Iran to buy bombers

[remnant]

Tehran and Russian firm Rosoboronexport arms group are about to sign a contract for the sale of 250 Su-30 MKM warplanes and IL-28 tankers. The transaction is Russia's largest in 30 years and will endow Iran with long range air assault capabilities. A Sukhoi can sustain a 4.5 hour raid at a maximum range of 3,000km against long distance marine and low lying ground targets across the Persian Gulf including the Middle East, Lebanon and Israel. This increases to 10 hours and a range of 8,000 km due to air refuelling capabilities. This will elevate Iran's airforce to be the largest and most advanced in the region alongside that of Israel.

 

[vash]

Isn't Su-30 a multirole heavy fighter?

I wouldn't call it a bomber. It is just capable of light bombing like any heavy fighter. Their payload is limited especially when they have to go for a target near their maximum range. Correct me if I am wrong, the closest comparable jet in the US air force is F-15. You wouldn't call F-15 bombers, would you?

Then again, I think Su-30 is a great fighter jet. They are capable of both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground bombing.

On the other hand, I think the use of large (pure) long range bombers is limited. They are only useful when you already have total control of the air space. Otherwise you can only use stealth bombers, or prepare to get large number of them shot down even if they have escorts from fighters.

 

[T-123456]

They are only useful when you already have total control of the air space

 

[Susimi]

Isn't Su-30 a multirole heavy fighter?

I wouldn't call it a bomber. It is just capable of light bombing like any heavy fighter. Their payload is limited especially when they have to go for a target near their maximum range. Correct me if I am wrong, the closest comparable jet in the US air force is F-15. You wouldn't call F-15 bombers, would you?

Then again, I think Su-30 is a great fighter jet. They are capable of both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground bombing.

On the other hand, I think the use of large (pure) long range bombers is limited. They are only useful when you already have total control of the air space. Otherwise you can only use stealth bombers, or prepare to get large number of them shot down even if they have escorts from fighters.

Their main task is to be an air-superiority fighter but can also be used for other tasks making them a multi-role platform. They are not a bomber, but can be used as such if the need arises. The F-15 is slightly different in that it has the E variant which is a two-seater with it's task geared more towards ground attack, but can be used as a fighter too.

The role of the purpose built lumbering bomber is rapidly becoming obsolete, I sadly think, what with many fighter sized aircraft able to carry loads or munitions which can do as much damage as a single bomber can.

 

[vash]

The role of the purpose built lumbering bomber is rapidly becoming obsolete, I sadly think, what with many fighter sized aircraft able to carry loads or munitions which can do as much damage as a single bomber can.

Well in my opinion, bombers will still be used, but all future large bombers will be stealthy, or they will be easy, high valued targets for enemy fighters and ground air defense system.

As for what Iran is about to buy, to upgrade their air force or air defense as a whole will take more than buying some advanced fighter jets. It is a whole integrated system of radar, command/communication/control, air defense, air patrol, etc, and any weakness will be exploited which can cause the collapse of the entire system.