Future of Pakistan AF?

A while back, a plan was revealed as to future of Pakistani Air Force.

From memory this was to standardise fleet on 3 types (F-16, J-10, JF-17) by 2015 and retire older Mirage III/V and F-7 jets.

Status of F-16

– 18 new build F-16C/D delivered.

– 32 existing F-16A/B to be upgraded to MLU standard.

– 14 out 28 embargoed F-16A/B delivered. Other 14 still in USN service.

– ESTIMATED FLEET: 64 a/c

– Equip 3 squadrons (F-16A/B – 9 Sqn and 11 OCU, F-16C/D – 5 Sqn)

Questions re F-16
– What’s happening to 14 USN F-16A/B that were meant to be delivered to Pakistan?
– What’s happening to option for additional F-16C/D (14-18 a/c)?

Status of J-10

– Apparently these will not be ordered.

http://forum.pakistanidefence.com/index.php?showtopic=100573

Status of JF-17
– Apparently 150 ordered + 50 options
– 2 squadrons already formed (16 & 26)
– Third squadron to stand up in 2013.

Questions re JF-17
– Is 150 order correct?
– What’s the delivery rate?

Status of Mirage III/V/F-7

– These still serve in large numbers and equip 13 squadrons (6 Mirage incl OCU + 7 F-7 incl 2 OCU).

So in order to retire Mirage III/V and F-7 by 2015 Pakistan needs to induct a total of 13 squadrons worth of aircraft between now and 2015 (208 – 260 a/c depending on squadron size and this excludes attrition reserve).

– Even if JF-17 deliveries are ramped up, training of squadrons takes considerably longer.
– Hence it would appear Mirage III/V and/or F-7 will continue to serve post 2015.