@Manticore
Sir,
beyond what
@MilSpec Sir said, i would add
If its about a defensive doctrine then
- More JF17s with constant upgradation plan/newer Blocks
- Sophisticated radar network to cover all kind of ingress particularly low altitude ones (a specialty of Rafale)
- Quick Reaction SAM network with focus on indigenous efforts to bolster the seeker technology.
- MRSAM network with Range upto 70 km for all aerial targets with higher probability of kill along with acceptable ECCM capability.
- Focus on NG Jamming network and increase the EW aspect,
- diversifying into more air fields in various locations for better coverage and survival benefits.
- Focus on shield aspect.
if its about offensive doctrine then
- Stop over relying on F16s.. They are good but changing times states they are just above average especially when they go against the likes of Super MKI of 35 standard and Rafales. and newer block upgrades beyond Blk 52 will not be easy to access nor USA is any body's friend to permanently depend upon.
- JF17 blocks needs expediting and more resource allocation. Technology off the shelf needs focus. Round them up quickly.
- in any event of conflict, AWACS, AAR and major Radar sites, aerial fields and stationed combat jets would be first casualty. so,
- more airfields, runways and make more targets to employ survivability aspect
- the radar sites gone, AwACS gone implies, you require some of your jets to act as Mini AWACS which the present setup cannot as all would be engaged and nothing to spare to act in this formation along with defensive measures around such missions.
- Dont depent on satellite, consider also ASAT capabilities of India.
- AAR gone implies loitering and mission time decrease, so a medium/heavy category need is a must.
- Defensive doctrine focus should remain prudently.
- A longer range stand off missile for taking out Indian AWACS is a must. The present capability in term of precision, range and speed is not enough.
A case to wonder about is suppose we rule out the following jets
- More F16s
- Su35s or Russian jets
- New Chinese 5th Gen Jet
In such a scenario, whats the back up plan?
A wise and long term decision would be to join Turkey 5th gen program TAI FX now itself and contribute with smaller funding but more technical staff to work out a deal for future.
Another could be Pakistan herself launches a new 4.5th/5th Gen program.. You can design your plane and try and seek the maximum off the shelf stuff..An example is Gripen program where most stuff are non indigenous and from the market. Utilise the RD-33/93 family and build your own medium/heavy plane. It will give a big boost to your own MIC. Its a long term plan but its doable. You can part finance it with getting some funding from partners in various forum who may like to be eventual customers. The plan should be that its complementary to Turkey TAI FX program.
The dependency on either the American jets like F16 and Chinese Jets for future may not be the best path. Perhaps its a god sent opportunity where Pakistan can start their own program for a good domestic jet of medium/heavy category.It may take long time but then its the best choice for the country, its MIC and its doctrine.