Not to derail the thread but the JF-17 was never really intended for BVR or long endurance CAP missions. It was intended as a replacement for aging Mirage III/V, A-5, J-7's in point air defence and ground attack. As far back as 2006 though, China offered the J-10, (which is designed from the beginning to have BVR, air-to-air refuelling, etc.), Pakistan signing a deal back in 2009 for 36 fighters. What has become of that?
Hi,
The Thales fiasco hit the paf hard---they were all set for the french EW suite---which meant french weapons as well for the aircraft.
This aircraft was touted from the begining to be for air superiority---.
China never offered the J10's---it was Gen Musharraf---who on a visit to china asked for this aircraft---. The chinese said it did not exist---he pulled out a photograph of this aircraft---he got the deal.
This aircraft was on offer in 2012-13 by the chinese----18 of them for immediate delivery---the egos of the PAF got in the way----. That would have meant that they would have to admit to their failure.
The air chief rejected it by stating---" we are focusing on getting the aesa for the JF17 ".
The truth to the matter is that once Musharraf signed the deal and got approval for the J10's---the work on the JF17 should have been stopped and all effort put on the J10's.
Because the J10 would be at a higher pleateau than the JF17---and secondly---the chinese would be responsible for the total integration of an EW suite and weapons.
Paf would have received a fully functional aircraft---that they could modify and upgrade to their likings---.
People who are talking about russian engine----to them---if there would have been a problem---the chinese would not have signed the deal during Musharraf's regime.
Bottomline----out of its thickheaded approach---the Paf has chosen the hardest way to success---where they have been smacked back at every step due to poor and bad planning and a lack of foresight and vision.
The problem with the Paf is understanding the TEAM concept----. With them it is they---them and themselves---.
There are no mirrors in the restrooms at the air forces bases and paf academy.