Hi,
It was the Israel moment for pakistan---who put their Lavi in a shed---and moved ahead with the J10.
JF17 after that time---tactically---became an utter blunder in comparison---. It was just to satisfy the ego---. Otherwise---a higher tier aircraft would have been an automatic choice.
Half a billion $ in research, the chance to start your own aviation industry, the chance to modify, induct new technologies from multiple vendors and test a plane. The chance to include weaponry from diverse providers and last but not the least a fighter you can call your own. These are very weighty arguments for JFT. Against that buy a fighter with lesser loitering time more engine problems and technologically complex therefore difficult to modify. No chance of induction of avionics from multiple providers and forever dependant on China for supplies and weapons. I think I would go for JFT any day. There is a case for inducting J10 and perhaps a lot sooner but if it were "either / or" scenario I would go for JFT any time any where.
A
Both of you respectable Gentlemen have put very valid points forward. I appreciate both your inputs.
Buying off the shelf has it's merit, but is a short term solution, leaving you vulnerable to sanctions. I am of the opinion that PAF took the right decision with the JF17.
Developing your own industrial base is the best way to go. JF17 has it's issues, but they are being ironed out as we speak.
Once it's mature, developing a medium to heavy fighter, or maintaining one, will not be an issue. There is a very valid reason why the avionics in Israeli F16's are domestically made, not because they are superior to American ones, but to prevent sanctions, or delays in deliveries. The flexibility, and independence provided by JF17 is hard to deny. A good step in the right direction.
The other positive point is that the technological edge PAC/PAF will eventually get, will enable PAF to get the latest cutting edge technology or aircraft. Turkey is a very good example, they started with simple assembly, moving to manufacturing of some parts, and then to developing their own AESA radar. Now for the TFX, they can induct the latest tech, independently or jointly as per their choosing.
