They might add F-2 before other AESA just because it’s the first AESA production aircraft. Outside of AESA, there’s nothing special with the F-2, especially without ARH. If F-2 didn’t have AESA, it would have been in the game back in September 2023 with the F-16C Block 50.
They also have a good incentive to split the F-2 into multiple variants. They’re already doing that with the F-15J. If they do an XF-2A or F-2 early, then it’d definitely not come with ARHs and in that case. Stuff like the EFT with ARH would outclass the F-2 without ARHs, which makes the best time to add the F-2 early would be before ARHs. Then it’ll have some time to shine before F-15J MSIP with ARHs and then F-2 late after with EFT and the rest.
To be fair, date of introduction isn’t generally factored into when or if something is added, just capabilities. However, I do agree that there’s no reason for the EFT to be added at the same time as the F-2 early as the EFT would outclass the F-2 early.
That’s interesting and good information to know, thanks!
I don’t think it’s fair to compare an AESA fighter like F-2 to an AESA+IRST+MAWS+LWS fighter like the Eurofighter. To boil them both down to just being AESA fighters isn’t fair and dismissive of other factors.
The F-2 is gonna be in a weird spot because of the capabilities it has, and lacks. I think it will have very lethal ordnance but weak self-protection. Gonna feel like the MiG-23M when it was first added.
Yeah it’ll be awkward to balance it and we may see more done with F-15J. And why is the AAM-4 allegedly weighing 222kg but only having a stated range of 100km? Something is off.
Can you expand on what you mean by weak self-protection?
Compared to the F-16C, it’d have the same number of countermeasures (120 flares/chaff, popping 2 at a time so mixed is 30 pops). Unless we’re comparing it to say the Gripen with its absurd amount of countermeasures lol.
I presume it’s maneuverability will be at minimum like the F-16AJ but realistically better? since it pulls more Gs and has more wing area.
I have no idea about their RWR but I’d assume it’d be better than J/APR-4 and actually pick up the K band for stuff like the Pantsir.
Overall, at least for the F-2 early, I think the deadliest part of it would be (if modeled) good TWS that doesn’t ping other RWR and smokeless AAM-3 (for ground RB/sim). Otherwise being stuck with sparrows, and only carrying 4 AAM-3 max means it has the same firepower as the current F-15J. Meanwhile the F-16C can carry 6 AIM-120s or 6 AIM-9Ms.
Will it be that more awkward to balance?
I feel like it’s more of a case of modeling the AESA radar that’s holding up the F-2 at this point. Considering how in-depth the existing radar mechanics are, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re taking their time and trying to do due diligence, even if the final result on initial release is far from actual final state of AESA.
My gut feeling is no, however if the F-15J has it, then I don’t see why the F-2 wouldn’t.
Do we have any idea on the RWR it uses?
Unrelated, but I just realized the F-2 early has access to JDAMs and the FLIR pod so in theory we could have that as our CAS option. It wouldn’t track a target and would fixate in a ground position but at least we could use the pod to designate where to lock. Good for stationary targets and still possible to hit moving targets with good lead and a little luck.
Neither of the mentioned aircraft stack up anywhere close to the self-protection suite of the Eurofighter. The F-2 doesn’t either to the best of my knowledge. We’re talking forward warning, electronic warfare, jamming, etc.
Calling the AESA radar an “improved TWS” is the understatement of the year.
Gotcha. I thought you were referring to its self-protection compared to already existing aircraft in the game.
Haha, perhaps. Though I was more referring to how the combination of situational awareness and decent smokeless IRCCM AAM would be deadly in modes like GRB where you could essentially be a hidden assassin picking off targets that don’t even know they’ve been targeted.
Yea, the name in particular I was curious, but I couldn’t find anything on that either. The antennae I’m at least a bit familiar with seeing as it’s on the F-15J as well.
It does indeed have an integrated electronic warfare system, according to this document, which includes electronically interfering with threats. J/ASQ-2 is what it’s called specifically from what I’ve found.
#2 is my guess, but with the caveat that F-2 early comes first before other modern AESA fighters. Mostly because the F-2 early with just sparrows would be the best way to introduce AESA mechanics that don’t affect lethality and they can focus on AIM-120/AAM-4 on F-15J MSIP.
However, we’re in one of the best positions we could be if they do bring in a nerfed F-2 early as they can always hold out and bring in a strong F-2 late later down the line. Other nations aren’t so lucky if they get their only aircraft now and that’s all they get until Gaijin buffs them later, if they remember to.
