I read the posts and then thought, why not to rant a bit? after all everyone is having a good time at discussion whereby be adding information or positive criticism, is pretty much interesting.
If you may remember, we had some discussion in regard to Nigerian acquisition of Thunders while one of the missiles was into integration process for Thunders. What was revealed that every day, month or year spent upon the platform is in-fact being utilized for further development but it may looks like an idle situation to the commoners or people not so aware about progress behind closed doors.
Thunder provided us the feeling of road towards self-reliance and not just that but sets up a base for our aviation industry. Why don't people try to connect the dots that Project Azm ain't just born out of sudden idea but it has the route going back to 90s when we started with Thunder development. We have witnessed the PAF hierarchy saying that Thunder provided enough knowledge & Tech Validation that some of the developments are seen in J-10 & even a bit in J-20. All those techs combined with our participation for JF-17, is a big success. It may looks like to the few that Thunder is merely a short legged, not so attractive and behind 4th Gen fighters but on other hand, we are here talking about almost 80 years of Tycoons in Jet industry as compare to our first step into right direction. JF-17 Thunder is evolving and is more than good in its class of fighters as well as the product by a nation like Pakistan having all the sanctions & not so pleasant economy, with the help of China.
Secondly, JF-17 Thunder is still evolving and it wasn't a shortsightedness that such design parameters along with low-Med class jet was created but in-fact, our geography along with need and then finally/above all our strategy come planning or doctrine was involved to come up with such product. Has it been about stretching the air-frame, adding more size into Block-I or II for weight carrying and even the tech around; who in the right mind will deny the fact PAC/PAF could have waited more longer or even put some more $$ into project but question remains as whether the same worth it. The upcoming Block-III, as speculated or per information available in public domain, is going to deliver us more than expected security having its latest tech, weaponry & independence for our integration for the weapon of our choice.
Similarly, it is going all as planned and couple of months delay which actually results in more capable fighter having latest incorporated Tech is far more beneficial than half cooked/hastily decided product. Thunder is all fine in its domain and if I have to think as what will supplement the Med-High area in PAF then in-fact I will repeat myself that plans are in place. F-16s are staying as they are serving effectively, Mirages V etc are in arena with more life and due to their critical role and upcoming Thunder with Block-III that will suffice separated & designated role like we have different squadrons. Med-High class will be filled hence, we are looking at Azm which itself may be yet another surprise. We apparently aren't rushing for many factors including a well cooked product, lot of experience being gained, a self reliant structure & more emphasis on freedom of platform for matting anything that we want against the Enemy.
In the end, frustration in regard to awaited Block-III and our opinion that PAF should have either Viper or another Med-High platform is not unjust rather we feel the necessity for our security so I will give it like that for those who shows positive frustration though, saying that Top Brass is or was clueless or this & that is not fair at all. As the economy grows, we can see more of shiny Viper type jets produced by PAC.
