You made me realize something, eventually India will get a 5th gen aircraft, and at the moment, the top contender seems to be the F35, with a few T&C's that need to be ironed out. Now any 5th Gen that PAF sports, needs to be able to effectively take it on, or it looks bad for the PAF and the OEM. So just wondering what version of the FC-31, J31 or J35 will we end up with?
Another point you raised, or maybe someone else, is why does PAF need a 5th Gen A/c? My understanding is as follows:
1) Tactics - Once an aircraft achieves FOC, it does not mean tactics and strategies have been honed as well, that takes time, and pilot hrs certainly count.
2) Coward Bastards - Just because India at the moment does not have a 5th Gen aircraft, does not mean other countries with nefarious agenda dont. One such bastard is known to fully exploit any weakness at any given chance, and was actively involved on 27th Feb. Hope you know who I'm referring to
3) Qualitative Edge - PAF has always claimed to maintain a qualitative edge, and in keeping with that doctrine, this is another step in that direction. It will insure any disparity with its conventional foe, is adequately addressed.
4) Deterrence - When the enemy knows, that you have cutting edge tech, which you have mastered, any misadventure will be highly unlikely.
5) Overall defensive posture - When you have access to cutting edge tech, your traditional western suppliers then all of a sudden tend to offer you the equivalent or better as well, which was off limits for you.
@MastanKhan Would you like to add to the above?
