Hi,
Last admin was totally anti pakistan---. This admin is different---.
One of the reason of creating Pahalgam issue by india was that supposedly pakistan is getting the BLK70's--Iraqi F16's etc ---.
Pahalgam was created to divert the issue---but little did the indians know that the F16 was done & dusted---.
I had written years ago that the JF17 BLK was far superior y=than the F16 BLK 52---.
But the 1 circle---2 circle gamers lambasted me over that---.
Till yesterday---those fools were living in the DCS world's paradise---today the JF17 BLK3 has proven that I was right all along---.
WTF was one circle and 2 circle and Notch the BVR---as if modern day BVR is stupid & dumb?
Pagalgam isn’t connected to that and F-16 was mentioned oddly from both sides in reference to minerals deal.
JF is not linked to block-70 or viper - viper is a case of decades of infra sitting around including a decent amount of spares. Not to mention quite a few AMraams, JDAMs and pretty effective SNIPER kit.
Nor is it more about 1 circle or 2 circle - technically the JF is slightly better in instantaneous and equal in sustained than F-16.
The issue however is power - the F-16 T/W means it can get high and fast much quicker than a JF which is great for the potential energy needed for effective BVR shots - even the PL-15 loves that. Problem is, US isn’t going to give you the D because every NRI in his cabinet including Vance’s mrs will throw a fit(because if they don’t their own “motherland” will vie for their blood and make rape threats)
So a decision that was on holding pattern was whether to upgrade the 52s and have them as EXTREMELY potent strike aircraft under the condition that SOM is enabled by LM while simultaneously ordering a small fresh batch to complete the 36 new wanted
Or
Look to sunset the oldest F-16s and find ways to keep the 52s somewhat current using other means.
F-16s are also wanted by the “establishment” on the US side because it provides an excuse to keep support and observers in Pakistan.
This is going one place
JFs capped where they are - upgraded where able or moved down the squadron food chain.
PFX potentially comes in to replace oldest lowest F-16s while more J-10s fill the gap. The remaining F-16s are slated for a mix of J-35 and eventually down the years Kaan.