GiantPanda
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The PLAAF hasn't introduced a small or a medium engine aircraft like the JF-17 since the J-7. The J-10, J-11, J-16 and J-20 are all based on the heavy engine class, in particular the WS-10 and WS-15 in the future.
Very unlikely the JF-17 was ever on the PLAAF's roadmap. FC-1 was always developed as an export aircraft.
In fact, the JF-17 is assembled mainly in Pakistan not China. That would not happen if it were a PLAAF jet.
That was exactly what the JF-17 was intended to do. The J-10 line might be available as the PLAAF move into an increasing 5th gen and then 6th gen force. But I am not sure Pakistan would or could sustain another line until its industry is more mature.
Very unlikely the JF-17 was ever on the PLAAF's roadmap. FC-1 was always developed as an export aircraft.
In fact, the JF-17 is assembled mainly in Pakistan not China. That would not happen if it were a PLAAF jet.
I've been saying it over and over. Pakistan MUST build it's strategic assets in house even at a limited ToT or assembly bases. Future wars will be long wars of attrition and you can't source "parts" or send your jets to China for "fixtures".
That was exactly what the JF-17 was intended to do. The J-10 line might be available as the PLAAF move into an increasing 5th gen and then 6th gen force. But I am not sure Pakistan would or could sustain another line until its industry is more mature.
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