Su-30MKI: Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and customized for India, it is produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). F-16: An American-made aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and acquired by Pakistan in various versions.
Origin and Manufacturer:
Su-30MKI: Primarily an air superiority fighter with multi-role capabilities, including ground-attack and maritime roles. F-16: A multi-role fighter, with strong air-to-air combat capabilities, also effective in ground-attack missions.
Role and Mission:
Su-30MKI: Powered by twin AL-31FP afterburning turbofan engines with thrust vectoring, enhancing its maneuverability. F-16: Equipped with a single Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 engine, known for agility and speed, but without thrust vectoring.
Engine:
Su-30MKI: Top speed of Mach 2 (2,120 km/h), with a combat range of approximately 3,000 km. F-16: Top speed of Mach 2 (2,120 km/h), with a shorter combat range of around 1,500 km (without external fuel tanks).
Speed and Range:
Su-30MKI: Equipped with the powerful N011M Bars PESA radar, capable of tracking multiple targets at long ranges. It also has advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems. F-16: Modern versions (F-16 Block 52) have AN/APG-68 radar with strong target acquisition and tracking capabilities, though its range is generally shorter than the Bars radar.
Avionics and Radar:
Su-30MKI: Can carry a wide range of weaponry, including air-to-air, air-to-ground missiles (BrahMos-A cruise missile), bombs, and precision-guided munitions. It has a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon. F-16: Versatile in its loadout, it can carry a mix of air-to-air missiles (AIM-120 AMRAAM), air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and other precision munitions. It has an M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon.
Armament:
Su-30MKI: Known for its supermaneuverability due to thrust vectoring, capable of performing complex aerial maneuvers like the "Cobra" and tight loops, giving it an edge in close combat. F-16: Renowned for its agility, though it lacks thrust vectoring, it performs well in dogfights due to its excellent aerodynamic design.
Maneuverability:
Su-30MKI: India has deployed Su-30MKIs for various missions, including air superiority, strike, and maritime patrol. The aircraft played a crucial role during skirmishes with Pakistan. F-16: Pakistan has relied heavily on F-16s for air defense and strike roles. It was deployed during conflicts with India and in counter-terrorism operations.
Operational Use:
Su-30MKI: More expensive to operate, with higher maintenance and fuel costs due to its size and twin engines. F-16: Cheaper to operate, with lower maintenance and operational costs, making it more cost-effective for routine missions.
Cost: