I am of the opinion that the Su-35s will constitute a stop gag advanced A2A measure in the South China Sea theatre before indigenous 5th and 4++ fighters are available en-mass. Let's take a look at the options in the near (meaning 1-2 years) future.
1) J-10B/C: Although several regiments will enter service by 2016-2017, they are medium fighters and comparatively short-legged.
2) J-16: Heavy multi-role fighters optimized for strike.
3) J-11D: Not sure how many regiments are planned.
4) J-20A: Cream of the crop for PLAAF in the near future. Probably won't be used for routine intercept/patrol in the forseeable future since it's considered an assassin's mace weapon.
5) J-31: Not sure how many regiments are planned.
Rumor has it that K2S from Guanzhou will be the first to field the Su-35s. I think I might be onto something.
What is K2S from Guanzhou ?
Thanks Siege.
IMHO, ... ... it would be Most--Bang--for--de--Buck if they give all Su-35 and J-20 to all Golden Helmet Champs ( only 47 Champs so far ) to research and develop Comprehensive Combat Dogfighting Manual ( Supermaneuverability & Thrust Vectoring Techniques & EW Jamming Strategy & Setting up Killzone to Bait and Ambush Opfor pilots ) for PLAAF.
Why ?
Because, the Golden Helmet Champs are the most Dedicated, Obsessed--in--pushing--the--Limits, Meticulous, and Think--Outside--the--Box pilots in the PLAAF who are cheerfully and happily working 70+ hours per week.
The Golden Helmet Champs shall be assigned a role similar to Resident of ZhuRiHe Fox Army Brigade to train all the rest of Ambitious, Dedicated, Obsessed, and Meticulous pilots in PLAAF.
There are 3 benefits:
1) the performance quality of PLAAF pilots will be elevated to the next level in the shortest possible time.
2) It is fantastic boost for PLAAF pilots moral and No one will complain about personal stupid Guanxi getting the way of pilots Merit.
3) It is fantastic recruiting tools to motivate all those young PRC citizens who want to get their names in the PRC history book.
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If a regular PLAAF pilot can handle a 3D Thrust Vectoring Su-35 Golden Helmet pilot in WVR combat environment, then he/she can most definitely handle and obliterate the ( 2D, up & down only * Thrust Vectoring ) opfor pilot in WVR combat environment.
IMHO, all those State of the Art Sensors and Datalinks and Advanced Supersonic A2A Missiles -- will cease to function well under constant heavy interferences from Electronic Warfare Jamming environment performed by peer opfor aircrafts ( KJ-500, KJ-200, J-16D, GX series ). -- Therefore, BVR combat is only applicable to attack non nimble opfor aircrafts such as AWACS, Tankers, and Growler Jammer.
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NOTE:
Since this is getting off topic, for those would like refute my post, let discuss this further in
PLAAF Training thread here:
https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/plaaf-officer-pilot-training-programs.t7248/page-2
or ... ...
Air Combat Supermaneuverability Thread:
https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/air-combat-maneuvering-thread.t7932/page-11
Golden Helmet Pilots who are cheerfully and
happily working 70+ hours per week
AWACS + Electronic Warfare Jamming