Will these result in more FC-1 or J-10 procure from China?

I think it will result in acceleration of FC-1 development and even evolvement…

You have two sources. One qouting The Friday Times which is the most unreliable news source in Pakistan, the other qoutes the ACM of PAF saying they are now happy with the package.

You figure out what will happen….

No bar on use of new F-16s, says air chief

By Mayed Ali

ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed has said there is no bar on the operational employment of the new F-16s Pakistan intends to acquire from the US under the proposed deal.

In an exclusive interview with The News panel, the Air Chief Marshal made it clear that the US authorities had not imposed any restriction on the operational capability of the Fighting Falcons Pakistan would purchase from the US. “We will be fully empowered to use our platforms wherever we want and however we want.”

The News panel comprised Salim Bokhari, Mayed Ali and Naeem Tahir. He said the PAF would use the F-16s for all sorts of defensive and offensive sorties, carrying all conventional weaponry in its inventory. The air chief set aside the apprehensions attached to the possible deal with the US in this regard.

As for arrival of the US personnel, he explained that this was not something surprising or a new phenomenon. The US personnel had also come along with the F-104 Starfighters in 1960s and F-16s in 1983. The same was true for other nations like France and China, who had sent their skilled personnel with the consignments of Mirage III and F-6 (Mig-19) and F-7 P and PGs (Mig-21s) for providing technical assistance to the PAF during the early days of induction.

He said the US wouldn’t want the technology transfer to any other country, especially those working in cooperation with Pakistan in the field of defence. Tanvir was all praise for the F-16s, Block 52 versions and the upgraded midlife platforms. He looked forward to smooth completion of the deal.

He believed the induction of latest Fighting Falcons would give an instant lift to the PAF capabilities in defending its territorial integrity. He firmly believed the induction of these planes would balance the skies in the subcontinent. Highlighting the features of the new F-16s, he explained that the relatively bigger aircraft (Block 52) has a more powerful engine with more thrust, more fuel carrying capacity along with air-to-air refuelling capacity, more hard points with more loading capacity, long-range radar, very effective avionics, laser, and ECM pods. The aircraft would also have recce cameras, night-vision capability, smart weaponry, including BVR missiles (AMRAAM), sidewinders, and other smart ammunition. The air chief was of the opinion that the Fighting Falcons would help the PAF grow into future, giving the air force the liberty to take on the threats in the air, over land and sea, day or night in all weather conditions.
Since the aircraft would not need extended logistic arrangements as these were already in operation in the country, it would give the PAF extra financial liberty for upgrading other equipment on the ground.

The air chief was also enthusiastic about the induction of SAAB Erieye Airborne Early Warning System (AWACS) platforms, which would become a force-multiplier. He believed the Erieye was as good as the Phalcon radar platforms with better agility, courtesy the SAAB 2000 aircraft.

In addition to this, the PAF is also awaiting the delivery of air-to-air refuelling system. The air chief hinted at acquisition of platforms from Ukraine. He also informed that the PAF was working on a pilot project for upgrading some existing aircraft for the purpose of aerial refuelling.

Once these aircraft got the capability, these would be integrated with the fleet of fuel-tankers. The success of this programme would help the PAF move forward, he said. The air chief was of the view that since air combat and superiority is becoming the name of the game in the modern-day warfare, the PAF has to be equipped and upgraded accordingly. In a world where air-land strategy is taking over from the conventional mode of war, the PAF should have the required technology and workforce to meet future challenges

Relaxed!

Nice to have you back!

Can you be a little more specific as to what might be the difference?

Sorry no. I dont want to come across as withholding onformation or know more then others. It will be there for all to see. In all likely hood President of Pakistan will sign this letter of acceptence with President Bush.

Its not one upmanship. Pakistan is about to sign a final deal for the package. We have debated what it may consist of and now we will find out. Whats the problem here!?

September 19, 2006 Tuesday Sha’aban 25, 1427

Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)

Pakistan-India peace process restored: FO ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday said the joint statement issued after the September 16 meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a positive development that would help the two sides move forward. “The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and narrowed down their differences,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told newsmen at a weekly briefing. She said the foreign secretaries of the two countries would meet in New Delhi to continue the composite dialogue. Regarding the India-Pakistan anti-terrorism institutional mechanism, she said “the purpose is to help the two countries prevent acts of terrorism,” adding that Pakistan already has such mechanisms in place with other countries. The spokesperson to a question rejected that Pakistan has changed its stance on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, and said Pakistan believes that the status quo was not a solution, rather the resolution must be acceptable to Kashmiris. About the forthcoming meeting of President Musharraf with President George Bush, she said two leaders would review progress on bilateral, regional and other matters. She said the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan-India peace process, Middle East and other global issues would also be discussed. About the visit of Governor NWFP to the United States, she said it was possible that he would brief the authorities there about the recent agreement in North Waziristan with the tribals and the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones. About Pakistan’s aspirants for the post of UN Secretary General, Aslam said no decision has yet been taken as there was enough time to decide. Regarding the remarks of Pope Benedict, she said “such references are not expected from somebody who is the head of the Vatican”, adding “it is important that we make effort to build bridges and understand other faiths”. About the sale of F-16 aircraft, the spokesperson said the letter of acceptance by Pakistan was being prepared and the sale has already been cleared by the US Congress. (Posted @ 18:44 PST)

Better having a tank in with some flaws you can iron out later then not tank at all. Its adequate for the opposition it will face. Al Khalid, Al Zarrar and T-80UD will leave Pak with a decent tank fleet.

We can go round the houses debating this. But right now lets stick to facts.

Erieye = On course for delivery next year

NO PHALCOON till 2008

AMRAAM delivered next year – No Indian equivelent

Pakistani radar coverage much more extensive then Indias. More modern radars covering a far smaller area

No mass exodus of pilots wanting to leave PAF!

My point is, the odds are evening up VERY quickly. In fact, by this time next year, I dont think there will be one area, perhaps as you pointed out in anti-radar missiles that IAF will be aheead in. SU-30 is the only thing PAF actually worries about. Even these are seeing major probalems.

Lets look at KEY areas.

1) AWACS
Eryiye next year

2) BVR
AMRAAM and SD-10 next year

3) In flight refuelling
Aircraft ordered

4) Ground radar
More modern and extensive coverage in Pakistan

IAF has lost alot of its edge it had for past 10-15 years over PAF. The next couple of years will see that edge further eroded.

LOL the 16 dead PN sailors must not count for much . PAF can be wiped out in less than 2 days if IAF decides to after them. What exaqctly does the pathetic airforce posses? Obsolete scrapyard mirage-3/5 and chinese junk J-7?

Erieyes, F-16s with AMRAAM, JF-17s, J-10s

This comapred with an AF who

severly lacks flying hours – Source BBC
Has only 55% availability on upgraded MIG-21s – Source Indian Air Force
Plans to keep its older MIG-21s flying till 2016 – Source Indian Press
Pilots forced to fly and prevented from leaving, despite pleas – Source Indian press
Sever lack of radar coverage – Source Indian Air Force and Indian press

Even you conceded Pakistan will probably have a functioning AWACS before India does. In fact, depending what the Chinese finally do with th Y-8 in Pakistan, we may have one already.

No missile comparable to the AMRAAM C5

Pakistan being able to cover its air space with the latest US 3D ground based radar system

You think its going to be a walk over!?