You know one thing I really appreciate about Chinese is how humble, how realistic you are. The F-16 is far better then JF-17. You know that and so does everybody. No point in being delusional. PLAAF also know that. Please tell me exctly how many Thunders squadrons it has? Why are you guys buying Russian junk for? Su's and Migs? To please Putin?
Of course PAF can't afford or get hold of enough F-16s to fill up the numbers so JF-17 is a great compromise between money, supply, capability and Pakistan haas some link in the manufacturing even if it is paint, spray and add a few bolts aka like other car franchises we have in Pakistan.
USD2.4 billion is peanuts for China. If USD 2.4 billion is enough to please Putin for Russian to import more other China product, its a good deal. Ask youself why SU-35 is not station in the eastern theatre of China facing USAF F-22 and Japan F-35 if its so mighty while its J-20 that carry out that task?
Why are you avoiding F-16 has many strings attached? Its no point telling others how good is it when one day, it will dry up as US stop selling or even supported PAF F-16. There is no denying Pakistan and US r/s are deteriorating daily. F-16 is better by JF-17 only by engine. And engine is not everything. A good combat aircraft comes as a full package with radar, avionics , EW, datalink, weapon,whole operating process, handling and ease of maintenace.
JF-17 has prove itself in 27th LOC engagement. Even your Chief of armed forces reported JF-17 carry out shooting down of IAF.
JF-17 is not bought becos its cheaper or to make up the number. It is going to replace the F-16 when Pakistan and US r/s reaches a point where there is no return. PAF is able to depend on an aircraft that they makes themselves and with a partner who is neighbor of Pakistan and can depend on. Unlike US who is 10000km away who wouldnt care Pakistan.
I can understand the mentality of an foreign pakistanis need to pledge their loyalty to Britain and Pakistan. Living in UK where constant feed with info about inferiority of Chinese and Pakistanis products while keep singing praises of mighty western superiority.
They will never tell you JF-17 is an competitive combat aircraft.
JT17 block 3 with Aesa radar will be our best plane. At the moment F16s are our champs.Saying that we are extremely grateful to our Chinese brothers who have provided us a great platform which will become the future torch bearer of PAF for times to come.
In fact, JF-17 Blk 2 radar is comparable to F-16 blk 52.
While some pakistanis are more grateful to US, thinking its US F-16 that saves the day for them and think JF-17 is some rubbish. While they are in denial mode US places restriction on usage of PAF F-16.
. He wad leading sherdils back in early 2000's and was posted as an instrustor in Risalpur Academy.
