PAF F-16 | Discussions

[Hussain]

GE 132 engine was needed due to perpetual hot ambient conditions of the UAE air fields......turbines lose a lot of power when ambient temperatures are high.......so an underpowered engine will restrict your fuel and load out at takeoff.

Engines don't only provide thrust, but electrical power as well?

 

[Oscar]

nothing coming out of PAF pockets.

It sounds completely stupendous and highly unlikely. Probably a very misinformed source. After all former PAF chiefs have claimed they could get F-22s.

It also makes no logical procurement sense either from a commonality and supportable system perspective.

There is very little in common with PAF F-16 block 52s and these block-60s - many spares for them are incompatible not to mention hilariously expensive. It would be utterly foolish to get them.

However, for fantasy’s sake and if you want to feel good - here is part of my shelf setup which had these two together for years.

 

[Rational Philosopher]

It sounds completely stupendous and highly unlikely. Probably a very misinformed source. After all former PAF chiefs have claimed they could get F-22s.

It also makes no logical procurement sense either from a commonality and supportable system perspective.

There is very little in common with PAF F-16 block 52s and these block-60s - many spares for them are incompatible not to mention hilariously expensive. It would be utterly foolish to get them.

However, for fantasy’s sake and if you want to feel good - here is part of my shelf setup which had these two together for years.
View attachment 133826

So in your opinion what do you think is likely to materialise from the meeting? Some ground based equipment like radars? Or just V-Kits for exiting Block-52s?

 

[MastanKhan]

Hi,

I think the indian lobby in the US is in a little "panic mode---in turmoil---".

They can't seem to figure out Pres Trump.

Hi,

I am going to chang emy statement---.

Indian lobby in the US is in a total panic mode---.

Americans do not like indians anymore---. Their call center frauds against the older people---have turned americans cold.

India will never be able to gain the same position it had prior to Bunyan Al Marsoos---.

The US does not like beaten up nations---.

 

[MastanKhan]

I think the main purpose of upgrading BLK52s or getting UAE F-16s would be to mainly have an extra squadron or two of potent BVR aircraft so that J-10s and JF-17s can focus on strike and air denial roles more. Just to keep already inducted platforms more viable as a stop gap and in crease the numbers purely for self defence. I mean, India really creates a situation where F-16s would be used in what would be self defence anyway...

PAF already proved it doesn't need US equipment to down the top of the line Russian/French equipment.

Plus I am sure Chinese wouldn't want US or any Pakistani moles near J-35s as well when the time comes....

Hi,

Won't be easy to get rid of the F16 gang---.

 

[Oscar]

So in your opinion what do you think is likely to materialise from the meeting? Some ground based equipment like radars? Or just V-Kits for exiting Block-52s?

At best some upgrades for the F-16s.

Most likely just discussions that go nowhere.

 

[StormBreaker]

It sounds completely stupendous and highly unlikely. Probably a very misinformed source. After all former PAF chiefs have claimed they could get F-22s.

It also makes no logical procurement sense either from a commonality and supportable system perspective.

There is very little in common with PAF F-16 block 52s and these block-60s - many spares for them are incompatible not to mention hilariously expensive. It would be utterly foolish to get them.

However, for fantasy’s sake and if you want to feel good - here is part of my shelf setup which had these two together for years.
View attachment 133826

Is that trumpeters?

 

[StormBreaker]

So in your opinion what do you think is likely to materialise from the meeting? Some ground based equipment like radars? Or just V-Kits for exiting Block-52s?

US Origin Air Defense systems can be a huge blunder although, it’s not gonna happen

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

PAF Bridging the Gap 2025-2035

1. The Urgency of Modernization
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is approaching a critical juncture, with a significant number of legacy fighters due to retire by 2030. To avoid a capability gap, PAF is working to maintain operational readiness while pushing ahead with key long
term programs like the PFX and the future induction of the J-35A.

2. Platform Constraints and Practical Alternatives
Introducing a completely new aircraft platform at this stage isn’t practical due to stretched logistics and support infrastructure. Instead, a more workable solution could be acquiring surplus F-16 airframes with sufficient remaining service life. The U.S. is projected to phase out over 1,000 F-16s in the next decade and some of which, particularly MLU or Block 50/52 variants, could still add substantial value to PAF’s fleet.

3. Mirage Phase-Out and F-16 Sustainment Strategy
With the Mirage III/V fleet expected to be replaced by the J-10C, there’s an opportunity to repurpose the existing Mirage rebuild facilities to support a long-term F-16 sustainment effort. Although this would require U.S. approval, it could help extend the operational life of the F-16 fleet well into the 2040s while avoiding the burden of introducing a new logistics chain.

4. Strategic Value of Upgraded Legacy Aircraft
While legacy fighters may not rival 5th or 6th-generation platforms in stealth and autonomy, they can still serve as force multipliers. If integrated into a modern multi-domain environment with AI-enabled drones, networked sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities, these platforms can remain operationally relevant.

5. Economic Strength as a Foundation for Defense
A strong defense isn’t built on airpower alone, it requires a stable foundation. For Pakistan to sustain long-term military readiness, it must address core internal issues: economic revitalization, political stability, and poverty reduction. These aren’t just national priorities, they’re strategic imperatives. Even close allies like China have emphasized this, with Victor Gao recently highlighting the need for Pakistan to fix its economic and security challenges in order to unlock its full potential.

