QUOTE (Re_Simeone @ 24 Dec 2013, 23:06)
Well it is not actually that big,it is quite bigger than MiG-21 but compared to other modern Russian fighter jets it is actually smallest (I think).
Again,I suggest that you should read some articles about MiG-29 Sniper or MiG-29G,with similar modernization hypothetical Brazilian MiG-29
could carry both western weaponry and probably A-Darter which depends from agreement with those foreign companies.
And since Brazil had history with Israelis upgrading their aircraft,i think they would be able to make those aircraft one of worlds most fearsome fighters,
look what they did with MiG-21s,Google articles about MiG-21 Lancer and MiG-21 2000.
Really the MiG-29 is a proven exceptional machine, considered superior to the F-15 in maneuverability and performance, in addition to offering Western configurations. However updated versions of the fighter, such as the one offered by Israel - MiG-29 Sniper - for the Romanian Air Force ended up not being realized due to high costs, mainly concerning maintenance, this is a point that should be taken into consideration within the geopolitical; the protracted global financial crisis and hypothetical scenarios of 'economic sanctions' have become familiar things in the 21 century, which forces governments to rethink their spending on expensive military hardware.
Another determining factor would be the conditions of the agreement to be signed for the modernization of the aircraft; hardly allow autonomy for the industry in Brazil, it would be necessary to send the planes to Israel or Russia to do the upgrade, thus maintaining the domestic industry technologically dependent.
Gripen meets the needs of Brazil because it incorporates the key elements of modern avionics, besides having an excellent cost/benefit ratio; brings greater independence for the country because the SAAB seeks a strategic partnership to promote the aircraft and Brazil, besides injecting capital to the project, will integrate integrate new systems on the aircraft. Also there is the project of improvement of aircraft to aircraft carriers - something that interests the Brazil - and the joint development of the Gripen also adds to South Africa - strategic partner of Brazil and user of the aircraft - a consistent strategic cooperation.
The F-18 was competing in the project "F-X2", but lost their chances of being chosen as a winner due to allegations of NSA spying. Such complaints that included monitoring of the Brazilian pre-salt caused some doubts and mistrust on the part of Brazil as the "good intentions" of the White House. The President reiterated the government's stance in the last speech of the year, after the choice of Gripen, saying that Brazil should gain autonomy for the defense and thus maintain its sovereignty. Boeing's proposal included not only the sale of F-18 but also a partnership with Embraer for the worldwide sale of the Brazilian KC-130 - medium size - transport aircraft.