Guys
@Zarvan @Syed Hammad Ahmed @Maxpane , just get over with this Rafale hype.
Countering JUST 36 Rafales is quite easy with our current resources as well. Call it a threat but not an unavoidable threat.
S-400 gives advantage to india in terms of increasing their radar coverage and to keep an eye on our jets as well as deny us airspace much further inside Pakistan. To counter this, we do the same, Get an enhanced version of HQ-9 (not necessary to match the range of S-400, Indian S-400 might have detection range of around 600KM but what matters is the tracking range which won’t be more than 350km by any chance. We can have a multi layered umbrella made up of HQ-9 (280+KM) and HQ-16 (70-80KM) close to the border to deny indian Rafales or MKIs entering our airspace and to keep our Command And Control updated with the live movements inside India. This will keep their rafales at bay and will prevent the BVR engagements of Block 3 and Rafale.
Now, the important thing to keep in mind is that we are a defensive force, our top priority is denial of airspace followed by providing cover to our fighters.
In the case of offense, The Priority must be SEAD ops by our AWACS and DEAD by either Block 3 or Mirages but i would rather keep J-16 or FC-31 for this unique role, i wish PAF does look into this. J-16 is what you can ACTUALLY call a “Mini-Awacs” while FC-31 can avoid S-400 for most part of flight INSIDE INDIAN AIRSPACE.
Lately, the issue is not single, but there are 2 separate issues and we always mix them up.
Issue 1 - S-400, Issue 2 - Rafale
Issue 1 is an actual issue, something that can’t be avoided but can be primarily as well as secondarily countered, Primarily through SEAD DEAD ops and Secondarily by posing a similar threat to India in the form of HQ-9 or the new anti stealth radar that was spotted not too long ago.
Now In short, Priorities (Highest(top) to lowest(bottom))
- JF-17 Block 3 (>100)
- HQ-9B+HQ-16 Combo
- Procure at least 3 more AWACS and consider getting some mini awacs from China as well if they are worthy enough
- J-16/FC-31 (36 at most) for DEAD ops escorted by AWACS and a second wave of Thunders and F-16s
- Lastly, F-16 upgrades and possible further procurements.
All the above mentioned points should be implemented before 2026, AZM can carry forward till 2032-35
Rumour is that FC-31 v3 will fly very soon, like in a month or so. We are going to Have IDEAS 2020 as well as Zhuhai AirShow 2020, We can expect at least some development in this regard. I bet PAF despite going towards AZM, has eyes fixed on FC-31, because you don’t make something perfectly until you own something of its class for some time, so we might actually see some J-31s in PAF colors. If the flight goes fine, there might be another prototype of v3 by the end of this year or by next year, followed by the possible Low Rate Initial Productions if PLAAN/PLAN puts forward a requirement. PLAN might order it if this is the very much touted J-35 (FC-31 v3), so guys, Keep calm, Future is Good inshaAllah.
@Mangus Ortus Novem @Basel @Trailer23 @Hodor @ziaulislam @fatman17 @seven0seven @FuturePAF @MastanKhan @The Eagle @Windjammer @Signalian @aliyusuf @HRK @Bilal Khan (Quwa)