What is the status of the 2 remaining ex-Kirov Russian battlecruisers ?

[contedicavour]

What's more, the Kirovs are extremely difficult to maintain operational. If Russia itself only manages to keep 2 "sort of" operational, I think China would not be able to reactivate the 2 decommissionned.
I've got a different opinion on the Backfires however. Escorted by tens of SU-27/30 they could stand a chance against USN ships (unless there is a carrier battle group nearby) and most certainly could wreck havoc on ROC naval forces.
The one thing China would need most is not Kirovs or Backfires though, it would be Akula-II or Severodvinsk SSNs. It would change the whole equilibrium of forces in the Pacific, although the USN would still have the upper hand in any big conflict.

cheers

 

[Big-E]

I've got a different opinion on the Backfires however. Escorted by tens of SU-27/30 they could stand a chance against USN ships (unless there is a carrier battle group nearby) and most certainly could wreck havoc on ROC naval forces.

cheers

I think having escorts for Backfires is a waste. The whole point of the Backfire was to get in, fire your long range ASMs and bugger out before your intercepted. If they have a bunch of Flankers as escorts then her range will be limited by the amount of fuel/range the Flankers have at top speeds. Better for her to go in by herself and rush back to her base CAP.

 

[contedicavour]

I think having escorts for Backfires is a waste. The whole point of the Backfire was to get in, fire your long range ASMs and bugger out before your intercepted. If they have a bunch of Flankers as escorts then her range will be limited by the amount of fuel/range the Flankers have at top speeds. Better for her to go in by herself and rush back to her base CAP.

Ok I see your point. I guess then that Flankers should be covering the retreat of the Backfires if they are being pursued by USN Super Hornets too close to the mainland.

 

[Waylander]

Is the Super Hornet fast enough to get the Backfire before it reaches friendly territory?
(Ok with kitchen they could fire from friendly territory if somebody wants o try to enter the Taiwan street)

 

[RubiconNZ]

Hmm

Is the Super Hornet fast enough to get the Backfire before it reaches friendly territory?
(Ok with kitchen they could fire from friendly territory if somebody wants o try to enter the Taiwan street)

Well that was Tomcats job part 2 right? F14's with Phoenixs there main purpose was anti bomber anti ASM. Does the AMRAAM have enough legs and punch for that job? Espescially if it was against the SS-N-19 Granit?
Big E youd know spec wise?

 

[RubiconNZ]

Well...

If by firepower you mean the mysterious P-700 Granat, then it's a definite no. I doubt the Russians would give the Chinese the satillite support needed for midway guidance, therefore severely compromising the potential capability of this weapon. These vessels are designed for one specific purpose and not suitable for the current PLAN doctrine.

I hear you, its not something youd just give away specially as it was a tight secret for so long, however surely PLAN Doctrine must include the ability to knock out a USN Carrier as well thats the ticket to reclaimation of Taiwan as has been stated well everywhere, and well the Granit or of type is surely the most effective way to do it?

 

[Awang se]

Originally Posted by Big-E
I think having escorts for Backfires is a waste. The whole point of the Backfire was to get in, fire your long range ASMs and bugger out before your intercepted. If they have a bunch of Flankers as escorts then her range will be limited by the amount of fuel/range the Flankers have at top speeds. Better for her to go in by herself and rush back to her base CAP.

Yes, the flankers might not have a range to directly escort the backfires. but still, they can be very usefull as corridor guard. put several flankers on several points along the corridor used by the backfires to thwart any attempt to pursuit.

 

[Big-E]

Yes, the flankers might not have a range to directly escort the backfires. but still, they can be very usefull as corridor guard. put several flankers on several points along the corridor used by the backfires to thwart any attempt to pursuit.

If you think about it, Backfires are going to attack a carrier that is hundreds of kilos away from the coast b/c this gives them maximum range advantage. If fired from the Kitchens extreme range a Super Bug is not going to be able to intercept a Backfire. They are too fast given the SHs limited range at supersonic speeds. Keeping Flankers in a corridor to guard the Backfires retreat is a waste when I'm sure at this point they will be needed to protect much more important land based targets. Backfires used correctly can use their speed to escape. That's what they were designed for.