Correct decision from the SLAF I have to say. JF 17 is available now in operational configuration and SLAF dont have the need for any fancy flying stuff. Tejas is nowhere ready. I remember discussing here once about possible sale of IJT for SLAF requirement but that ended up an egg in the face for HAL and everyone.
But in the end it works out well for the IAF. Chance to check out the capabilities of the main opponent of the IAF for the next decade in the western sector inside out is much better than selling a few airframes.

Still no confirmation about which AF has a quoted it.
SL? Considering their budget constraints and improving relations with India Who knows?
Myanmar? The AF chief was in Pakistan for 4 days at the end of May. And consider the current tensions between Rohingyas and the locals, may be Pakistan is in no hurry to announce?
North Korea? 🙂 Now that would be a sensitive deal indeed.

Lots of pilots spend a lot of time in desk jobs and retain type currency. The 2:1 cockpit ratio was actually in an AFM article.

PAF ACM has stated all Mirages will be retired by 2020

That’s understandable and I guess most other AFs do the same. But you want your best and most experienced pilots flying those machines during ops.

As for mirages, its unlikely. At the current production rate, I can see another 60-80 JF-17s entering service by 2020 and without keeping Mirages or F-7s, their squadron strength will deplete severely without induction of another type. Of the F7 and mirages, I would assume mirages will remain because of their range and overall capability but it might depend on their serviceability. We know what PAF plans to do but a lot of their plans are hostage to financial resources.

Snippets from PAF ACM interview in this months AFM

3rd JF-17 Sqd fully operational at CCS which is a verson of NATO TLC and USAF Fighter Weapons School

Block II Thunders now rolling off production line

Two seater JF-17 to fly next year, to be used as LIFT

JF-17 Block III to have AESA and brand new undisclosed weapons.

JF-17s have been on air defence alert with SD-10A for “last few years”

Combination of Sniper ATP and DB100 Recce pod on F-16s and C-130s with SAFIR pods revolutionised PAF ISR capabilities

Mirage and F-7 pilots now transitioning to F-16/JF-17s after just 200 hours as opposed to 400 hours prior

Most of this info is well known, but it should put to rest the controversy about operational status of BVRAAM on block 1 Thunders. Whilst it was logical to assume that it was operational (why would PAF have hundreds of these missiles in its inventory if it wasn’t operational) and many had confirmed this (off record) but logic was not sufficient in some quarters. At least we know it now.

The story about M88-2 makes no sense. Probably poor editing or planted.

Any thoughts on what the HMC and HOBS missile combo will be for future Blocks with the PAF? On previous occasions, it has been mentioned that a Chinese combo is being developed, most likely based on the PL-10? However, at the most recent Zuhai, the PAF stated other options may be considered, maybe the A-Darter? Given that the Saudis were considering the JF-17 equipped with the EJ200 (providing commonality with their Tiffies I assume), it appears the JF-17 is open to a number of customer specific options, wallet permitting of course.

A decision in principle was made a while back to go for A-Darter. MAR-1 & MAA-1A (may be followed by the B version as well) were the initial steps.

At the end all these L1 and LCC etc are for peace time to justify buy something. As soon as shooting starts, everything is obsolete. IAF know what they need and MoD/FM know what we can afford.

After certain threshold during peace time, it does not matter what IAF want.
After certain threshold during war time, it does not matter what MoD/FM can afford.

And thank God, it is peace time for India (unless something is going on behind scenes).

So right.
A little change in the status quo, a little build up on the border or easing of tensions there can change so much for one side or the othe. Peace is never as profitable to those with a stake in the MIC.

Maybe the idea is to buy some for a friend. Isn’t the latest Egyptian government (1) friendly to Saudi Arabia & (2) broke?

Unlikely. Egyptians would have likely talked to China and/or pak. I can’t imagine China being too averse to extending a credit line. The recent high profile visits between saudis and pak indicate warming of relations after several dormant years during president Zardari’s era who IIRC visited China and Iran a lot more frequently than SA. Wikileaks revelations vis-a-vis king Abdullah-president Zardari didn’t help either. So I’d still consider it a carrot.