well, the F22 is now in the AEF rotation, so perhaps it will get it's chance to prove itself.

We 'll see :-) ... Cheers .

Really? So what makes the Rafale better(since we all know that's where you're headed) as a basic flight platform? As far as speed, acceleration and maneuverability, the F-22 appears to be significantly dominant. So, I'm curious to know how it is you'd rather be in anything else.

Btw, to clarify, I mean aerodynamic performance only...SPECTRA is another "magic system" like stealth, there will be a counter for that some time down the line as well.

You misunderstood me ! I believe Raptor to be a slightly better dogfighter than Rafale . Cheers .

meanwhile, as usual, the UN will be sitting on its arse trying to work out whether it can make money slapping an embargo on someone.. ;) btw, if I was a sub driver, I'd be taking the fight to the enemy. no point hanging around waiting for the devil to knock at your door, you might as well take the fight to him. someone has to have some courage and elan around here... ;)

Interesting. That gives the Mica an inservice date of only 3-4 years after the AMRAAM-A and before the AMRAAM-C came into service. Is there any information about updates to the missile, since 1996?

"someone has to have some courage and elan around here... ;)" courage is cool, but the Europa was a much cooler car. curious, a diesel boat/AIM boat would be best in a less agressive posture. Let the enemy make the noise moving and ambush them. It's a way of using their strengths, vs their lack of speed and range.

"someone has to have some courage and elan around here... ;)" courage is cool, but the Europa was a much cooler car. curious, a diesel boat/AIM boat would be best in a less agressive posture. Let the enemy make the noise moving and ambush them. It's a way of using their strengths, vs their lack of speed and range. I'm talking about aggression in the sense of taking the initiative - not in the sense of rushing in to do battle "mano el mano". If I was egyptian I'd be tempted to consider striking the CdG if she was in port or egressing. Disimissing a Romeo as not being survivable ignores the recent USN experience with the 2 x North Korean Romeo's that were sniffing the fleet near angola recently. the CSF withdrew further out whilst ASW assets tried to find them. They only found one. Witness the Falklands exp where failure to identify the whereabouts of all the argie subs also effected planning. One wonders whether the egyptians would be able to reflag some brother muslim countries subs as temporary egyptian assets - one would assume that the algerians etc would also provide backdoor assistance. It's not a new phenomena, after all the French repainted some of their Mystere IVA's in IAF colours during the Suez crisis of '56.

Interesting. Would not have thought that. Going into enemy waters would make you vulnerable to ocean floor sensors, mines, small patrol craft that won't be in a convoy, and have you less knowledge of the topology. That would seem a disadvantage.