Quwa
Research Partner
- Joined
- May 16, 2006
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L-15 lead in fighter trainer? If the PLAAF finalizes a standard contract, expect Pakistan, Egypt & Venezuela to order a number for their LIFT requirements. Of all aircraft of this class, the L-15 would be the lower cost option from a reliable supplier.
Hürkuş basic trainer? Possible Mushak/Super Mushak replacement after 2015? Apparently the new generation of prop trainers can also take up basic flight training done by T-37.
Locally built AWACS (developed with China)? This is inevitable and will happen, just a question of platforms. Would PAF use IL-76 - especially since China will produce the aircraft under license - and achieve commonality with the IL-78 refueler aircraft? OR would PAF seek a new platform like Boeing 737 NG or A320E?
It is worth noting that the PN will have to consider a replacement for its P-3C Orion to begin inducting sometime after 2020. EADS will likely use an MPA based off A320E - maybe PAF and PN want to have to standardize on a single platform in order to reduce logistical costs? Perhaps build a case to have a spare-parts production line raised in Pakistan? So a competition between A320 MPA & P-8 Poseidon could translate into an AWACS platform competition between A320E & Boeing 737 NG?
2nd refueling aircraft?
Well IL-78 is by far the cheaper alternative, but given the U.S contract for A330 MRTT will have a positive effect on the system's cost. Saudi Arabia & UAE have also ordered A330 MRTT, and it may join Turkey & Egypt in the future. In any case, the ACM did mention through AFM that another refueling aircraft was in contention...who knows.
Advanced F-16s (similar to Block-60)? The PAF is putting a lot of money and effort in raising the Block-52's infrastructure. Not sure if we would get something as drastic as Block-60 or F-16IN - might be too costly. However more Block-52+ - except with AESA, better avionics, better ECM/EW, etc, is possible. The production line will be open until 2012, so there's time to order.
Advanced J-11B (in league of Su-35BM)? Might be a longer shot, but give it some time though. PAF might not invest in a twin-engine fighter nor would China sell the aircraft before completing the initial J-11 batch of 200 or so fighters. However after 2015 it might be a different story...
The J-11B production line might be larger and faster? The Chinese could develop a J-11B variant that is equal or superior to the SU-35BM? Commonality between J-11B and FC-20 exists in the form of engines, weapon-systems, perhaps certain parts, radar, etc? PAF might be able to use J-11B as a solid maritime and/or strike fighter? Perhaps use it has a long-range interceptor and mini-AWACS...create more network centric tiers?
5th Generation Combat Aircraft? Pakistan can develop UCAVs in cooperation with Turkey and China. The Chinese have a number of interesting turbofan projects like WS-11 & WS-12 that could be used on UCAVs. Such aircraft would be very useful in offensive strike missions; reconnaissance or even anti-air applications against AWACS?
Manned aircraft I have explained quite a bit; the Chinese are developing the J-14 as an equivalent to F/A-22...so they may be looking at a lighter supplement similar to F-35. This would likely be an export oriented fighter and may see some serious interest from the Arab world - so Pakistan would be a natural partner. Heck the Turks and Saudis can use the aircraft as a cheaper supplement to their fleet...Malaysia, Egypt & Algeria may also join.
Hürkuş basic trainer? Possible Mushak/Super Mushak replacement after 2015? Apparently the new generation of prop trainers can also take up basic flight training done by T-37.
Locally built AWACS (developed with China)? This is inevitable and will happen, just a question of platforms. Would PAF use IL-76 - especially since China will produce the aircraft under license - and achieve commonality with the IL-78 refueler aircraft? OR would PAF seek a new platform like Boeing 737 NG or A320E?
It is worth noting that the PN will have to consider a replacement for its P-3C Orion to begin inducting sometime after 2020. EADS will likely use an MPA based off A320E - maybe PAF and PN want to have to standardize on a single platform in order to reduce logistical costs? Perhaps build a case to have a spare-parts production line raised in Pakistan? So a competition between A320 MPA & P-8 Poseidon could translate into an AWACS platform competition between A320E & Boeing 737 NG?
2nd refueling aircraft?
Well IL-78 is by far the cheaper alternative, but given the U.S contract for A330 MRTT will have a positive effect on the system's cost. Saudi Arabia & UAE have also ordered A330 MRTT, and it may join Turkey & Egypt in the future. In any case, the ACM did mention through AFM that another refueling aircraft was in contention...who knows.
Advanced F-16s (similar to Block-60)? The PAF is putting a lot of money and effort in raising the Block-52's infrastructure. Not sure if we would get something as drastic as Block-60 or F-16IN - might be too costly. However more Block-52+ - except with AESA, better avionics, better ECM/EW, etc, is possible. The production line will be open until 2012, so there's time to order.
Advanced J-11B (in league of Su-35BM)? Might be a longer shot, but give it some time though. PAF might not invest in a twin-engine fighter nor would China sell the aircraft before completing the initial J-11 batch of 200 or so fighters. However after 2015 it might be a different story...
The J-11B production line might be larger and faster? The Chinese could develop a J-11B variant that is equal or superior to the SU-35BM? Commonality between J-11B and FC-20 exists in the form of engines, weapon-systems, perhaps certain parts, radar, etc? PAF might be able to use J-11B as a solid maritime and/or strike fighter? Perhaps use it has a long-range interceptor and mini-AWACS...create more network centric tiers?
5th Generation Combat Aircraft? Pakistan can develop UCAVs in cooperation with Turkey and China. The Chinese have a number of interesting turbofan projects like WS-11 & WS-12 that could be used on UCAVs. Such aircraft would be very useful in offensive strike missions; reconnaissance or even anti-air applications against AWACS?
Manned aircraft I have explained quite a bit; the Chinese are developing the J-14 as an equivalent to F/A-22...so they may be looking at a lighter supplement similar to F-35. This would likely be an export oriented fighter and may see some serious interest from the Arab world - so Pakistan would be a natural partner. Heck the Turks and Saudis can use the aircraft as a cheaper supplement to their fleet...Malaysia, Egypt & Algeria may also join.