How come? Especially considering the F22P can be built in Pakistan.

Presumably a 2nd batch of F22 would be an evolved design with VLS among other features.

I’m no expert but refitting the Harpoons and Phalnax systems may be difficult, it really does depend on the electronics and radar fit of the F-22s. Additionally these already come with their own C802 missiles and T703 CIWS.

Pakistan will have to essentially throw away relative new Harpoon Block IIs and upgraded Phalanax systems. In fact Pakistan just recently got the US to upgrade these

http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsraytheon-upgrade-phalanx

How are the Type 21’s and how long before they are replaced I see 1 F-184 PNS Badr has been decommissioned

Interesting time in terms of Frigate aqquisitions by PN.

Waiting 3 more OHPs that have already been selected by the USN for the PN, Congress holding things up at the moment. PN also ordering 4 more F-22s from China.

PN planning on a fleet of 8 F-22s and 4 OHPs to make up its major surface fleet force. How quickly these come on line will determine the pace of retirement of the remaining 4 Type-21s.

An added complication is the Type-21s have some very advanced EW equipment and weapons that have be retrofitted on them that the PN cannot put on the OHPs and F-22s

I am just saying, almost every quote I have read from the past 4 ACM’s of the IAF have not been glowing endorsments of the LCA. It seems they are under some pressure to accept this aircraft. The links and qoutes on this are numerous and happy to post them if you wish.

Oh let me help out here

“As per government plans, six squadrons of LCA would be manufactured of which two would be LCA MK-I while the remaining would be the MK-II version. A squadron comprises around 20 aircraft.”

http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/DRDO-Claim-on-LCA-Tejas-Export-Premature-Ex-IAF-Officers/847202

“As the programme gathers pace, we must remember that the final goal for all of us is not just the LCA Mk I, but the LCA Mk II. While our air warriors are fully geared up to induct and operationalise the two Mark I squadrons, IAF keenly looks forward to induction of four squadrons of LCA MK II as the final version in its projected force structure,” said Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne”

http://frontierindia.net/indias-homegrown-light-combat-aircraft-lca-tejas-achieves-initial-clearence

Even JF-17s would need time to manufacture and to train pilots, unless PAF would give up a squadron of their in service aircraft, which incidentally are being used to attack terrorist elements in FATA part of Pakistan right now, so the experiance and equipment would be very relevant. Also means Iraq would get a decent BVR missile.

Only issues is delivery timelines (assuming PAF does not want to give up its airframes) and also the Saudi connection. If the Saudis object then rest assured Pakistan will obey (unfortunately).

i just read that the delivery of the F-16’s to Iraq has been put on hold.
i guess it is a logical choice, guess the US fears they will fall into the hands of ISIS (just like the equipment (Hummer’s, trucks, weapons…) they donated to the Iraqi Army).
with such advanced aircraft, it would be bad if they fell into the wrong hands.

the first thing the Iraqi’s need are more Su-25’s and CAS aircraft. the YAk-130 would be ideal if they could be delivered fast.
for a quicker sollution, there’s always the L-39ZA and Chinese Q/A-5 Fantans (maybe from Pakistan?).
some secondhand F-5E’s (From Saudi Arabia) could also be ideal for a fast-mover 🙂

the Iranian Su-30 rumor has been arround for years, and up to now its nothing more then that, a rumor.
besides, there is still an international arms embargo imposed against Iran, but there is a chance that might be lifted, just a little.
i think Russia and China are eager to sell equipment to modernise Irans largly outdated Air Force.

they really need a replacement for the F-5 and F-4D/E. the F-14, dispite being over 35 to 40 years old, is still a great fighter.
the IRIAF has recently begun upgrading them, fitting them with indigenous and Russian electronic and weapons systems.

but thats onther topic……….

All 50 odd PAF A-5s have now been scrapped, but ironically F-7s with decent air to ground capability being scrapped and put on gate guard duty already in Pakistan.

Would not be a bad idea asking Pakistan for 12-18 F-7s (sure there are some F-7/MIG-21 pilots still capable in Iraq) and putting some guys through a quick conversion course.

They can handle basic CAS with rockets, iron bombs and their internal gun.

As per Alan Warnes tweet just now, PN looking at aqquring two more ATR72s in addition to the two already aqquired

As is the usually the case with India there is a lot more smoke than fire. All we have to date are rumours. Personally I still expect the deal for the full 126 aircraft to be signed this year. If not, c’est la vie. Of course folks are free to indulge in whatever fantasies they might have, but it is a shame they have to clog up the main IAF thread to do it.

I would argue the IAF thread has been clogged up with fantasies for quite a few years…..