M2K-5 purchase by IAF (if it does materialise) would add support to circulating reports regarding their plans/interests to upgraded current M2K fleet. Considering the differece between two, i suspect its not economically feasible to operate both types. Hence, if IAF is to upgrade current M2Ks to dash 5 type, purchase from Qatar would be very logical indeed.

Take a look at the notification sent to congress. Do the contents seem to be for someone who US does not trust (or preferrably) does not want to regain trust? US Officials have repeatedly said…The sale is part of an effort to broaden our strategic partnership with Pakistan and advance our national security and foreign policy interests in South Asia and that the F-16 sale is aimed at cementing the U.S. strategic partnership with Pakistan.
They have every right to show concerns regarding any technology leakage to China. But let me repeat ones again. PAF, this time round, will not accpet any downgraded F-16 C/D versions.

Every sovereign country has a right to guard self interests. While building a strategic alliance with India would help USA’s strategy to contain China, increasing American influence in Pakistan armed forces (or reducing chinese influence) is also a part of that broad strategy. What happens between Pak/Ind doesn’t concern them, as long as both serve American extents in best possible way.

Somehow the logic that you regain the trust of some one you don’t trust by selling them your best stuff looks too stupid and a recipe to shoot oneself in the leg.

Logic? Take a brief look at Bush admin’s track record. How much of it seems logical to you?

What exactly would PAF do if US refuses to remove the riders? The answer is simple Nothing.

They will not purchase F16 C/Ds if that was the case. Its as simple as that. They would rather have something which is only half as good but reliable than something which is really good yet unable to do the job. In the meantime, US would keep losing any remaining influence in Pakistan to china which is bount to increase consideing expanding US-Ind relations.

So be prepared for stripped down versions.

Whereas PAF would gladly accept A/B models without MLU, they would never go for stripped down versions of C/D models.

Looks like it will be the F-18 for the 126 MRCA order and 40-50 Migs for the Indian Navy. The F-18’s cause uncle will want his pound of flesh. Remember in most of the recent fighter competitions US made planes have won not due to the superiority of their aircraft but cause of politics.

I posted an article in this very thread (post No 73) according to which estimated unit price for super hornet stands at around $95 mil. No doubt local production should reduce the price, but when taken into aconsideration with ToT/licence fee etc, the offset would not be that much. Even at $80 mil a piece (which i somewhat doubt) 125 would cost India around $10 bil, and then comes the weaponary, logistics, maintenance etc. What is the overall package likely to cost?

http://www.pakobserver.net/200607/18/news/topstories12.asp?txt=PAF%20ready%20to%20respond%20any%20challenge:%20Air%20Chief

Aroosa Alam

Islamabad—Announcing the expansion of PAF with 44 F-16 fighter jets and a number of force multipliers the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed on Monday said that airforce aims to remain alert and to retain its capability to counter any aggression……..

He disclosed that PAF has launched a pilot project under which the ground crew is being trained for air -to-air refueling which is an import part of force multiplier. The Air Chief said that he was aware of force multiplier and PAF is to get new airborne surveillance and air refueling systems.

He said that PAF is working on co-producing JF-17 with China that will be the major addition in the force and multiply its punching capabilities.

“We are also trying to upgrade some Mirage aircraft so that they can be refueled in the air,” adding that Beyond Visual Range missiles are also being acquired. …………

Air Chief Marshal said an agreement has been signed (tut tut 😡 ) with the United States for the purchase of eighteen new CND model F-16 fighter jets and twenty six refurbished F-16s along with supporting hardware for upgrading the existing fleet.

He said twenty-six old F-16s belong to that lot, which was not delivered to Pakistan, adding that airforce will be able to get these on very nominal price. He said keeping in view economic constraints, the PAF has decided to reduce its requirement from fifty to eighteen new aircraft.

He said Pakistan will upgrade whole fleet of F-16s which will be capable to fulfill its requirements for the next thirty years and the whole deal will cost three billion dollars.

The Air Chief said, “The new aircraft will be delivered within a period of three years while old ones are expected to be delivered within fifteen to eighteen months — overall upgradation of F-16s will take seven to eight years.”……

PS.

The contract for Tejas (LCA) aircraft has been signed on 31 March 2006 for a quantity of 20 aircraft in the IOC configuration. By the end of the 11th Plan, one squadron of LCA would be in operational service in the IAF. An additional two squadron are expected to be in operational service by the end of the 12th Plan period.

Assuming a squadron strength of 18 (16+2), this means 54 LCA by 2017. If so, what happens to the original plans for 220 LCA units?

I still doubt that China (both the PLAAF & PLAN) will order the FC-1 in large numbers. The biggest number China could ever order the FC-1 is between 100 to 200.

That’s all Pak wants from China, i.e. to buy 100-200 of these machines. Unless im mistaken, FC-1’s unit prices were based on production of 300 fighters. Primary advantages of china buying this fighter include lower unit price and the effect it could have on export potential…remember F-20.