Right. But I didn't talk about one on one.
With all the posts made above in view, it seems like we are doing fine.
Like randomradio said above, IAF in not ready for a two front war.
Now it all boils down to the probability of India hitting Pakistan and China siding with them during the war.
In case of a conflict, take for example 28th Feb as the latest air skirmish between two 4+ gen. jets with AWACS guiding them,
the fact remains that SU-30s were not able to shoot back as they were busy evading AMRAAMs.
In case of air battle, who sees the enemy first has the highest probability of gaining a kill, on that day, PAF F-16s were not keen on coming close and engaging thereby wasting shit load of AMRAAMs. But, that won't be the case always correct?
What worries me is the fact that we were not able to engage back.
However, with the context of the original question, I agree that we don't have any immediate 5th generation jet in the market that ready for procurement.
Just read that F-35 is coming to India for DEF EXPO, link here.
Not sure if Lockheed Martin is trying to push F-35 to India or not.
Reading all your posts makes me wonder
Whether you are concerned about Feb 27
Or J 20
Because they are two different things.
Feb 27 could have been avoided by simply.having More Planes on CAPs at that point of time
But with limited planes you cannot have 24 hour CAPs
So either we need more MiG 29s for CAPs or
S 400 which will stop enemy Aircraft coming
Close to the border
A Limited Area -- LIMITED.period war does not suit the IAF
It is built and structured for a 3 Day All out
Assault on Pakistan