Production & prices
Feanor
Neither one has entered serial production. I'd like to say that the discrepancy in prices in regards to Russian aircraft comes from the fact that the baseline model differs very much from what actually gets exported.
I agree that there is a difference between Russian AF used fighters compared to exports. I think a US Air Force Block-50 is better then a Chilean Block-52. I think there a discrepancy in Russian aircraft prices because so many different models offered or released in the press that never make it to production for example the many versions of the Mig-29, Mig-35, Su-37, PAK, and the equipment and gear offered but doesn’t make it into production..
Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think Russia made any new built fighters/frames for 20 years other then the Su-27/30 line. It’s not common for countries to produce so many models of fighters even the US teen series are older designs but are still currently being produced. Fighter production is expensive and costly to maintain. Does anybody know if the Mig-29K are built on new frames for sure? I just thought about that and I’m not 100% sure I’m sure somebody here will know.
Feanor
This is especially true given the recent trend of installing some western avionics on Russian export gear.
I only know of one type of Russian fighter in production, the Su-30 series for certain customers who have western avionics in them. I can only assume Russian couldn’t produce certain systems that the customer wanted and requested. I believe there are more all Russian equipped Flankers then Flankers produced with some western avionics, please correct me if I’m wrong.
I would be interested in knowing of other Russian type fighters used western avionics on them or weapons. I don’t have a link but can remember somebody mentioning Magic or Magic II IR missile mounted on some Mig-21 or Mig-23. I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t think it’s very common for western avionics or gear to be on Russian built fighters.
Feanor
F-16 would be very different from the Block 60 that's heading to the Middle East soon.
The Block-60 Vipers started deliveries in 2004
Some quotes I found from the below link
http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article22.html
On December 6th, 2003, the first UAEAF F-16 Block 60 made its maiden flight from Lockheed's Fort Worth facility,
The UAE will take delivery of a first batch of F-16E/Fs in 2004.
In general getting or understanding fighter prices is difficult for a list of this type or thread. An example of not really getting the correct information on the important details would be the Rafale. One must assume when working out the finer details that this aircraft is much more expensive, thus the reason for lack of sales.
