Stephen Bryen, Asia Times: It’s MiG-21 versus the F-16 over Kashmir
Questions still remain over whether India shot down a Pakistani jet, but the planes on both sides perform quite differently.
Can an old MiG-21 aircraft destroy a more modern F-16? Yes, in fact an Indian pilot flying a version of the MiG-21 called Bison allegedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 using a Russian R-73 Vympel air to air missile, known as a high off bore-sight air-to-air weapon.
For the record, Pakistan continues to deny one of its F-16s was shot down. But denials notwithstanding, the evidence seems increasingly compelling against Pakistan’s denial.
The R-73, a short-range missile, can be controlled by a helmet-mounted sight, allowing the pilot to look to his right or left and launch a missile that will turn in the direction the pilot’s head is pointing. Later Russian aircraft including the MiG-29 had a helmet-mounted site (HMS) called the Shchel-3UM.
Read more ....
Update #1: Why Did India Send Old MiG-21s To Take on Pakistan's F-16s? (David Axe, National Interest)
Update #2: MiG-21 vs F-16: Is the Russian Fighter Really A Vintage Machine? (Arun Dev, The Quint)
Update #3: Could Indian MiG-21 have downed Pakistani F-16? Military expert says it’s up to pilot, not plane (RT)
WNU Editor: If A MiG-21 was successful in shooting down a Pakistani F-16 (which Pakistan is denying), there may be consequences on this possible deal .... MiG21 Downing Pakistan's F-16 Could Soil Lockheed's $21Bln India Dream (Sputnik). Russian experts are also saying that the Mig-21 is as good as Pakistan's F-16 .... India’s MiG-21 upgraded by Russia equal to Pakistan’s F-16, says analyst (TASS).
8 comments:
Yes
Mig-21 with Israeli jamming pod, and Israeli (f-16)radar. This platform does exist and was likely what shot down the PAF f-16.
Look at Germany, who had the worlds first jet fighters. Their jet fighters still got shot down.
Indian Air Force flying the MiG-21 'Bison' gave USAF F-15 drivers - a very bad day. "Low-tech" aircraft fitted with the right equipment, and properly trained crews - should never be underestimated. It appears the IAF (Indian Air Force) knows exactly what they are doing.
a.) Indian MiG-21IBis (I-Bis) "Bison" are equipped with Russian-made Kopyo radars, not Israeli “F-16” radars.
Exactly. What nonsense Israeli radar Israeli jammers
Not really, but pilot training helps swing the balance for sure. Despite misconceptions the upgraded bison is far from obsolete
Old or not, Aircraft can be loaded with 2019 weapons. A Jet liner could be launching air to air missiles.
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