> Well, we certainly have seen an F-14 go against a MiG-23.

Did the Libyan MiGs fire a single shot? Of course I know the answer, so not sure how this can be considered any sort of indicator of the gross inferiority of Russian tech. In fact, based on the engagement itself, and subsequent after-math, a reasonable assumption would be that they goaded the US into the confrontation, as an attempt to gain international support...

> I think the rest of your comment is confirmation bias: this ethnic group/nationality is good/bad depending on where you sit on the old racism spectrum.

Interesting that you equate my pointing out that Russians are generally well educated and that they produce good engineers with racism. Next if I say Russia produces plenty of good chess players you'll also call me racist? Fact is, their culture encourages people to pursue these activities, and they have fairly high educational standards.

Same can be said for many countries who have a strong focus on education, who produce good engineers; witness the recent Indian space program, which is on a relatively modest budget, definitely 'punching above it's weight class'.

> The constant applause surrounding the SU is fairly amusing

What does my post have to do with the SU, and any economic or political elements of the SU? It's purely about technology.

> If Russia is so chock full of greatness why is it running a falling apart economy and have degenerated into a kleptocratic petrostate that makes most middle east dictatorships look progressive and economically sound? I get it, you don't like the US and the EU, but you'd have to be crazy to appreciate the SU and Russia if your complaints are focused on the US not being "Bernie Sanders" enough for you.

Again, where are you getting this? Pointing out that they produce relatively advanced technology for their current economic state? And it's the truth, from Sputnik to Mir to their current space program, their defence programs, etc... You're right, Russia's economic output is behind the US, and they somehow still have the ability to put people into space.

The rest of it is off-topic, is not related to anything I said, and it's obvious you're trying to offend.

> Well, when your targets are Ukranian women and children, yes, the casualty rate is impressive, but that's far from a real military engagement against another nation state. We have yet to see these arms tested against a proper western foe, and for good reason.

First of all, the verdict is still out on the exact amount of Russian involvement in Ukraine (especially since the next Ukrainian Prime Minister used to work for the US State Dept, reinforcing the view that the US was involved in the overthrow of the previous government). Second, from a purely objective standpoint, they didn't use air power vs. Ukraine.

Anyhow, Russia hasn't gone up against the west, nor vice versa. Russia did rout the Georgian military in a week. And they are the only effective power in Syria right now. Take that for what it is. US analysts have admitted Russian tech is more advanced than they thought, especially in the realm of electronic warfare.

BTW, forgive me for having a nuanced view of the world. For not bringing political beliefs into a discussion about TECHNOLOGY. I have Russian friends too, and I'm of Ukrainian background. My wife is black (and an immigrant from a region where the inhabitants were once slaves from both Africa and India), I live in the west, and speak multiple languages. I know people from every corner of the world. Shoot me for not believing in a world where everything is black and white, where it's us vs. them.