Will the Russian Stealth fighter change the balance of air power in the world?
The Russian stealth fighter will not become operational until 2015. The Russians are being very vague as to how well it performed. There are many trials, tests and modifications that the plane will need to go through before it can be flown in combat. Even if the plane is makes it to an operational status, how much will is cost and can the consortium afford it in sufficient numbers to challenge US air power? Will it match or exceed the United State’s F-22 capabilities? I do not think so. Will the pilots be able to match the skills of US pilots? Again, I do not think so. Should we closely monitor the progress of the PAK FA? Of course we should and I am sure we have been. I do not feel we should panic yet. There will not be a “fighter gap” in the near future. Many things may and will happen on both sides that will affect ours and their fighters.
