would you happen to know how many times a Mig 29 has to refuel or lets take it this way how often will it need refueling during a Patrol
How long is a piece of string??
The easiest way to show the opportunity difference is as follows:
Larger twin aircraft tend to be able to have a higher and more varied weapons load out - simplistically, more bombs/missiles available to put on target
They have a longer range, hence a longer loiter time at short attack runs
Their size invariably means that their EW/onboard radar systems have greater power, depth and discrimination. Hence they can stay and fight more on their own terms against a smaller OPFOR platform with less capability. They are not as dependant on an integrated controller, once you couple them up with an effective GCI or AWACs then the numbers start to shift in their favour.
It's why sortie rates, maintenance and logistics are the combination killers to efficiency. A more reliable platform, with less logistics demands, greater turn around times etc will have an advantage over a platform that may carry more, but be less reliable. Then you have to add in doctrine efficiency, pilot capability etc...
The continental structure of India points towards a larger long range striker as being more to their advantage. As an example, this is because they can deploy aircraft from the other side of the country concurrently and escalate the tempo accordingly. Pakistan on the other hand lacks the same continental advantage, so it would seem to favour a platform that dominates in point defence, short haul intercept etc...
It's very difficult to just compare both countries on a platform to platform basis, the geography alone dictates differing air-battle doctrines. Similarly the Navy ORBAT for both nations is also affected by geographical imperatives.
It's an enormously long "piece of string"
