Pakistan to Exercise Options for More F-16s

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Well I think - F16 C/D is a separate option in order to enhance our Air force's performance

Its completely separate process then JF17 thunder , and J10B - so I feel we are ok to let this option stay also this helps to modernize our air-force
While its not a long term option but we are safe with a 80 strong Air-force of F16 even in defensive role

81 F16 C/D
100 JF17 Thunder
36 J10B

Its a wonderful - option - for 2011 estimates , its great also that we will just get the planes we origionally ordered replaced rightfully and that concludes the matter from 1990's

For me the big news is second OHP class frigate in the package for our navy

18 F16 C/D , plus 1 OHP frigate (refurbished and weapon upgraded) , and 3 P3 orions
plus weapons for F16 C/D is good option

1.2 billion for 18 F16 , missiles, weapons, support , engine spares
1.2 billion for 3 More Orions (Navy)
1.3 billion for x 2 OHP frigate, Harpoons , Torpedoes, air defence

 

[Bravo92]

The want for more F-16's gives me the feeling that Jf-17 and Fc-20 are still not on par with the latest jets. Infact Fc-20 is still in the shadows i mean there is no concrete evidence about the superiority of Fc-20. Anyways its my personal opinion so please dont start bashing me for it.

 

[Donatello]

Idiots at PAF are yet again going to shove our dollars on something that they won't be able to use to defend their own motherland.


nice.

 

[Najam Khan]

I agree with Mani2020, the article is completely based on only one 'inside' news...During reading one gets the feeling that the whole article is based on 'wild guesses' about things which may or may not have been in the pipeline. Their is no reason to take it serious.

Buying aircraft in numbers is not the only a debatable topic, acquiring complete logistics chain along with required equipment/strength,money,need and future prospects are the factors any Air Force keeps in mind before making an investment.

In PAF's case currently their is no need of buying more52+. We would need complete infrastructure for a new squadron along with more examples of latest weaponry(A2A,A2G weapons and targetting/EW pods) to keep these aircraft combat ready at all times, similar work would be required if 5 Sqn gets more a/c.

Also more experts will be required both in the air and on the ground.

IMO the article has no-credibiltity at all until we hear an official statement regarding more equipment form LM/PAF/US Govt.

 

[Jon Snow]

The want for more F-16's gives me the feeling that Jf-17 and Fc-20 are still not on par with the latest jets. Infact Fc-20 is still in the shadows i mean there is no concrete evidence about the superiority of Fc-20. Anyways its my personal opinion so please dont start bashing me for it.

doubt it...... from all reports coming from china the j 10 is a great plane- far exceeding the f 16 blk 52.
maybe there is a delay in the fc 20 and this is just a gap filler or it could simply be false news

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Well , the F16 C/D is more of a cooperation - and communication benefit of working on issues with US , its more of a constructive - collaboration
Thunder is more of our national De-fence priority and J10B is more of Air Superiority

The three prone strategy , ensures we have proper national air defense

F16 C/D is an advance fighter - it diversifies our national needs together with JF17 thunder and J10B

Just because we are getting F16 C/D does not undermines thunders and J10B

But its more of a balanced approach

J10B is not due untill 2014, with its engine and AESA , it is strongest air option
but F16 C/D and Thunder form a great partnership give Pakistani Airforce a great advantage

With India's MRCA 100 planes or so , I think its safe that we have upgraded our F16 C/D around 80 fighters (if the deal goes thru) to keep both airforces in close balance and maintain the balance in region


Is F16 C/D 18 new ones something like F22 raptors no , is it F35 Vertical landing planes ? No ...
but what it offers to our airforce a plane that can ensure , safety in air for next 10-15 years for our national needs

F16 C/D (Good 2 roles strike - Interception ) - close integration with Swedish AWACs
J10B (Air superiority over Pakistani Skies) - close integration with Chinese AWACs
J17 thunder (Air - Navy - Ground) - close integration with Chinese AWACs

 

[SQ8]

I agree with Mani2020, the article is completely based on only one 'inside' news...During reading one gets the feeling that the whole article is based on 'wild guesses' about things which may or may not have been in the pipeline. Their is no reason to take it serious.

Buying aircraft in numbers is not the only a debatable topic, acquiring complete logistics chain along with required equipment/strength,money,need and future prospects are the factors any Air Force keeps in mind before making an investment.

In PAF's case currently their is no need of buying more52+. We would need complete infrastructure for a new squadron along with more examples of latest weaponry(A2A,A2G weapons and targetting/EW pods) to keep these aircraft combat ready at all times, similar work would be required if 5 Sqn gets more a/c.

