Dan wrote:


"However, AS I POINTED OUT, fighter purchases are not about necessity,
but about appearances and politics."

Actually There is a need. Many Powers with 3rd Generation planes Like
the F4, Jaguar, Mig 21& 23's Are really at he end of there service life.
I was surprised to see Japan & Greece still Phantoms in 2008. The large
purchase by India fullfills such a long term supply need.