Pakistan F-16 Discussions 2

[Najam Khan]

We have 4 squadrons now, 2 more would be ideal for 6 frontline BVR squadrons.

Thunder is there, but it is long time away from reaching BLK52 capability, plus the weapons payload and hard points will be the issue. One is light weight class and the other is Medium weight.

BLK2 Thunder is as usual delayed, so BLK3 is a good 5-7 years from now on.

Aiming to achieve that capability level is good, but at the expanse of what?
More investment in buying US origin systems? These are a short term solution...lets say they keep you in the game till next 5-7 years, but what IF more improved Chinese options (read J-31) /mature JF-17 comes on table in next 10 years? Also will there be need to go with those '6-squadrons F-16s' when more mature systems are available?

 

[Donatello]

Aiming to achieve that capability level is good, but at the expanse of what?
More investment in buying US origin systems? These are a short term solution...lets say they keep you in the game till next 5-7 years, but what IF more improved Chinese options (read J-31) /mature JF-17 comes on table in next 10 years? Also will there be need to go with those '6-squadrons F-16s' when more mature systems are available?

Yes, but we need rapid stop gap measures within 1-2 years. Jordanian f-16s provided some of that. JF-17 program is taking time, it's the end of 2014 and we are still awaiting the 3rd squadron.

 

[fatman17]

Yes, but we need rapid stop gap measures within 1-2 years. Jordanian f-16s provided some of that. JF-17 program is taking time, it's the end of 2014 and we are still awaiting the 3rd squadron.

when one plans to induct between 150 - 250 aircraft, it requires planning, infrastructure development (read depot level maintenance), training of pilots and maintainers and most importantly funds. so this is a long-term process. phase-1 is complete with the replacement of the A-5III squadrons. phase-2 should see the systematic retirement of the mirages and F-7s (as per PAF plans). IMO at least 2 more squadrons of JFT will stand up during 2015.
on the F-16s, i agree a total of ~100 would do us quite well, so another sqn of 18 would be nice to have. PAF can / has the option on the 18 F-16C/D it deferred in 2005. Q is whether the US would be willing.

 

[Donatello]

when one plans to induct between 150 - 250 aircraft, it requires planning, infrastructure development (read depot level maintenance), training of pilots and maintainers and most importantly funds. so this is a long-term process. phase-1 is complete with the replacement of the A-5III squadrons. phase-2 should see the systematic retirement of the mirages and F-7s (as per PAF plans). IMO at least 2 more squadrons of JFT will stand up during 2015.
on the F-16s, i agree a total of ~100 would do us quite well, so another sqn of 18 would be nice to have. PAF can / has the option on the 18 F-16C/D it deferred in 2005. Q is whether the US would be willing.

Hi, as the option is there, there is not much USA can do, or why would it want to do anything? The question is, where do we place them and do we have 1.6 billion USD for a single squadron? My concern is, we can get 2-3 squadrons of used MLU F-16s or non MLUs and then MLU them, that give us 10-15 years. But where do we go for shopping? EDA from USA or elsewhere.

 

[IPL5]

what is the truth in the report that pakistani f-16 blk 52 can operate from a very few air bases as instructed by US and can't fly it out to the other nations for participate in training exercises ?

 

[salman-1]

USA wont give their EDA directly now. It will open window through some other country like jordan has done. Spare and good condition F-16's wont be available that much untill F-35 is mass produced like F-16. Every country is not financially sound as were they in like 70's or 80 era. These are tight fiscal era's . Replacement will be only F-35 for F-16, only then Air forces like PAF could go on easy shopping for EDA with spare engines and thousands of spare parts attached with their package for sale, Like the Mirages

 

[Donatello]

what is the truth in the report that pakistani f-16 blk 52 can operate from a very few air bases as instructed by US and can't fly it out to the other nations for participate in training exercises ?

F-16s can be used as PAF deems fit. Chinese cannot be given access to them, that's all. Otherwise they can go to all exercises that there maybe.

 

[Donatello]

In which exercises it has participated ?

Search this forum. And please, stop being ignorant.

 

[Donatello]

don't try to be a smart act, tell us where outside pakistan it had participated in any training exercises.

PAF's Exercises from around the World.

Now take your whining someplace else.

 

[MastanKhan]

what is the truth in the report that pakistani f-16 blk 52 can operate from a very few air bases as instructed by US and can't fly it out to the other nations for participate in training exercises ?

Hi,

That is a standard restriction all F 16 flying nations---. For Pakistan---it is an exceptional case----the U S has stepped out of its way to sell it the F 16 BLK 52----knowing very well that pak also operates chinese aircraft and Chinese operators are also on Pakistani base.

In order for the u s to safeguard its technology---Pakistan offered that it would have separate F 16 bases. So---basically U S had a serious concern---and Pakistan aptly addressed. Same thing against any training exercises --- you train against superior aircraft and F 16 has been doing that over the years----.

 

[Chak Bamu]

@IPL5 warned for attempted trolling. I have zero patience for trolls on these threads.

 

[fatman17]

Hi, as the option is there, there is not much USA can do, or why would it want to do anything? The question is, where do we place them and do we have 1.6 billion USD for a single squadron? My concern is, we can get 2-3 squadrons of used MLU F-16s or non MLUs and then MLU them, that give us 10-15 years. But where do we go for shopping? EDA from USA or elsewhere.

i'd prefer the newer block-52s but i guess thats me.

 

[nomi007]

 

[IrbiS]

Most recent article from 'AirForces Monthly' Magazine

 

[Donatello]

Most recent article from 'AirForces Monthly' MagazineView attachment 154502 View attachment 154503

Information like this should be posted in a wiki....

@Oscar @Horus @WebMaster

It would be useful to have locked threads where such information can be posted for future reference.