next we’ll read from our “russia-friendly” posters is that the PAK-FA flies in orbit, shooting intergalactic missiles on unsuspecting targets…

for now, it’s pretty much like the F-35, a work in progress… how it will fare against a Rafale is anyone’s guess… too bad that people who thoroughly tested a multitude of aircraft ended up with results not meeting “russia’s da best” wet dreams…

As for our friend saying that India can’t count on support from western nations in case of war, you should look into Kargil conflct and the support India received from Dassault… From what I’ve read, it was simply top notch, exactly the opposite of what you said, mate… 😉

Sure, it got lots of support from Dassault, it just tragically you have no evidence of this do you?

Thunder Resonates as Modernization Inches Forward in Pakistan

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140210/DEFREG/302100032/Thunder-Resonates-Modernization-Inches-Forward-Pakistan

China, Pakistan set for submarine deal by end of year, say officials

http://www.janes.com/article/33315/china-pakistan-set-for-submarine-deal-by-end-of-year-say-officials

Leaving aside a lot of lavish theories and speculation. Maybe they simply do not have the money….

Teer

Please do not put words in my mouth. I simply stated PAF has MAR-1, 100 of them. I think it is a very effective missile. Long rants by you will not change that. You may live in a world where anything Pak V Indian means India wins. I live in one which has a healthy respect for the combat capabilities of each air arm. Not every enemies assets are mobile all the time, if the IAF had to keep moving assets around due to its fear of being targeted by Pakistani missiles, then they have done their job. Nothing at all is know of the true combat capabilities of MAR-1. RAAD or H4, just like very little is know about the abilities of many of India’s systems, but dont let this stop you, you come up with your own ideas about how everything will work out….

Teer

I wont take the bait on most of the above, so lets stick to facts.

1) PAF have expressed a desire to aqquire J-10, not happened yet, may never happen, but this is certainly in PAF plans.
2) MAR-1 has a 100km range.
3) I cannot state how well the MAR-1 will perform in the SEAD/DEAD role, neither can you. Going on past battles between different countries and missiles is no real comparison at all. To be honest the “my missiles are better then yours” argument is quite invalid. PAF and JF-17 have a modern anti-radiation missile. That is better then no missile at all. Anyone claiming the MAR-1 is no good without any proof just defies logic

Why would there be, after all other developing countries would want something more sophisticated or buy it off the world wide market. After all, in today’s world, most other AF would not accept a fighter as its cutting edge, if it does not even have a proper HMS (even at FOC, only talk that it will arrive), not even a proper HOBs missile & so on & so forth. Or as a new build (not an upgrade) lacks enabling technologies like a full FBW.

Most of these capabilities/technologies are available in upgraded platforms & developing countries can acquire them.

Only countries with limited threat perception, or with key affordability constraints would want something like the JF-17.

Hence to quote the JF-17 as some achievement “no fighters comparable to the JF-17 made by developing countries in service anywhere” is meaningless.. its akin to saying, there are no flyweights in the Heavy weight championships.

It will have to fill PAF’s needs, as it really does not have any other inductions planned (since it cannot afford them). After all, with the bulk of its platforms being thoroughly outclassed/obsolete (F7s and Mirages without any BVR capability), the JF-17 is a step up.

But its still behind even upgraded 4G platforms like F-16s, Mirage 2000s etc.

This is exactly why PAF purchased the JF-17. It is a massive leap in capability compared to F-7 and Mirages. Considering the cost of the entire project this was money very well spent.

For higher end, PAF has other options.

JF-17 with BVR SD-10, MAR-1 SEAD missile, LGBs and C808, new advanced radar and EW along with ARR capability is replacing a short ranged AIM-9 equipped F-7 on a one to one basis.

I would consider that a very good step up.

For the PAF, the JF-17 is the best fighter it can afford (apart from a few handmedown/new F-16s). For the PLAAF, its not even good enough.

It does not suite PLAAF requirments, and yes it is a low cost fighter for PAF, so again, I dont see the point being made here.

The JF-17 is BVR capable, has anti-radar and anti-ship missiles, air to air reufelling is being tested and has PGM capability. For a low cost fighter it aint bad.