Pakistan Defence

PAF operate on certain basic assumptions. One of many is ease of maintenance based upon familiarity with aircraft, need for training, & level of personnel to be trained. Another point that PAF want is customization of systems according to its need, fighting environment, operating envelope and war fighting strategy.

JFT will deliver all in its definitive version – AESA, Off bore Sighting, HMDCS, Conformal Tanks, IRST, Long range engagement capability though PL-15+ & more powerful engine.

PAF is basically flying 3 different types of F-16's, 3 to 4 types of Mirages, and 2 types of F-7's. JFT is also added to the list and I believe 2 versions of the aircraft will exist, the early and the later blocks. This is a logistics nightmare for a mid-sized airforce like PAF. This mix will stress the system during hostilities reducing the sortie rates that can be mounted.

Inducting J-10 into this mix would make sense if it significantly enhances the war fighting capability of PAF, which really, it does not if we take into account JFT Block III and beyond capability. However, it will increase logistics, supply chain, spares management system, training of both flight and ground crew regimens without significantly delivering anything new.

Furthermore, J-10 is also plagued with the same problem of an underperforming, low MTBO engine as JFT which PAF is trying to overcome. Don’t want to increase this problem by two.

@Aamir Hussain What you say is true but isn't PAF in need of large amount of fighters to quickly replace older fighters and J-10C allows PAF to do this with relative ease considering how cheap it is to maintain. Also what is your opinion on J-15 for PAF and PN?

Against IAF, PAF needs to mount a higher sortie rate, recover aircraft after mission on different airfields, & keep a high level of spares on its MOB's & FOB's. PAF in 65' operated F-86, 12 F 104, & 24 B-57. Maintenance and recovery of F-86 were handled by all airbases with ease & low turnaround time.

So I believe PAF also came to the same conclusion, after retirement of F-7 versions, Most of the mirages by end of 2023, we will have 2 versions of JFT, & Three of F-16 to contend with. The strain on whole logistics, supply chain and training will go down significantly besides saving cost across the board.

However, to keep the edge against the Rafael, PAF is looking for couple of dozen top of the line western fighters that delivers significantly enhanced capability as compared to its current ORBAT. But all the points I raised before and the price is under consideration besides the willingness to sell to Pakistan.

My opinion and 2C's worth

@Aamir Hussain F-16V is the only western counter to Rafale that PAF can buy. Typhoon is too expensive to buy and operate. If you ask me I believe that J-15 brings a lot to the table. J-15 seems perfect for deep strike missions and it comes with no strings attached. What is your opinion on J-15?

Sir we need to understand PAF mission first. After all the need for specific kind of kit required for PAF derives from their mission requirement.

Deep Strike is an ambit that has now passed on to PA cruise missiles with new Baidou GPS with pin point accuracy guaranteed. So PAF, in the evolved scenario, is now required to take on the enemy on its own turf, near interdiction, air superiority and in some case point defense duties. Point Defense is also being taken care of by increasingly enhanced SAM systems being procured by both army and airforce.

Having said this, the evolved role of airforce never the less requires support and deep strike on the sea approaches to Pakistan coast. This is where likes of J-15 can be an asset.