Since we are approaching the Block 3 now we should have full confidence to question the Physical performance characteristics of fighter Jet around which we have based our scope of Air defence
It was quite ok , for base model back in 2008 that we said it is a great initial phase
Simply releasing press statement here and there does not cut it anymore. Our Approach should be , here are the Top 10 platforms world wide , and where do we stand can we improve this platform and how.
We should have open and frank debate , on what we have attained in last 10-15 years , certainly the bench mark attained by inducting 100 JF17 Block 1/Block 2 fantastic work
But when Block 3 rolls into picture now we must really focus the comparison to the Top Tier platforms in market and see what we can do to make the JF17 better
1966-1971 -------> Flying tin cans not investing in aviation
1980-1990--------> Planners sleeping
1999 -------------> Sanctions
2000-2009 -------> We made a decision to invest in Local Platform JF17
2009- 2017-------->100 Block 1/ Block 2 , fighter Jets Joined Pakistan Airforce
Till this point no one questioned the place of Thunder in Internation arena becasue we were at Learning stage , we were doing the "first of every thing"
10 Year later now , we are at stage where Thunder has seen action
a) 10 years of Air Patrol
b) 10 years of active role in war against Terror or group operations
c) 10 years of active Air-Air , training / simulation work
d) 10 Years of active duty to protect airspace
Now , come 2018 and talk of JF17 Block 3, we can finally say now lets talk about Improvements to a already established platform !!!
I think after 10 years of success, the tag of just learning wears off and now we are one with the big boys !! One of the large players who have made 100+ Fighter Jets
- Logically , our focus now should be be "High Performance Enhancements" after 10 years of service
Block III : Proposed new Engine, New Radar , New Avionics , HUDs
Block IV : Scaled Up High Performance ,
Twin Engine SUPER JF17 (2-5% larger Thunder)