Try to think out of the box. It not just military, politic matters. The only man has vision for military is Gen Mushraff.
Of course they would. If China has a suitable alternative to the RD-93 (matured WS-13), you can bet the first thing CAC would do is to cut the RD-93 supply chain. Do you really think that the JF-17 uses RD-93s because it is an "important bridge connect Pakistan and Russia"???
JF17 is a programme run mainly by Pakistan, it's never the focus of PLAAF.
Its the only reason why they stick to a smoky engine, and their willingness to go for RD93MA.
What if some countries don't have good relationship with Russia, and they wanna buy JF17? WS13 will come into play if Russia cut the supplies. What if India and Pakistan has a war and India ask Russia to stay neutral? Shit happens, prepare for the worst is nothing wrong.
It's not about good or bad, it's about how you gonna deal with it when others cut your supplies when needed.
With 5000 profound history, we think problem in a very complicated ways and aways prepare for the worst.
Engines are kind a problem here. It complicates exports as China does not have full control of the supply chain ... I'm pretty sure the JF-17 RD-93 engine deal is not ideal.
They actually are. Unless China can begin mass installation of WS-10s on the J-10, I don't see good export prospects. I'm certain that China is not satisfied with Russia being part of the engine supply chain for the JF-17 ... which is why they're working to improve the WS-13 for JF-17 Block III. Adding an entire foreign supplier really complicates the situation ... especially if it is an export contract. China doesn't have a problem with putting Russian engines into domestic use, but for a high end 4th generation fighter export, that would be extremely awkward. I'm sure the engine issue is one of the reasons why the J-10 has not been exported yet ...
What you mean mass production? They already produced over 200 units of WS10 annually since last year. And if the second assembly in Shanxi is ready, they will make it 400 a year. We induct 100 fighter jets annually for PLAAF, that's nearly consume all the production of WS10 engine, not to mention the replacement for old engines.
China still has thousand old jet like F7 to replace, I don't mind we place another 48 orders for Su35 as Sukhoi is not that busy.
We desperately need new fighter jets, make it 200 a year.
And shall fully mobilize the production capacity in Russia.
Sounds unsubstantiated. What makes you believe that the J-10, especially the latest variants, is inferior to its 4th generation competitors? Now, I also doubt the PAF will buy J-10s ... but not for the reasons you mentioned.
The PAF won't buy the J-10 simply because it does not fit their combat doctrine or any of their operational needs. Simple. Nothing to do with technology ... I'm not sure if AVIC is even advertising the J-10 anymore.
PAF is not buying anything new due to two reasons:
1. Limited budget
2. India is too stupid
Anyway, they are chasing the Su35. A good news.