There is a gap in your understanding of the word 'cannibalization in the context of fleet readiness.
First lets understand this.
If part A goes wrong in aircraft# 707 and part B goes wrong in aircraft #709, it makes greater sense to cannibalize aircraft # 708 of these two parts compared to ordering, sourcing, delivering and then installing these parts. This is 4 months time on average right there.
No one has said there are bunch of viper airframes at Sargodha eating the dust. However, in context of PAF F-16s, we have routinely cannibalized older F-16s of crucial components in an effort to support maybe an airframe that is perhaps newer and needs to clock x number of hours as planned by F-16 office at AHQ.
The reason is simple. the supply chain is not lean and is far from simple due to a variety of reasons. It is fairly easy and QUICK to cannibalize one airframe and keep other 7 airframes airworthy. While the engg prepares a summary of requirements and HQ deals with the rest of the procurement cycle which is a LONG process.
Every time Pakistan requires technical support for its F-16s, it is awarded to multiple companies in the US. And do a little search, how often does that happen? It's a recurring process. Pakistan does not manufacture the mission critical parts of F-16s.
When elders speak, you listen and learn. Pictures are supposed to be your forte. Next time come up with pictures when someone asks. I don't want to do it for you.
Whatever the case, we never had 'operational' 32 F-16s even in those times. Heck, look at the mission readiness rates of USAF F-16 fleet. On a good day it has been around 82%. Even they cannibalize their aircraft as per the need.
It is appalling that fans believe we have all 75 vipers mission ready as we speak. Like really.
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Beautifully explained.