PAF F-16 | Discussions

[Meengla]

Sorry, I misunderstood what you meant. Yesterday was a memorial day in China because of the massacres by Japan. So I was a bit emotional, and I apologize to you.

No worries. Thank you!

 

[Bratva]

Yes, the overall package is based around higher bandwidth, lower latency, and enhanced encryption/jam-resistance. Quwa already mentioned the upgrade from Comm 4 to Comm 5 IFF (which is the current NATO standard) - so I'm guessing the new Link-16 terminals are also the current NATO MIDS standard (again pointing towards the V-standard).

However, what I'm actually more interested is in the number of the terminals i.e. 92 and how Pakistan will employ those. Whether all of these terminals will be integrated on the F-16 fleet + ground infrastructure + spares - or can 4 terminals be committed to PN?

In my mind, the Jinnah Class based on MILGEM has the inherent NATO inter-operable architecture, even the CMS is GENESIS derived (which can host Link-16) and Turkey already employs Link-16 on it's select few MILGEM frigates. So in theory, integrating Link-16 on Jinnah Class is more of a software rework for CMS than an engineering hurdle - it can be done - but the main hurdle for taking on such a project would again be US approval.

However, in theory, Jinnah Class speaking to a F-16 directly over Link-16 without an intermediate ground node would provide a redundant situational awareness envelope for joint operations over the sea waters.

We have 10-12 SAAB AEWC with older LINK-16 in them. Most probably excess would be installed in SAAB erieye.

 

[hnn]

Btw I forgot to ask earlier but are our f-16s harpoon capable? I dont remember it being one of the listed upgrades but id assume the PAF would request such capability if they are to use f-16s in more maritime roles

Any F-16 Block 52+ is Harpoon capable, so yes, our Block 52+ are capable.

But capable ≠ operational

AFAIK, we don't have the Harpoon specific launcher + adapter + OFP package. It's because of the "strings attached" i.e. US policing our F-16 fleet to be only used for A2A Defense and CT Yet another reason not to indulgently spend on F-system unless US eases its policing.

Harpoon is primarily operational on PN's P-3C Orions.

 

[Ak01]

AFAIK, we don't have the Harpoon specific launcher + adapter + OFP package. It's because of the "strings attached" i.e. US policing our F-16 fleet to be only used for A2A Defense and CT Yet another reason not to indulgently spend on F-system unless US eases it's policing.

lets be fair lol.

the reason the PAF was not given harpoons because the worry of us strapping nukes into them was there.

We did this to ourself.

The PN has access to harpoons...why? because they know we cant use P3's to strike indian cities lol.

 

[hnn]

lets be fair lol.

the reason the PAF was not given harpoons because the worry of us strapping nukes into them was there.

We did this to ourself.

The PN has access to harpoons...why? because they know we cant use P3's to strike indian cities lol.

Well to be fair US policy on our F-16s is very clear from day one i.e. no offensive capability/use - a Nuclear Harpoon is just an extra layer here.

Our F-16 fleet isn't cleared by US for any kind of ALCMs and if we have Nukes why is it our problem?

 

[Ak01]

Our F-16 fleet isn't cleared by US for any kind of ALCMs and if we have Nukes why is it our problem?

because of our behaviour lol.

who tried to use f16's for nuke delivery...

Lets not blame others for our own antics. Nobody, not one country in the world will let us use their assets for nuclear strike.

 

[hnn]

because of our behaviour lol.

who tried to use f16's for nuke delivery...

Did we? I'm not aware of it besides the Indian narrative back when we didn't even have Nukes.

Lets not blame others for our own antics. Nobody, not one country in the world will let us use their assets for nuclear strike.

All the more reason then to go for an alternative system that has the strategic strike capability. I'm not a F-16 hater but you're forcing me to take the opposing position here lol. By your logic we shouldn't have developed nuclear capability and would have been enjoying F-22s today lol.

 

[Ak01]

All the more reason then to go for an alternative system that has the strategic strike capability. I'm not a F-16 hater but you're forcing me to take the opposing position here lol. By your logic we shouldn't have developed nuclear capability and would have been enjoying F-22s today lol.

who will give us such a systtem?

 

[hnn]

who will give us such a systtem?

Yeah I understand your point now, it was a knee jerk reaction on my part about the strategic strike capability and the maritime strike ambiguity over Harpoons.

 

[Ibbi32]

lets be fair lol.

the reason the PAF was not given harpoons because the worry of us strapping nukes into them was there.

We did this to ourself.

The PN has access to harpoons...why? because they know we cant use P3's to strike indian cities lol.

Where was that worry when PAF managed to put gravity nukes on f-16s or put RAAD cruise missiles on them

 

[hasssanali8998]

4 years to approve a simple maintenance and upgrade contract, but people still think new builds are possible….

might just be funds problem from our end

f16 hate will not be tolerated
#fsolasupremacy #fsolamafia

 

[Ak01]

Where was that worry when PAF managed to put gravity nukes on f-16s or put RAAD cruise missiles on them

show me a raad on an f16 lol.

and yes, gravity nukes were exactly what kicked this paranoia off...

 

[Ibbi32]

and yes, gravity nukes were exactly what kicked this paranoia off...

Fwik the us actually knew for a long time about our gravity nukes. The first tests were done in 1984 after all and the successive sanctions that came because of nuclear program didnt come until after 1988 after end of afghan war.

There was no paranoia there was simply an unwillingness to control Pakistan during the afghan war and instead they waited to act afterwards.

 

[Ak01]

Fwik the us actually knew for a long time about our gravity nukes. The first tests were done in 1984 after all and the successive sanctions that came because of nuclear program didnt come until after 1988 after end of afghan war.

There was no paranoia there was simply an unwillingness to control Pakistan during the afghan war and instead they waited to act afterwards.

dont see how that changes my point

 

[The SC]

US Approves $686 Million Tech Upgrade For Pakistan's F-16 Jet Fleet​

The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology, upgrades and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, a package valued at USD 686 million, according to a report by Dawn citing a communication from the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress.

The formal notification, sent on Monday, outlined the scope of the proposed sale and the strategic rationale behind Washington’s decision.

According to the report, the DSCA letter specified that the package includes Link-16 data-link systems, cryptographic gear, avionics enhancements, training modules, and extensive logistical support.

The agency stated that these capabilities are intended to modernise Pakistan’s F-16 inventory, particularly the Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) aircraft, while addressing essential operational and safety requirements.

In its communication to Congress, the DSCA asserted that the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations."

It further noted that the upgrades will “maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet."

The letter highlighted that the enhancements will enable “seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training."

It also underscored that the refurbishment work is expected to extend the aircraft’s service life “through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns."

The DSCA also commented on Pakistan’s technical readiness to receive and integrate the new systems, stating that the country “has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces."

Addressing possible regional sensitivities, the letter emphasised that “the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

The total estimated value of the package stands at USD 686 million, with USD 37 million attributed to major defence equipment and USD 649 million assigned to other associated items and services.

The DSCA concluded that the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States" while enabling Pakistan to continue operating its F-16 fleet safely and effectively, the report claimed.

https://www.news18.com/world/pakist...roves-sale-of-technology-support-9764228.html