The SC
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MKI might not be a good jet, but it has some of most sophisticated avionics, and is a heavy air superiority fighter in numbers, like the F-14 and the F-15 that it was built to counter, although the US made planes were overall sophisticated quite a while ago. Just imagine Iran with 200 F-14s even today (200 to match the 300MKI qualitatively)!-- means a degrade version. I mean use tech and parts in use is more feasible. The price is cheaper, but less risk. Fighters should be reliable and durable, especially in the war time. I never think MKI is a good jet, because it is really a prototype.
J31 is already a flying prototype, if PAF can accept the main frame , and choose the electronic equipment made in China not the whole world, e.g. some components from J10A, J10B, J11, or J16, maybe some components for J20. They are intensively tested components, so shorter time for integration, and the engineers in China understand them. The time to produce the first J31 for PAF will be greatly reduced. Even earlier than J10B, and 5-- generation fight is also better than any 4+generation, at least not worse. Shenyang bets on J31, but until now they donot see any output, the fee for researching is already sink cost.
If J31 is chosen for aircraft containers, J31 will be developed by the PLA Navy, more components will be available for PAF, and the J31 will be a long time supported project. Therefore, PAF benefits too. This possibility is very high. The size of J31 is popular size of fighter for aircraft containers, J15 is good, but to large, so the number of J15 is limited. A 5G. J31 is a good choice for navy. Kick Shengyang out of 5G. fighter producing is never a good choice for Chinese government.
From the Chinese point of view I can understand that they represent a lesser threat than in Pakistan's perception.
I am all for the J-31 for Pakistan, and by the time it will be available it should be at least a 5- jet, let's say 2 to 3 years from now as some experts believe. I think also that it is intended to be a 4++/5-- jet and a full 5 generation jet, just by the pictures available with external and internal weapon systems and others with only the internal weapon's bay.
Anyhow it has a very good flat design, AESA radar, BVR and much more capabilities, most critics say good things about the J-31, It is also going to be a 100 % Chinese 5th generation fighter with Chinese engines, if I am not mistaken, the same engines that will be used on the next JF-17 blocks.