J-10 could use the Gripen NG main landing gear design and gain a good bit of fuel load.

J-10?

Have to remember that Iran and Russia don’t have a comfortable history. Not to say they won’t buy Russian hardware as appropriate, but they’ll want to hedge their bets.

They still have a closer arms procurement relationship with Russia than anyone else. Plus Russia doesn’t GAS what the Saudis think, unlike China. Putin might do it just to get back at the Gulf Arabs for driving down oil prices. Don’t know how they would get around the arms embargo, but as soon as it’s down its going to be an all you can eat Russian buffet.

In terms of inlet position, it most resembles the F-117.

Pakistan doesn’t have a reputation of backing out of contracts and China doesn’t have a reputation of overcharging their clients.

I guess MI-35s will be for the eastern border (Afghanistan / Tribal areas) and Z-10/T-129 for western (India). MI-35s will also free up AH-1s and maybe provide some transport capability.

If this transfer is confirmed those Z-10s are almost certainly earmarked for fighting in the tribal areas. China is looking to prove this helo in combat as soon as possible so it can compete on the international market. Suddenly the market expanded considerably with everything happening in the world. Pakistan probably got a great deal for these samples, and they’re not for patroling some quiet sector.

I always thought Rooivolk was perfect for Pakistan. The production line is probably for sale if they want it. But Pakistan always seemed lacking in urgency upgrading their attack helicopter force despite an obvious need.

I don’t see any proof this was actually taken in Pakistan. If the photo originated from a Pakistani website that’s one thing. But how does something happening in a Pakistani hanger get leaked to a Chinese fan site?

So after all these years was canceling the Rooivalk a mistake? Seems the attack helicopter market is still pretty warm with the rise of instability in the Islamic world and Ukriane.

I know these types of jets don’t have fuel in the wings for safety, but what about using wingtip tanks? Should be far enough from everything and not pose a fire hazard.