29. This was not a sudden case of using a Mercedes Benz against a Bullock cart, as had been commented he said.'
I think the Mig-29SM will be a good addition to the SLAF fleet, it can take on a ground attack role of the Mig-27s and take on the LTTE tin can aircrafts. If we buy just air superiority fighters, like Chinese F7G they would be completely redudundant until the LTTE flies again, which could be after months. I think teh Mig-27s will eventually be phased out but not for at least 8 years. |
Livera53
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20 Aug 2007 10:02:21 GMT Report for Abuse
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SAS1,
I was at a private gathering recently, where a very senior SLAF Officer was questioned by another senior retired guy who also happened to be an Ex Pilot quoting the same news, and it was MIG 27s they were refering to at that time, & not a case of mistaken identity.
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SAS1
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20 Aug 2007 10:50:58 GMT Report for Abuse
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Really?? That's a bit strange.
Maybe things have changed since the LTTE air bombing, but I doubt the government would give the go ahead to phase out the Mig-27s anytime soon. It might be a long term plan, once the service life of the Mig-27s expires. |
Livera53
Joined: Jan 2007
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20 Aug 2007 11:14:54 GMT Report for Abuse
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SAS1,
At that time, the issue was to justify buying MIG 29s. Hence, the sort of reply, that was released by the MOD. |
SenaM
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20 Aug 2007 18:38:41 GMT Report for Abuse
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The Mig-27s have to be retired some-time .. but not just-now. My guess is that they will remain in the SLAF inventory after the Kfirs (C2s and C7s) have 'gone'. And it may not be the Mig-29 that we 'get' .. more likely the J-10. (SLAF was probably 'pushing' for the Mig-29 .. using the 'threat' from the LTTE 'air-wing', as justification. But it was a 'hollow' argument .. and was seen for what it was ..).
Purchasing the four 'refurbished' Mig-27s was a good choice .. it enables the SLAF to deliver that 'strong' punch needed to 'check' any sudden, desperate 'push' VP may attempt in the North .. as his options 'recede'. Current 'force strength' should be sufficient to deal with anything that VP might attempt in the Northern theatre .. (These Mig-27s are not for 'tackling' the LTTE 'air' threat .. believe, the Air Defense System that is in place relies on 'other kinds' of assets .. which are proven, and more 'conventional').
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