Which is better Pakistani F-7PG or Bangladeshi F-7BG?
F-7PG/BG Fishbed
A PAF pilot was posing in front of F-7PG #827. Based on the F-7MG electronic technology demonstrator, it features various upgrades to meet PAF's requirements, including a one-piece windshield, Italian Grifo-7PG PD radar (search 55km, track 37km, single target track), new color CRT displays (EFIS), HUD, HOTAS control, new air data computer, TACAN, PL-9C IR-guided AAM, WP-13F(B) turbojet (13,200lb w/ afterburning) plus two 30mm cannons (compared to one on J-7E/G). Its maximum climb rate is 38,300ft/min (195m/s), combat radius is 850km (hi-hi-hi air-superiority role) and maximum load is 1,800kg. The new double-delta wing suggests the same design on J-7E has proven successful. However, since its basic design of Mig-21F has been more than 40 years old, this approach did not fundamentally change the overall performance. Pakistan ordered 57 F-7PGs in early 2000. These F-7PGs have replaced J-6/Mig-19 and will counter India's Mig-21bis/Bison fleet. 48 were delivered to Pakistan by the end of 2002. However, F-7PG might be fitted with the indigenous SY-80 radar (search 30km, track 26km) replacing the Grifo-7PG radar. Besides Pakistani AF, Namibian AF ordered 12 F-7NMs in August 2005. All were delivered in 2006. Bangladesh AF also ordered 12 F-7BGs in 2005. All were delivered 2006. In addition, Nigerian AF ordered 12 F-7NIs in a $251m deal and the first batch is expected to be delivered in 2009. Sri Lanka AF also received around 6 F-7GS in late 2007/early 2008.
List of F-7MG Overseas Customers
Country Designation Number Trainer Version Number
Pakistan F-7PG 57 FT-7PG 6
Bangladesh F-7BG 12 FT-7BG 4
Namibia F-7NM 12 FT-7NG 2
Nigeria F-7NI 12 FT-7NI 3
Sri Lanka F-7GS 6 ? ?
North Korea F-7K ? ? ?