No matter how many times one repeats clear facts, they always fall on plugged ears. Relative to its cost and purpose of being an expendable mainstay fighter, the JF-17 contains a lot of bite. For example, it will be equipped with IRST, HMD/S, tactical data-link, etc. Its weapon-systems will include modern BVRAAM, a 5th-gen WVRAAM (potentially A-Darter), precision-guided stand-off (H2/H4) and general (similar to JDAM) munitions. It will have a capable and contemporary ECM/EW suite as well as be capable of IFR. In all likelihood, it will probably be equipped with ARMs and ALCM Ra'ad as well. Now inflate this to a numerical range of 200~250.
We can already guess some of the weapon-systems with fair accuracy. For example, the precision-guided stand-off glide bombs will likely be H-2 and H-4, and the Mectron MAR-1 its ARM. I believe relations with South Africa and Brazil will be pivotal to considerably strengthening the JF-17 program, especially in the long-term.
The South African Denel product range, including A-Darter 5th gen. HOBS WVRAAM, the Umbani PGB kit and T-Darter BVRAAM look great. For starters, we know that PAF is considered as a potential customer for A-Darter for use on JF-17. However, acquiring the Umbani PGB kit and T-Darter BVRAAM would be an amazing turn.
The Umbani is similar to JDAM, a precision-guided bomb kit for dumb-bombs of the Mk-series. However, the JDAM I believe PAF bought covers the 2000 lb and 500 lb range. The Umbani series covers for the 250 lb (Mk.81) and 500 lb (Mk.82) set, an excellent cut for JF-17 - especially alongside the line-up of H2/H4, MAR-1 and Ra'ad. Though we shouldn't discount potential Turkish options such as the Tubitak HGK JDAM program, which looks excellent IMO. Regarding AShM, an initiative should be taken to develop an air-launched version of the ATMACA AShM with Turkey, perhaps with extended range of 100~150km. The next issue is a standard air-to-surface missile similar to JAGM.
The T-Darter is reported be under development. In 1999 the PAF was offered by Denel to join the project, and PAF officials were very impressed by the paper specifications of the missile. As of now, it would seem that T-Darter is in its initialization phases, so PAF has a chance to really step in and yield from a good investment. IMO the T-Darter will likely be in the league of MBDA Meteor and AMRAAM-D if and when it enters production. Thus, an excellent partner to the A-Darter, which will stand alongside IRIS-T and AIM-9X.