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Chogy please give your opinion on this issue, what will be better for PAF more used F-16 which don't allow HARM + HARPOON integration, used M2k9s spares supply not sure from OEM or J-10-B new which comes whatever PAF want but have more price tag as they are new?
Weapons integration with the F-16 is rarely a technical issue, within reasons, of course. We cannot install something that could violate aircraft structural integrity, right ? So the debate on whether to use the F-16 in a maritime role, which would necessitate the Harpoon missile integration, is purely a political decision, meaning between Pakistan' leaders and between Pakistan and the US.
Getting the J-10B is also largely a political issue. As airmen, we will fly and fix whatever our political leaders say they will buy. We can input our thoughts into the decision making process, such as logistics, training, familiarity, longevity, and so on, and hope that the final decision will be a wise one for the country.
The F-16 is a proven platform with a global record that includes durability and versatility that is hard to match, let alone surpass, by any machine from any country. It set the standards for the taken for granted fly-by-wire flight control system that is mandatory for any warplane today and for the airline industry. As for its single engine, the F-16 is nothing new in the line of single engine fighters that proved themselves durable and survivable, for land and sea basing, so that debate is pretty much petty, in my opinion. For countries that do not have or need the geopolitical power extension and projection that we have, a single engine fighter is a wise economical choice for their countries. Ask any maintenance trooper and he/she will tell you that changing the engine in a single engine fighter is twice as easy and fast as any dual engine ones. And we have far more experience in that arena of aviation than any country in the world and under any environmental condition.
As an American, who have seen the world through the beautiful F-16 canopy from 30k+ ft altitude, who knows what is it like to merely twitch my right wrist and have the jet respond to 9g forces, and an abashed F-16 'fanboy', my opinion to go for the F-16 could be reasonably charged with being grossly biased. The most I can 'advise', as much as 'advice' from an anonymous Internet forum handle matters, is that Pakistanis will have to assess how much is the
CURRENT level of dependency on the F-16 by Pakistani airmen, from pilots to maintainers to air doctrines, and guess the differences, if any, should Pakistan decide to get the J-10B. Make no mistakes and underestimations, the two aircrafts are obviously not the same, they will exhibit different behaviors at all flying conditions.
Take the A-10 and F-16 in CAS, for example. The F-16's faster speed will allow the pilot to exit the threat area faster but will also reduce his situational awareness (SA) compare to his A-10 brother, who will remain under threat longer but will have greater SA to better respond to ground troop's requests/instructions. Combat Controllers, and I have friends among them, prefers the A-10 over the F-16. These behavioral differences will inevitably produces different combat tactics and doctrines. Changing aircrafts and you will have to re-study and reformulate your current tactics and doctrines, hopefully not too radical as to require retraining.
Is the Harpoon and maritime mission worth such a change ? Perhaps Pakistan can negotiate with the US at a later date over this ? Is it possible that Pakistan can develop her own Harpoon-like missile ? Are there any differences in logistics for the J-10B, such as reliability of delivery of parts and quality of parts, comparable to what Pakistan currently have with the F-16 ?
The US, with our resources and experience, can afford to constantly question our current platforms, tactics, and doctrines, and change them if we deem necessary. Should Pakistan ? Yes. But can Pakistan and to what extent ? Would China sell Pakistan just a few J-10B to study and agrees to support them for X years ? Not likely. How about Pakistan agreed to buy a couple squadron's worth of J-10B then China will talk about long term support ? Then what if the J-10B fails to live up to Pakistan's expectations ? Keep in mind that I am not saying the J-10B is junk in anyway. But there are many many many reasons why countries who must purchase their defense needs convincing from sellers that their wares will meet buyer's needs and expectations. And just because the Chinese places no limitations on what they will sell you does not mean the J-10B will meet your needs and expectations. Once you bought those couple of squadron's worth of J-10Bs, you can rot them and Chinese does not care. They already have your money.
This is a debate that will have to remain between you guys as you figuratively places yourselves into your leaders' shoes. Again, you have to assess your
CURRENT level of dependency on the F-16 and ask if the J-10B have anything in quantity that will convince you -- the buyers -- that your current level of proficiency of all aspects, from flying to maintenance, on the F-16 can be matched or even surpassed by the J-10B, to worth spending billions of hard earned cash.