I think we will pursue T-129 so as not to become fully dependent on US. Just like JF-17 and F-16 combo. Also with Truks we may get some ToT and freedom of customizations like JF-17.
The issue with ATAK T-129 is that it uses the same engine as the AH-1Z hence it was a very wise purchase at that time. ATAK offered PAC to start its own helicopter industry hence initially only 30 were ordered with a hope of having an other 60-70 that would have been make in PAC. Also it was hoped that PAC could find other orders over the years and that would make it easier to upgrade and continue with the production line. A very cost effective product could have been achieved.
Still ATAK T129 BlockII the heavier version could be preferred over the Z-10 provided Turkey is able to produce a trustable engine locally. Remember that India has purchased Apache which need to be countered.
The blunder with Turkey is that they have an impulsive President. Otherwise the Turkish F-35's would have been delivered.
IMO Pakistan should play a waiting game for the time in regards to Turkish Products.
However with the present situation USA is not going to allow any other country to sell their arms rather would go to great lengths in providing their own technology. This is why Trump is trying to find ways in which US arms can be sold which are produced mostly in USA not abroad. Lockheed Martin has tried its level best to provide solution to its failed F-35 project but the DOD wants to sustain this project as it has poured too much of the public funds and they can not reopen production of F22 again.
If India would have continued with the T-50 project with Russia then PAF would have been getting the F-35 by now.
IMO Pakistan should try to acquire engine manufacturing capability in regards to both F-16 and AH-1Z so that PAF can have expertise and self reliance.
PAF should also now consider the T-50FA as first choice for LIFT along with its GE-404 engine manufacturing setup.
It we replace our older cobras with AH1w and upgrade them to z level along new cobras would be fantastic yes along ATAK 100plus gunships r awesome fire power
Please read the above reply..
If Khafee leaks are true then we can say good bye to ATAK.... Americans will probably offer us store airframes to make sure we back away from Turkish purchase. There is no one to blame for this than the Turkish President and his policies . They are suicidal to say the least for his own defence industry. We can easily save 1.5 billion dollars and get upgraded super cobras which will more than match any capability from the Turkish copter.
Please read my above reply..