@Oscar @Bilal Khan 777 Do you think the PAA will replace the Pumas next?
Thoughts on potential suitors:
AW139
1. In terms of weight, engine power and stated lift capability, the AW139 is very close to the PAA's current Puma. Plus the AW139 was tested (and bought) for its good hot-and-high performance by the PAF.
2. Pakistan understands the AW139's PT6C turboshaft engine fairly well now. In fact, PAC released a tender in 2016 to build a MRO site for the PT6.
3. The dual-PA and PAF AW139 purchase in 2016 means that the infrastructure to absorb the AW139 (e.g. training, GSE, etc) is already in place.
4. Leonardo's CEO just led a delegation to Pakistan and met with the Foreign Minister, MoDP and others. Both sides called for joint defence production, so I think there's opportunity for some parts manufacturing, assembly, etc.
Turkish Aerospace/Sikorsky T-70 Blackhawk
1. It's basically the same proven S-70i Blackhawk design, but manufactured in Turkey (airframe, engine and avionics). As long as the US DoD is OK with it, Turkey can sell the T-70 to Pakistan.
2. If the AH-1Zs come through, then the PAA can scale the training it will have done for the GE T-700-series to the T-70. Bringing this engine's MRO facilities would also enable Pakistan to look at larger Western helicopters in the future.
3. It'll be costlier to procure than the AW139 though, and the PAF had (as per Alan Warnes) rejected the S-70i in favour of the AW139.
Airbus H215 Super Puma
1. Despite being related to the SA330 Puma, the Super Puma uses a different engine and is larger (basically Mi-8/Mi-17 size).
2. Known for succeeding in rugged environments. The H215 - like the AW139 and S-70i - has seen widespread commercial and armed forces use around the world, so it has plenty of scale, lots of spare parts and used airframes, etc.
3. The unit cost isn't too far from the Mil Mi-17.