The AESA will be ready for production when they find a buyer(India). The block 60/62 probably has similar A2A performance in BVR(the range of the R-77E is over 175km's and has better maneuverability thus more accurate unless you can prove otherwise while the AIM-120D is 180km flat and less maneuverable and please post a link where it says the R-77E's seeker is worse than the AIM-120D's). AIM-120D is available for export for NATO countries only (I think) so it would not make the Block 60/62 a better import choice than the MiG-35. And why are you talking about the Block 60/62 it's not even in the competition. We where strictly talking about the 50/52 because its the version in the competition. Regardless at the end of the day considering there is no AWACS and not counting pilot skill i would rather be in a MiG-35 equipped with a European HMS and display (possible to put western avionics in MiG-35) than a UAE Block 60/62. TVC'd MiG-29's with AESA's and long range missiles rock.For one thing as far as the avionics (apart from the ZHUK AE which is only a prototype) and strike capability the block 50 is comperable or better to the MiG 35. It has a "glass cockpit" and full HOTAS, which has been standard on western fighters for quite a while now, the ruskies are only just catching up. And the MiG 35 cant maintain AOA of 90 degrees for unlimited ammounts of time, thats ridiculous, i'd be impressed if it could hold it for more than a few seconds. Airodynamicaly it is very similar to the original Fulcrum, except its unstable and has a higher wing loading. As far as top speed, they are both comperable, F16 block 50/52 can do Mach 2 at altitude depending on its load out. Sure the Fulcrum can do a bit more which is an advantage, but i wouldnt call it decisive. And then you've got the missile systems, AIM 120 C5 and AIM 120D are longer ranged and arguably more accurate than the R77 (better radar seekers), allthough they arn't as capable airodymnamicaly or kinematicaly. Coupled with offboard sensors the Block 50 would get the first shot over the MiG 35.
How about an F16E block 60 then????? APG 80 would be a hell of alot more capable than a ZHUK AE which doesent even work yet dont you think??? Much better track ranges, LPI and mature electronic attack capabilities, thats a devistating combination especially when coupled with the AIM 120D. Not to mention the huge datalink capability the block 60 has, something the MiG 35 could only dream about.
Look i love the Fulcrum, its one of my all time favorite aircraft and the miG 35 is perhaps the ultimate expression of the type. However that doesent mean it can do everything, like fly around all day at an AOA of 90 Degrees or instantly make a prtotype AESA radar as capable as mature western systems.
I also wasn't aware that the Block 50/52 has a full glass cockpit. Do you mind posting a link? thnx