Also more experts will be required both in the air and on the ground.

IMO the article has no-credibiltity at all until we hear an official statement regarding more equipment form LM/PAF/US Govt.

I think the "chit chat" by our foreign minister has sparked this one, and while that was just a casual reference to the idea of getting used AM/BM's from European countries that have excess articles.. the speculative ideas have kicked in.
Getting a few more AM/BM's wont hurt us or cause any massive logistical issues.
Getting brand spanking new Block 52's would.

 

[Najam Khan]

I think the "chit chat" by our foreign minister has sparked this one, and while that was just a casual reference to the idea of getting used AM/BM's from European countries that have excess articles.. the speculative ideas have kicked in.
Getting a few more AM/BM's wont hurt us or cause any massive logistical issues.
Getting brand spanking new Block 52's would.

Yes i agree, buying AM/BMs in good shape with 2-3000hrs would be a good deal. The F16s we received from Dec,2005- July2008 were almost brand new...pilots still praise them. There are always corrosion issues on the aircraft which flew frequently on sea. BAF/RoNAF/HAF F16s share the same fate. During any such deal the inspection team has a lot of responsibility, i just hope we get good flying stuff

 

[SQ8]

Yes i agree, buying AM/BMs in good shape with 2-3000hrs would be a good deal. The F16s we received from Dec,2005- July2008 were almost brand new...pilots still praise them. There are always corrosion issues on the aircraft which flew frequently on sea. BAF/RoNAF/HAF F16s share the same fate. During any such deal the inspection team has a lot of responsibility, i just hope we get good flying stuff

If nothing else, they can be used for spare parts and "second line" work.
Keep the other frames low hours.. and use the corrosion ones for the routine walks in the park.

 

[Manticore]

the f16 numbers in triple digits is itself a psychological stressor upon most aggressors

 

[Icarus]

F-16 is a time tested platform, and an over all great plane. Our pilots are also whizzes when it comes to flying the F-16. However, in case of another Pressler Amendment they become commodities that just look good parked in their hangars. If we are to get F-16s, they must be sanction-proof otherwise, Chinese and Russians are always open for business.

 

[Bhairava]

F-16 is a time tested platform, and an over all great plane. Our pilots are also whizzes when it comes to flying the F-16. However, in case of another Pressler Amendment they become commodities that just look good parked in their hangars. If we are to get F-16s, they must be sanction-proof otherwise, Chinese and Russians are always open for business.

Russians ?

What have they offered or are willing to offer except permission to China to re-export its RD-93 aka RD-33 ?

 

[Icarus]

Russians ?

What have they offered or are willing to offer except permission to China to re-export its RD-93 ?

The Indians rejected the Russian tender remember, that's ground for us to build upon. They sold us the Mi-17s before. If we can pay for it, they will be as eager to sell their aircraft as well.

 

[TaimiKhan]

Russians ?

What have they offered or are willing to offer except permission to China to re-export its RD-93 aka RD-33 ?

From Russians it would be easy enough for us the get spare parts, which in the case of US becomes difficult. We can use the China way or directly get it from them. Plus, previously we got sanctioned by the US, not by UN, thus is US sanctions us doesn't means everyone else will sanction us.

One of the reason PAF went for RD-93s.

We got IL-78s, there must be definitely something from Russia in it, then the Mi-17s which we use in dozens. We may be not dealing in billions with the Russians, but somethings of critical nature have been gotten from them and who knows what happens in future.

 

[Bhairava]

The Indians rejected the Russian tender remember, that's ground for us to build upon. They sold us the Mi-17s before. If we can pay for it, they will be as eager to sell their aircraft as well.

You think the Russians will come over for the rejection of just one tender which they themselves knew did not stand a chance ?

Fine here goes the list of expected and underway deals between India-Russia -- 300 fifth Gen aircrafts, 66 Fulcrums upgrade , 3 frigates on order, Tender for 3 submarines , unknown number of Transport choppers expected to be ordered, Attack chopper tender , 1000 more T-90 tanks to be license built, MRTA (Medium range Transport aircraft) JV between UAC and HAL, Nuke submarine lease, Brahmos JV, Civilian Nuke deals etc.

These are the known deals and there are plenty underground deals.

Not saying that Russia will never do business with Pakistan - but it will be limited to toys like the Mi-17 as you said.

The Chinese are your best bet.

We got IL-78s, there must be definitely something from Russia in it, then the Mi-17s which we use in dozens. .

There is nothing Russian in it (Il-78s).

They were Soviet era and were bought off Ukrainian surplus stocks after the disintegration of USSR. Link