What kind of logic is this... give up after the JF17B3 and focus on old used F16s
JF17B3 is far more capable than 90s era F16s.
PAF will use J10CP as a stopgap until the 5th generation program matures in Pakistan/China. This will be a combo of purchasing off the shelf from China and producing domestically at home.
Pakistan has historically kept very mum on its aquisitions/projects. We know project azm is in the work but we have yet to determine the full scope. My personal analysis is that more than likely it will be designed/conceived in Pakistan but majority of the prototype/avionic development will be with China either CAC or SAC. Pakistan has had great relations with CAC, we developed the JF17 with them, and are purchasing J10CPs from them. More than likely AZM will be similar to J20 but a little smaller in size.
Very very similar to the J20
PAF might have decided that (75-100?) J20 type heavy fighter is more than sufficient for its 5th generation needs. Remember PLAAF is already working on a loyal wingman drone concept with its J20B twin seat fighter. PAF in the long term may also go for dozens of these loyal wingman drones as force multipliers. The future is not replacing every 4th generation 1-1 with new fighters. It will be using a few dozen 5th generations jets backed by hundreds of drones and 4th generations jets as well as AWACS/Communication/EW all acting in net centric C4I warfare. I see MOST VALUE IN AZM IS WE GO WITH A 5TH GENERATION LOYAL WINGMAN TYPE CONCEPT DRONE along with the Jet itself.
You stated that you dont see the JF17 program moving beyond B3? I see it becoming a future UCAV or a technology demonstrator for us to go that route much quicker/cheaper.
Again I may be wrong but I highly doubt it. From PAFs strong relations with CAC, to the design similarities of the AZM/J20, to recent acquisition of a few dozen J10C. Lastly we know that China time and time again has exported its top notch equipment (post decade) to pakistan. J20 is late 2010s technology at this point (most of it). Just my 2 cents