Sukhoi-30 is game changer in the Pacific

If Canada wants to be a world power and exercise some clout in the world community, it should have a strong modern military. Canada should be aware of what is happening in the world today and respond quickly to what developing countries are equipping their military with.

We cannot be a mute bystander anymore! This is an area where Canada lags behind.

Let’s look at another developed country very similar to Canada — Australia. Australia has always felt secure militarily.

Today, that security is eroding because of one aircraft — the Russian origin Sukhoi 30 Flanker. These highly manoeuvrable, fast and long-ranging aircraft have been acquired in large numbers by the Air Forces of China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

This has shifted the balance of power in the Asia Pacific theatre. Aussie pilots flying their F-18 Hornets and F-11 Aardvark fighter bombers are now having to contend with Flankers that are superior in almost every aspect.

The F/A 18A/B/F aircraft are outclassed in all key performance parameters by widely available Su-30 fighters. Australia has countered this situation by ordering 100 F-35 fighters from the U.S.

The Flanker has 12 hard points — more than any other aircraft. This feature allows it to pack an entire arsenal of missiles and smart bombs.

The Flanker has also increased the vulnerability of the U.S.’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The U.S. military has war-gamed situations where its carriers have gone into battle against Sukhoi’s armed with anti-ship cruise missiles.

The missiles have won every single time! The Flanker’s manoeuvrability is legendary, especially the Pugachev Cobra move and its long range of more than 3,000 kilometres is an asset.

SU-30s can perform repeated probes and U-turns — a cold war Soviet tactic. It is dangerous to chase a Flanker.

It’s time to wake up, Canada, and add more muscle to our Defence Forces.

PETER E. GREENE, Windsor

  ♞ Windsorstar