In 1976, Soviets received the F-5E from Vietnam. They evaluated it, both for flight characteristics and technology involved; some features even found the way in the Su-27 (the F-5E was handed to Sukhoi in 1977 for evaluation). Maneuverability was found to be outstanding.
So let's say that Soviets say: okay, the baseline design has potential, and if we modify it for a single but a more powerful engine (RD-33 in this case), we might have a fighter to replace the vast inventory of MiG-21s on budget and on time, both in W-P airforces and in other countries. We can offer it for license production in Poland, Czechoslovakia and India. Obviously it will sport the Soviet electronics, missiles and gun, plus the canted air intakes for better high AoA engine breathing. Fighter enters series production in 1983.
What could be the gains if they do this program, who might benefit the most from the 'Tigrovaya akula'; who might not like it (whether at home or abroad)?
So let's say that Soviets say: okay, the baseline design has potential, and if we modify it for a single but a more powerful engine (RD-33 in this case), we might have a fighter to replace the vast inventory of MiG-21s on budget and on time, both in W-P airforces and in other countries. We can offer it for license production in Poland, Czechoslovakia and India. Obviously it will sport the Soviet electronics, missiles and gun, plus the canted air intakes for better high AoA engine breathing. Fighter enters series production in 1983.
What could be the gains if they do this program, who might benefit the most from the 'Tigrovaya akula'; who might not like it (whether at home or abroad)?