Haris Ali2140
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Sir,
No doubt PAF loves the F-16's like with the Mirrage but we know that when PAF bought the F-16's they were thinking of going on the same lines they had done in the past by procuring more Mirrage III and V's from those countries that were decommissioning them. PAF planners had hoped that 40 years down the line USA would have removed the F-16 from their main forces and would have replaced them but they had never thought that USA will continue to upgrade and continue to procure and use them for another 20-30 years as drones along with the F-22 and F-35's.
Moreover PAF was also surprised to see how the US Navy destroyed the F-14's so that Iran could not get any thing. This is why PAF had to rethink on how can Pakistan could circumvent and procure more F-16's, the same old files were brought up again and suggestions were asked where everyone decided that PAF still can procure those F-16's that are manufactured in Europe and even procure those from Jordan and other Muslim countries. In reality when PAF wanted to procure some of the Jordanian F-16 they were refused by USA rather those F-16 were bought by private owner in USA and upgraded. Today they are for sale on e-bay but not to Pakistan.
Its about time PAF must decide what our priorities are and how to work around with the F-16's we have in the time of need incase it moves not as planned. Today PAF is in dire need of LIFT platforms that can also be converted into light attack aircraft so that the main fighters can be free for more engagements.
The amount for procuring 35 F16blk70/72 can buy around 150-200 KAI-T-50 Golden Eagle/ FA-50 which uses the same weapons that are on F-16. This will cost around 40-50 mil USD similar to what JF-17blk3 costs.
The question is will Blk-3 be enough to prevent Indians from doing another 26 after Rafales arrive???