Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

I was poking around the Dewline the other day and came upon news that some company called ECA ltd was trying to rustle up some 4.5 or 4.75 generation jet fighters to act as the OPFOR in training exercises across the globe. This got me thinking... if a fighter plane-packing PMC ever came into existence, what craft would it use?

If you were putting together a private fighter squadron, what planes would you buy for it? The Gripen seems like the best choice to me, but there are other exceptional platforms out there.

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Gripen seems best to me, although the Korean F/A-50 might work as well.

I doubt mercenaries would have anything modern. I'd say F-4s, or maybe surplus F-16s when countries start replacing them with F-35s, or old Migs depending on their base of operations.

The budget would be very tight, probably too little $$$ for F-16 or something with the very complex systems of the F-4 (just because it's old doesn't mean it is easy to maintain!).

I would skip the >4th gen go lower for F-5 and MIG-21 based group.
There would be very few training missions that you couldn't accomplish or emulate with 3rd gen aircraft. With some upgrades you could even claim a 3.5 gen capabilities.
The difference between the 3.5 gen aircraft and a 4.5 gen aircraft could be overcome by a qualified staff of instructors, training instruments, and a good staff to produce a wide range of curriculum sets that accomplished the goals of the host nation.
There are very few countries out there asking you to come over and blow up their airplanes and bases with LGBs as a training exercise for them -- so you don't need to bring that.
For advanced missiles you can emulate engagement ranges as far as your aircraft are capable of detecting and the rules of the exercise allow.

You can scoot quickly and the idea isn't to destroy the opponent, just to train them.
Lots of upgrade packages out there to take advantage of and deep engine supply base.

Oops -- I meant F-5s, not F-4s.

Well, F-4s or F-16s would be excellent if a little extra capability was desired, in a non-WARPAC package. However, most PMCs would be operating in lower-level conflicts where F-5s, MiG-21s, old Mirages, or something bizarre a la Super Mystere would be perfectly appropriate. Provided jets were even necessary.

(The Super Mystere example isn't completely ridiculous; the Honduran AF has around a dozen in good condition)

The adverts are pretty visible recently. It's interesting one must say.

Regarding 'which type' aircraft they will operate? Their site clearly emphasizes the game plan and intended business model to acquire around 36 Sukhoi 35(?) jets outfitting a 'High-end' force, until a Russian (?) 5th gen follow-on can be procured down the road. Hmmmm. The website clearly shows manufacturing and support locations of this 'Privately' held company based in Russia and an apparent site in India.

The company HQ for this privately held company with 'strong ties to Europe' (according to their website) is however, being Headquartered in Netherlands.

There's apparently a 'Lightweight Fighter' component which is apparently looking at various platforms to potentially acquire. (note: I would concur with the other comment above that the FA-50 could be a likely candidate as one forward operating location according to website is based in Philippines).

Forward Training and operating locations apparently seek to be global wide, including apparently Venezuela and Cuba(?) (as implied by a graphic on company website) and the company seeks to become intimately involved in training on all levels up to Red-Flag-equivalent level training...

Perhaps this thing has the potential legs for even greater opportunities down the road? Acting as your friendly international sales rep for supplying radars, electronic warfare, space-based services and yes, 5th gen fighter jets??

Very intriguing, clever and ambitious company indeed... imho.

Would the US let any F-404/414 powered aircraft go to an untrusted non-nation state? Doubtful so that takes T/F/A-50 and Gripen out. That said you'd likely be looking at much lower tier aircraft like Southernphantom mentioned- F-5, A-4, Mirage 3 or F-1, Kfir/Cheetah, Draken, Mig-17, Mig-21. All of these are already in private hands. You may be able to get Russian 4th Gen airframes flyable, but probably not in fighting form with weapons or avionics.

Possibilities for new aircraft could be JF-17/FC-1 if Russia would allow the engines to go with them, Yak-130 again if Russia allows them, LA-59/159.

Fair point about the F404 controls, Ligtndattic. Re: their proposed light fighter possibilities though, perhaps an FA-50 could be powered by the EJ-200 as an option too? Yet, as noted I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing this privately held group also double as marketing sales of their operated equipment type, either directly or discretely, as part of bonus longer-term business model. If that's the case, look for new-build aircraft to fill the 'light-weight fighter' component, imho.

A-37B Dragonfly.

darkvarkguy wrote:

A-37B Dragonfly.

DarkVark, what role would the A-37 fill for an OPFOR team that you couldn't emulate with one of the other aircraft types listed above?

I'm not trying to say that the aircraft wasn't a worthy and cost effective close support aircraft for it's time. Some of the pictures of that little machine loaded for bear on a ground attack mission are amazing.

BUT, w/out any radar or A2A modes and limited capacity to engage other aircraft in mock combat ..... how could it help you convince a nation state to hire your OPFOR company today?

Sorry I didn't read the initial question about fulfilling the requirements of an OPFOR. I saw someone use the word "mercenaries" and was suggesting an aircraft for an under-funded mercenary group! My bad! Embarassed

I'll shut-up now (and make sure I read the entire text first! Wink

An article in UK press last year listed three shortlisted types:- Gripen, Mig-35 and surplus F-16's.

The article also said that the funding had been secured for a squadron of aircraft in this price range.

Andy

They were also looking to build their own 5th gen asset (Lavi2?)... yeah, That will work out Wink

My first impression of the OP headline was the show Area 88. A mix of western aircraft-flying gun-for-hires. If this is an international task force then why use anything more than business jets converted to the role. Real fighters would be called in if there was serious fighting to handle. You go in with overwhelming force, not fair use in mind.

Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

Fighters for Mercenaries