JH-7 as a Missile Hauler

[Deino]

@Fatman17 why not simply closing this thread!

As much as I rate the idea to get JH-7As back then maybe the only good idea from MK, this idea makes no sense any more today!

As such, repeatedly going round in circles, like a never-ending debate, over whether it might actually be the case is simply just as pointless as asking whether India will ever develop a bomber.

And now, broadening the discussion to other points has simply nothing to do with the topic at hand. Just bury this dead horse once and for all and let it rest in peace.

 

[MH.Yang]

IMPOSSIBLE.

We'd seriously be dumb fools to induct a huge RCS, ancient aircraft with super heavy maintenance.

Why not buy more J-10Cs instead ? JF-17s/J-10Cs can carry ALBMs.

People needs to understand, its really NOT important for us to pack 4 ALBMs into single platform. Infact it has serious downside. If its shotdown, then you lose 4 of your missiles even before those could be utilized. Instead 2 Jeffs carry 2 ALBMs each is much more deadlier and smarter approach.

Secondly, range of the aircraft has absolutely ZERO value in Pakistan - India context. We are not going to fly over indian airspace either over land or water to strike targets. We are most likely to release payload from our own airspace just like what was done in 2025 by both sides.

What they want is a platform capable of launching the PL-17 and possessing a large payload. The JH-7A is merely a compromise product when the J-16D/F-15EX is unavailable.

 

[MH.Yang]

I don't agree with you. The reach and strike across India is very much needed. If India needs to feel pain, the fear of pain is bigger than pain itself. They need to know that PAF has the capability and capacity, plus the firepower, to go beyond LR drones and rockets to attack the length and breadth of Bharat. Just like they, the bhindi mindset, always claim that they can annihilate entire Pakistan conventionally... let them have this pain also. For me, the updated JH7P is the only option until / unless the J16 is available.

Unless China and Pakistan can perform a major overhaul on the JH-7A just as they did when iterating the J-7 into the JF-17, the PAF not choose the JH-7A even if they cannot obtain the J-16D; it is not worth it even if it is given for free.

I still suggest finding a way through the diplomatic field to get Russia to allow Pakistan to purchase the J-16D.

 

[studsmart]

Unless China and Pakistan can perform a major overhaul on the JH-7A just as they did when iterating the J-7 into the JF-17, the PAF not choose the JH-7A even if they cannot obtain the J-16D; it is not worth it even if it is given for free.

I still suggest finding a way through the diplomatic field to get Russia to allow Pakistan to purchase the J-16D.

J16D is ARM / Jammer version. but yes PAF needs J16 class fo fighter for deep strike. However JF17 is not a upgrade version of J7. You are dead wrong there.

 

[AeronautIR]

J16D is ARM / Jammer version. but yes PAF needs J16 class fo fighter for deep strike. However JF17 is not a upgrade version of J7. You are dead wrong there.

Strange discussion... PAF has limited resources and can't afford any new platform like JH-7 or J-16.

 

[Hussain]

Strange discussion... PAF has limited resources and can't afford any new platform like JH-7 or J-16.

Do you have kids? When kids are busy in doing something non-destructive, you encourage them and enjoy your piece of mind

 

[Hussain]

I have never opposed Pakistan conducting in-depth research into fighter jet design and manufacturing technologies for research purposes. That is the premise.

However, technical research and actual production are two entirely different systems. Even if you possess the complete technical knowledge, it does not guarantee an ability to carry out actual production (there are numerous real-world examples of this). Yet, it is only through actual production that economic value is generated and strategic autonomy is achieved.

This touches upon the issue of an industrial ecosystem. Perhaps you could explore other avenues to gain a deeper understanding of this.

The current cost of the JF-17 Block III exceeds $30 million. If we were to replace the engine with the WS-21, add an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, and re-optimize the internal avionics and electronic systems, the cost would surpass $40 million—or even more. —And this is an assessment based on the use of mature, Chinese-supplied subsystems. If one were to factor in your requirement for "autonomy"—by replacing these with components manufactured entirely within Pakistan—the costs would skyrocket, potentially to an astronomical level.

Now, assuming you were a customer (such as the Pakistan Air Force), and faced with a choice between the JF-17 Block IV and the J-10CE at a similar price point, which would you choose?

Since you are so well versed in it could we request you to post the "publicly available" specs of the JH-72A?

 

[Bilal]

Strange discussion... PAF has limited resources and can't afford any new platform like JH-7 or J-16.

Not all discussions are meant for immediate execution. But they do open up points to bounce ideas. It’s not like we are writing AFDP here.

 

[AeronautIR]

Not all discussions are meant for immediate execution. But they do open up points for bounce ideas. It’s not that we are writing AFDP here.

If the discussion is to pass time because we are bored, then any topic is fair game. We can even think about making a base on Moon. Otherwise, I think the forum should be a place for discourse about realistic topics, so that we can all learn something instead of just wishful thinking.

 

[maxpane]

If the discussion is to pass time because we are bored, then any topic is fair game. We can even think about making a base on Moon. Otherwise, I think the forum should be a place for discourse about realistic topics, so that we can all learn something instead of just wishful thinking.

sir for deep srike is arfc is the only option or paf would use something from its arsenal ?

 

[Bilal]

If the discussion is to pass time because we are bored, then any topic is fair game. We can even think about making a base on Moon. Otherwise, I think the forum should be a place for discourse about realistic topics, so that we can all learn something instead of just wishful thinking.

Yeah, I can tell you back in 2000s on the grand parent version of PDF (when PAF was a bit averse to HIMADS) similar reactions were thrown when that topic was brought up.

Or 5-10 years ago when people kept nagging about MRAPS/Armoured troop carriers or extensive drone employment in CT Ops it was same reaction about wishful thinking, look where we are now.

There are many examples like this. Instead let’s hypothesize, it’s not as far fetched as a moon base or Death Star.

Again, JH7 itself maybe an infeasible cart in front of the horse but problem statements such as how (if and when needed) VLAAM can be employed or how (if and when needed) proper ALBM capability can be had, given the trend and given the opening day effectiveness they showed recently and given te capability now being introduced in our theater.