@Avatar,
In my opinion...The Indian military, like the Chinese military, is at a cusp where either could be on a path towards true independence from foreign sources of defense or continue to be an arms importer, hence vulnerable to influences. The Chinese is slightly ahead. This is applicable to all branches of the military, not just the air force.
As far as the JF-17 goes, it is a good aircraft in the same class as the F-16 and I mean the F-16 in general, not the various blocks. An experienced F-16A pilot can still give any similar class fighter a good simulated fight. Like the F-16, I see the intention for the JF-17 is to be either an all-around territorial defense fighter or complementary to a dedicated air superiority fighter like the F-16/F-15 combination.
In my opinion...The Indian military, like the Chinese military, is at a cusp where either could be on a path towards true independence from foreign sources of defense or continue to be an arms importer, hence vulnerable to influences. The Chinese is slightly ahead. This is applicable to all branches of the military, not just the air force.
As far as the JF-17 goes, it is a good aircraft in the same class as the F-16 and I mean the F-16 in general, not the various blocks. An experienced F-16A pilot can still give any similar class fighter a good simulated fight. Like the F-16, I see the intention for the JF-17 is to be either an all-around territorial defense fighter or complementary to a dedicated air superiority fighter like the F-16/F-15 combination.