Regarding FC20:
It is decide in PRINCIPLE to procure the FC20 with the contract likely to come by the end of the year.
Reasons for procuring the FC20 were given as its a big platform, it has a large nose for a decent sized radar and it can carry a big payload due to lots of hardpoints.
An AESA radar is being sought for FC20 but whether it can be acquired is another matter and has not been settled.
The reason no contract has been signed is that the current PAF budget covers the next 12 to 15 years and thus cannot be spent all at once on one big ticket item. The contract will not be made in this financial year.
There is a little time available for the PAF to decide on FC20s final configuration so no final decision has been made yet. The ACM will use the next 12 months to decide all this in terms of all options ie. radar, variants etc.
The requirement is for at least 2 squadrons conssiting of both single and dual seat types
There are no plans for conformal fuel tanks due to FC20s large internal fuel load and its ability for air to air refueling.