Hi guys … an indeed interesting topic.
Overall I think all points – but one – were already mentioned:
– those countries who can purchase Western types, they decide usually for new, used and/or refurbished F-16s … or even the Gripen.
– those who only can or want to buy a non-Western type have either a too limited budget (so they purchased still the last F-7 types or now they consider the JF-17) or they take the MiG-29 (not that many to admit as mentioned) or even if possible the Su-27/-30.
– also worth, what’s the performance, reliability, maintenance and even more customer service … we really don’t know officially !
– is or was the J-10A already cleared and offered for export ?? … or are these only rumours ?
My final missing point is however a PLAAF-/politically related: If we look at the production rate during the final years, it was – at least as long as the F-7/J-7 were still on production – quite limited so that all J-10s (and here it were not more than 1 1/2 or 2 Regiments) produced went directly to the PLA. My question now is: was the production rate only so low due to the fact that the J-7 line was still open, since there was no demand on the A-model or since it was simply not for sale ??? … we need to consider that the improved B-model was also under test and I can think that most potential customers – if interested in a new type – would only take the best version !?
Deino
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