By the way … can we come back to the original topic: the J-10 and it’s so far failed export success ??? … a discussion on US vs Russian engines, a hypothetical super-hyper MiG-23XYZ is interesting but quite annoying here.

BY the way In a few Pakistani forums there’s an ongoing discussion … I don’t know to rate it but my feeling tells me its more wishful thinking about a soon to be signed contract for the J-10.

Anyone here with more information ??

Deino

I think their choices are:

1 – Beef up the current numbers through more JF-17s Block II/III and used/new F-16s until F-31 is ready.
2 – Add J-10b/c as a new fighter and defer the next gen decision to 2020s

There are rumours that during the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan today a deal might be signed for J-10Bs, along with Frigates and Submarines.

We will find out by tomorrow evening.

Special budget approved for the Army, which includes allocation for 4 MI35-Es

http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1177554/

actually, no, for several reasons:

– naval operations – it’s always more secure to have two engines when operating over water
– range and carrying capabilities that are huge for the size of the airframe. Making it smaller, you loose on both which is not interesting for the French, considering the use they make of it (just look at strikes they made from french bases in Africa to get an idea… )

if they’d envisioned another Mirage 2000, they’d just upgrade the type they already have.

France will be a 1 fighter force. Rafale is going to replace all Mirage 2000 and Super Etendards in few years, so a twin engine jet which can do everything including naval operations was necessary.

This is the first twin engine jet fighter in French navy, they have been happy with a single engines till now.

Argentinian delegation has returned from China and held discussion on JF-17 however they could only see the simulator. Next trip is being scheduled for Pakistan to see the actual fighter in action and some comparative tests (maybe with a Mirage or F-16?)

The plane fits the Argentinean capability requirements, however there are too many unknowns for Argentina from the Russian engines to Chinese avionics.

http://www.taringa.net/posts/noticias/18594890/Argentina-evalua-avion-JF-17-Thunder.html

Some further news:

Civil-military leadership keen on testing JF-17 Thunder in Yemen
http://tribune.com.pk/story/862979/pm-presides-over-meeting-to-discuss-saudi-led-coalition-in-yemen/

Likely deal could include Saudis buying a dozen or 2 JF17s and few dozen Al-Khalid tanks both manned by Pakistani personnel. Pakistani special forces are already training with Saudis near the southern border with Yemen. Rumours are that Saudis want long term presence and would foot the bill for personnel and equipment.

Just today US also approved sale of 15 AH-1Z and 1000 Hellfire missiles worth $1billion.
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2015/04/07/state-department-approves-pakistan-arms-request/

Good opportunity for Pakistanis to make some $$$

These new subs would not be for this purpose only.

Given the proximity of the two countries even a handful of surviving nukes will cause tens of millions of civilian deaths on both sides. I’m not sure if a full triad is needed in this Indo-Pak context. India has other concerns i.e China/Pakistan combined threat so they are going down that line.

At best it would be on the lines of the alleged Israeli nuclear tipped SLCMs.

You don’t think the oldest ships will retire once the newest are or have been delivered? It will be a few years before those 8 new ones are ready. Those Agota 70s are from the 1979/1980. so about 35 years old today. If China delivers 2 boats per year as per next year or the year after, then you are looking at 40+ years. While e.g. Singapore’s Archer class (ex–Swedisch Sjoormen from 1970) are older, I would personally not like to go to war in subs that old. 13 is too optimistic.

Given the length of the coast line according to google earth, 13 would be an overkill in my opinion. Indian shipping towards straits of Hormuz can be easily blocked with a land based battery of ASMs etc.