Won't there be a bomber in the IAF?

**siddharth** · 23 May 11,, 12:31

Indian Air Force: The SPECAT Jaguars and the MiG-27s are going to be replaced by the LCA Tejas and the MRCA winner (hopefully Ef200). These arent capable of ground attack and bombing. Won't there be a bomber? wtf
And why doesn't the IAF buy 'real' bombers like the ac-130, etc?

**alfa2bravo** · 23 May 11,, 19:10

Why do we need a bomber? LCA and Rafale/EF2K can be used for AD and both strategic and tactical ground attack.

**Phoenix10** · 24 May 11,, 00:49

Originally Posted by siddharth

Indian Air Force: The SPECAT Jaguars and the MiG-27s are going to be replaced by the LCA Tejas and the MRCA winner (hopefully Ef200). These arent capable of ground attack and bombing. Won't there be a bomber? wtf
And why doesn't the IAF buy 'real' bombers like the ac-130, etc?

Both the EF and Rafale attacked ground targets in Libya. Both aircraft will receive more A2G capability in the future. AC-130 is a gunship, it's not a bomber.

**ace009** · 20 Jun 11,, 19:18

With the advent of the "multi-role" aircraft like the F-18, F-22, Rafale, Flankers (and EF typhoon Tranche 3), the age of the dedicated bombers is coming to an end. Only large airforces (read USAAF and RuAF) can keep dedicated bombers and even then cut down on the numbers to save costs. With most of the multi-role fighters being able to deliver dumb and smart bombs, ground attack missiles etc, bomber function is already being taken over.

**cr9527** · 21 Jun 11,, 04:46

Originally Posted by ace009

With the advent of the "multi-role" aircraft like the F-18, F-22, Rafale, Flankers (and EF typhoon Tranche 3), the age of the dedicated bombers is coming to an end. Only large airforces (read USAAF and RuAF) can keep dedicated bombers and even then cut down on the numbers to save costs. With most of the multi-role fighters being able to deliver dumb and smart bombs, ground attack missiles etc, bomber function is already being taken over.

The "Bomber" role has long been taken over by the fighters, the big B-52s and Tu-95s are Strategic bombers, and serve a different function than what most countries need.

**ace009** · 28 Jun 11,, 15:35

Originally Posted by cr9527

The "Bomber" role has long been taken over by the fighters, the big B-52s and Tu-95s are Strategic bombers, and serve a different function than what most countries need.

You are right. With the ASMs even the high altitude "strategic bombers" might go away. The only "Bombers" remaining might be the stealth ones like B2.