6. Looking Ahead: The Changing Nature of War
The future of warfare is already taking shape. With AI, autonomous systems, combat drones, and smart kill chains becoming the norm, the battlefield is evolving fast. It’s not just about machines, it’s about speed, data, and decision making. The idea of manned unmanned teaming once sounded like science fiction, but it’s fast becoming reality. We may not witness the full scale in our lifetime, but the shift is already underway and Pakistan must be ready on every front.

 

[Sipahsalar]

Don’t discount the block 15s yet. Until a month ago Israel was using block 15s armed with Aim 7p sparrow to attack Iran. They are still very effective planes in a ground attack role and can carry more payload than Jf17s and J10s.

PAF F16s have access to Sniper targeting pods, some have also been configured for nuclear strike role. On top of that PAF has been flying F16s for 40+ years, they love this plane. I can see them looking to upgrade the Block 52s but they will likely squeeze every hour out of block 15 airframes.

 

[Pak-Warrior]

Don’t discount the block 15s yet. Until a month ago Israel was using block 15s armed with Aim 7p sparrow to attack Iran. They are still very effective planes in a ground attack role and can carry more payload than Jf17s and J10s.

PAF F16s have access to Sniper targeting pods, some have also been configured for nuclear strike role. On top of that PAF has been flying F16s for 40+ years, they love this plane. I can see them looking to upgrade the Block 52s but they will likely squeeze every hour out of block 15 airframes.

Who told you this (mis)information that Israeli F-16s were carrying Sparrow ???

Secondly, our adversary is not Iran. Today is the age of long range BVRs. India has Meteors and it's getting that russian ~200 km range missile and making some in india too with the goal of longer ranges. So our F-16s with AIM120-C are good for time being but not for very long. They will be second tier / backup tier behind 4.5 gen J-10Cs / JF-17 BIIIs with PL-15s. No more the tip of spear which they were for a long time.

and no our F-16s are certainly NOT GOOD for ground attack. Do you think we can fly over an IAF airbase and drop laser guided bombs? Now is the age of Stand off weapons. We are simply not allowed to integrate any of our SOWs or cruise missiles with F-16s. Only reason we were able to use Mirages for that long is that we were able to use our own weapons / SOWs / ALCMs with Mirages. We simply cannot do with F-16s. We are not allowed. Plus in mirage case, their maintenance / overhaul were all in-house and dirt cheap. So, you can imagine if we have platforms like J-10Cs, JF-17s where we can integrate plethora of weapons and there's commonality in logistics then why on earth PAF would want to drag Viper fleet that long in absence of SOWs or long range BVRs for it.

Only reason, PAF would want to use Vipers for a long time if they get AIM-120D or some sort of SOWs integration (in ground strike role). With indo-US strategic partnerships that perhaps in unlikely to happen.

 

[Pak-Warrior]

I don't see where this news is coming from that UAE is retiring desert Falcons.

They are actually investing in long-term sustainment of the fleet.

UAE Commits to Long-Term F-16 Fighter Jet Maintenance and Upgrades Through Strategic Partnership with United States

U.S. Department of State approved a new Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), further cementing the longstanding defense relationship between the two countries. Valued at up to $130 million, this transaction, as formally notified to Congress by the Defense Security...

theasialive.com

Unlike PAF, UAEAF has Stand off weapons integrated with their aircrafts as well. Like Harpoons, AGM88 etc too

 

[Sipahsalar]

Who told you this (mis)information that Israeli F-16s were carrying Sparrow ???

Anyone who followed the war in the slightest can find that information out easily.

The May skirmish was an extreme case of high tech warfare. In a full scale war both Pakistan and India will likely use everything in their arsenal including the kitchen sink. SOWs are expensive and limited, can be used for high value targets but in a full scale war no country can afford to entirely rely on these for every bombing mission.

 

[Pak-Warrior]

The May skirmish was an extreme case of high tech warfare. In a full scale war both Pakistan and India will likely use everything in their arsenal including the kitchen sink. SOWs are expensive and limited, can be used for high value targets but in a full scale war no country can afford to entirely rely on these for every bombing mission.

What you mentioned for fullscale war is absolutely true. I agree with it. But my point was different. As of now, we are happily paying the cost of F-16 fleet as they are relevant till now. But if we don't get the ability to integrate our own SOWs or any future weapons with this fleet (just like what did with Mirages) then for how long we can bear this cost. An aircraft lethality is with its weapon suite. PAF will induct more J-10Cs / Jeffs B3s with freedom of future weapon integrations, In such scenario it will just become difficult to keep paying expensive maintenance for aircrafts with ZERO long range strike capability or future BVR battles.
Am not saying PAF is going to ditch them soon. But just saying that they may not serve for as long as you might have had envisioned only because of lack of proper weapon suite. Otherwise aircraft is great no doubt.

 

[Cipher212]

I am sure that just operating 75 F-16s, even if we've had decades of experience is not cheap.

The sooner we retire this type, the sooner we are able to operate more J-35, J-10 and JF-17. Aircraft that can do A2A, A2G and refuel in the air.