After the recent go ahead given by Russians for RD-93 export to Pakistan, as expected, articles by some who are unfriendly and chronically biased towards China and Pakistan have started to trash the JF-17. What is not very clear as to why attempts were being made to block the engines for such a supposedly inferior aircraft.
However, good news keeps coming out suggesting a very positive picture of PAF and its new additions in the coming days.
The latest June issue of the Air Force Monthly Magazine, carries an interview with PAF Chief. The article is at least 6-7 pages long and discusses the following:
1. PAF will be raising the number of JF-17 to 250
2. First 50 will be equipped with Chinese made avionics which Pakistan helped develop.
3. PAF will equip the 2nd batch with AESA. Negotiations in progress with Thales or Gaileo '
4. 16th and 26th squadrons will be the first to get the Thunder;
5. Chinese KLJ-7 radar turned out to be more advanced and capable than the APG-66 on F-16A/B. APG-66 is being replaced by APG-68(v)9 through the MLU;
6.JF-17 to be armed with French, US, and Chinese BVRs. (Wonder what the US position is)
7. Not only the Chinese but the Russians were very cooperative in the development of JF-17.
8. A brand new Air Force base is being built for F-16s
Other points in the article:
1. A minimum strength of 400 combat aircrafts will be maintained. More may be in plans.
2. Middle of 2007, IL-76 will be converted for house and drouge refueling for JF-17
3. F-16 will be equipped with boon refuelling planes for F-16
4. C-130s are being upgraded
5. Erieyes will be joined by Chinese AWACS by 2009.
All the above will be completed by 2012.