Yep... but at this point, I'd remove the second medium-weight platform with imported engines. Rather, the PAF could buy into the TFX, but make it ITAR-free by using Chinese engines. However, at the same time, we both invest in TR Motor to create an original engine that we co-own and manufacture across parallel production lines.
Basically, I'd say AZM could become the ITAR-free TFX. This would allow us to 'offload' the FCS development to the Turks. We'd be stuck with the difficult (but maybe more tenable) task of integrating the engine. There's a lot more experience out there for this work (e.g., in South Africa, Brazil, Ukraine, etc) than trying to develop a FCS.
We start by replacing the F-16s with the TFX. The TFX would be our ticket to building (that long elusive) fleet of 100+ strike-capable fighters. We post these for maritime ops, strike, offensive air operations, etc.
That said,
if the TR Motor design checks out, both Turkey and Pakistan could get together
again to develop a single-engine medium-weight fighter. Heck, the PAF could try going it alone as a so-called 6GFA, but with the goal of replacing the JF-17. I mean, I don't think the PAF is going to fly frequent CAPs with just twinnies alone.
E.g., KAI KFX's single engine concept.
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