The MiG-35 is fitted with western standard Mil-1553 bus (complete open architecture) which allows it to accommodate all weapon systems, be it Russian or western. Reliability and serviceability have been improved, reducing operating cost and improving serviceability by 2.5 times (compared to older MiG-29s). MiG-35 is equipped with an optronic target tracker, identical to the system used on the Su-30MKI. For precision air-to-ground attack missions, the aircraft can be equipped with a conformal electro-optical targeting module, installed under the right air intake. The aircraft is equipped with radar warning, electro-optical missile launch warning and laser warning sensors, and integral active self protection (jamming, chaff and flare) as part of the integral self-defence system. The aircraft has four additional hardpoints and can haul an external payload in excess of six tons. The optical target locator (OLS) is a deadly add-on from the Russian space programme which, according to the developers, can detect and engage even the best stealth platforms in operation without turning on the radar, thus nullifying the aircraft’s magnetic signature. It integrates TV, Infra Red and laser ranging systems in one solid construction. The aircraft is the only one in the world to boast of a 3-D thrust vector control system which allows it dead stop in full flight and resume attack in impossible angles.
Most of the systems introduced in the MiG-35 can be applied to older MiG-29s through upgrade programmes. The aircraft is powered by two RD-33 MK engines digitally controlled smokeless engines, producing 9000kgf of thrust each.
In the end analysis, the Rafale and the MiG 35 appear to be the best open architecture buys as both are brand new and fully customisable platforms and bring with them goodies and technologies the other competitors are not offering. Both Russia and France are offering full ToT for the aircraft. This should work in their favour. Since only 18 aircraft are going to be bought off the shelf, building the rest of them will be a valuable learning experience for the Indian aircraft industry.
Induction of American aircraft will have to be accompanied by setting up of an altogether new training and service infrastructure, the cost involved will spiral exponentially upward. And since IAF have been operating Russian and French aircraft, induction of MiG 35 and Rafale should be smooth. A mix of these aircraft will give IAF a clear strategic edge over Pakistan and China. Further induction of PAKFA and MCA will only cement the IAF’s qualitative superiority. The Americans are exerting tremendous pressure on politicians and thinktanks and spending money to see their products through. India must keep in mind that the USAF is slated to replace all its F-16s with F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and that the US Navy is not placing any further orders for the Super Hornet.
Most of the systems introduced in the MiG-35 can be applied to older MiG-29s through upgrade programmes. The aircraft is powered by two RD-33 MK engines digitally controlled smokeless engines, producing 9000kgf of thrust each.
In the end analysis, the Rafale and the MiG 35 appear to be the best open architecture buys as both are brand new and fully customisable platforms and bring with them goodies and technologies the other competitors are not offering. Both Russia and France are offering full ToT for the aircraft. This should work in their favour. Since only 18 aircraft are going to be bought off the shelf, building the rest of them will be a valuable learning experience for the Indian aircraft industry.
Induction of American aircraft will have to be accompanied by setting up of an altogether new training and service infrastructure, the cost involved will spiral exponentially upward. And since IAF have been operating Russian and French aircraft, induction of MiG 35 and Rafale should be smooth. A mix of these aircraft will give IAF a clear strategic edge over Pakistan and China. Further induction of PAKFA and MCA will only cement the IAF’s qualitative superiority. The Americans are exerting tremendous pressure on politicians and thinktanks and spending money to see their products through. India must keep in mind that the USAF is slated to replace all its F-16s with F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and that the US Navy is not placing any further orders for the Super Hornet.
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