Japanese fighters will get experience of collision with Su-30
The Indian Air Force is sending its Su-30MKI fighters to Japan for joint exercises with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces. This is reported by The Drive with reference to the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun.
The trainings are held against the background of the difficult relations of both countries with China. As noted in the article, the PLA also has Su-30s in service, which are deployed near Japanese airspace.
Earlier, Indian Su-30s have already participated in joint exercises with American F-15 and British Typhoon. For Japanese fighter pilots flying the F-15, F-2 and recently acquired F-35, joint exercises will be a rare opportunity to practice air combat against the Russian-designed Su-30, the author of the article notes.
"The value of training with Indian Su-30s for Japan can be significant," says Corey Wallace, a researcher at Japan's Kanagawa University. "The Air Self-Defense Forces will get an idea of the Su-30's maneuverability, flight range, fuel consumption and maintenance time, which can be vital for planning during a protracted conflict."
In addition, the Indian Su-30s are equipped with engines with a controlled thrust vector, which makes them especially valuable for practicing close air combat.
Now the Indian Air Force has more than 250 Su-30MKI fighters, most of which were assembled under license by the Indian aircraft manufacturer HAL. They are equipped with Israeli and French avionics and electronic warfare systems.
Oleg Koryakin (Kazan)
