Mastan's love- hate relationship with Thunder has been consistent.
The question really is, what exactly, the difference between a medium fighter like J-10b and JF-17?What sets JF-17 and J-10 apart?
Is it the range? Is it the avionics? Is it the weaponry? Is it the Radar? Is it the growth prospects? Is it low radar signature?
Compact range is more in JF-17, hence its not the point. Avionics could be identical, Weaponry is same, JF-17 can have the same radar of J-10 ...
So the what is that which makes J-10B stand apart from JF-17?
Is it stealth? If so JF-17 being smaller will have a definite edge.and extensive usage of composites will bring down the visibility on radars.
JF-17 is and will more of a Pakistani fighter than Chinese and the growth prospects of these fighter will be on parallel with the future of PAF .
If Mastan's wishlist is based on what India is buying or planning to buy, then that's because India's home grown program or an alternative to find jets apart from heavy to maintain Su-30s have been stuck deep in indecisive dramas and policy paralysis along with an absurd bargaining .
Ofcourse the next BIG purchase should be J-31s when its ready. Until then the focus should be solely on inducting and training the PAF into JF-17 specific force along with adding the fighter with all the goodies that China can offer and stop worrying about what other buy.
The only advantage between a Medium fighter must be a twin jet, but that's not an issue since J-10B is also a single engine fighter..
So be happy with the fighter you have.
It has immense growth potential , is cheaper and is apna (own).