PAF F-16 | Discussions

Any chance the PAF could pick up C/D models from former users, for a V upgrade on top of these new build V’s; swap out our oldest birds for younger ones to keep F-16 squadrons numbers at least to 4?
C/D models maybe from US reserves but apart from that I think only A/B's are possible from other operators.
 
C/D models maybe from US reserves but apart from that I think only A/B's are possible from other operators.
US reserves maybe even better. No third party delays. Besides, if it’s a matter of 2 new squadrons of Vs, possibly upgrading our own 18 Block 52s, we are only talking about 18-20 C/Ds, to reach 4 squadrons. If we are going for the old goal of 6 squadrons of F-16, the USAF/USANG reserves are the best source to try to pick up 50+ C/D F-16s and get them a full SLEP and a V upgrade.
 
US reserves maybe even better. No third party delays. Besides, if it’s a matter of 2 new squadrons of Vs, possibly upgrading our own 18 Block 52s, we are only talking about 18-20 C/Ds, to reach 4 squadrons. If we are going for the old goal of 6 squadrons of F-16, the USAF/USANG reserves are the best source to try to pick up 50+ C/D F-16s and get them a full SLEP and a V upgrade.
Some of the A/B vipers that were embargoed in the 90's and then eventually delivered might be a decent fit for the V upgrade because I think they have very low hours on the airframes.
 
New build V's are likely - the number being eyed is 36(org req) for two sq of high end.
Maybe Back and forth in play regarding future of lowest airframe use MLUs - potentially to be kept or relegated to OCU or second line duties.

There will be a timeframe when PAF fleet will be vulnerable from a no's standpoint as it was during upgrade cycle for MLUs.
@Oscar new build F-16Vs? Won't that be too expensive?

Why not just get two squadrons worth of F-16s upgraded and call it a day?
 
Erieyes were probably one of the best value investments PAF ever made.

Cheap airframes, managed to certify our own overhaul and rebuild after Kamra attack, Link 17 integration performance in 2019 and May this year. No wonder we have so many.

Definate go for Globaleye or even just the AEW element of it.
I am pretty sure SAAB has never received a real time advertisement of their stated product capabilities like PAF did for them in 2019 and 2025. So they would be more than happy to let GlobalEye take its part in future proving battle grounds.

Also, Sweden seems to be opening up more to Pakistan diplomatically.

However, the question remains, with the mad rabid dog indians spending money, where will we find the funds in such a short time to minimum match the bhindians acquisitions?
 
If we can get a V upgrade for all our existing F-16s with maybe 2 additional squardons if Saudis are financing it then it should be golden.

To balance this with China, we should also move ahead with 2 additional squadrons of J-10Cs.

India is planning to acquire around 114 Rafales alongwith Super Sukhoi upgrade. We need to plan and be mindful of that.
 
@Oscar new build F-16Vs? Won't that be too expensive?

Why not just get two squadrons worth of F-16s upgraded and call it a day?
I am wondering what financial support have Saudis promised us for our defence since we will have to take responsibility of theirs and ours security.
 
Erieyes were probably one of the best value investments PAF ever made.

Cheap airframes, managed to certify our own overhaul and rebuild after Kamra attack, Link 17 integration performance in 2019 and May this year. No wonder we have so many.

Definate go for Globaleye or even just the AEW element of it.
How would that compare against KJ-500?
 
New build V's are likely - the number being eyed is 36(org req) for two sq of high end.
Maybe Back and forth in play regarding future of lowest airframe use MLUs - potentially to be kept or relegated to OCU or second line duties.

There will be a timeframe when PAF fleet will be vulnerable from a no's standpoint as it was during upgrade cycle for MLUs.
@Oscar

Would be interesting if you could do the J-10CE vs F-16V comparison technically....the pros and cons of each including the technical prowess of the J-10CE AESA vs the SABR on F-16....and the ECM capabilities.
 
A lot of the suggestions and calculations people are making are dependent on Saudi support, if we have that, I would argue all best are off! Get $8 Billion from the Saudis, 2 New V sqds (36 planes), upgrade the remaning 18 Block 52s so have a total of 3 Sqds (54 planes).

MLU/ADFs can be relegated to second line duties, comit the 3 Sqds to Iran/Afghan border, as now we need to take patrolling Western border more seriously and not leave it to F-7PGs or even Block 1 JF-17s....
 
A lot of the suggestions and calculations people are making are dependent on Saudi support, if we have that, I would argue all best are off! Get $8 Billion from the Saudis, 2 New V sqds (36 planes), upgrade the remaning 18 Block 52s so have a total of 3 Sqds (54 planes).

MLU/ADFs can be relegated to second line duties, comit the 3 Sqds to Iran/Afghan border, as now we need to take patrolling Western border more seriously and not leave it to F-7PGs or even Block 1 JF-17s....
if we get upgrade for mlu then what would be cost ?
 
All viable scenarios and procurement options have already been discussed in depth here. But things are shifting and fast.

The U.S. is preparing to retire a sizable chunk of its F-16 fleet in the near future. That opens a door Pakistan shouldn’t ignore. With the right diplomatic approach and timing, there’s a real chance to tap into that surplus..whether through direct sales, third quarter, party transfers, or even refurbishment programs.

Pakistan already has the infrastructure, trained personnel, and operational experience to absorb additional F-16s without the headaches of integrating a brand-new platform. It’s a practical move, especially when budgets are tight and regional threats are evolving.

Of course, it’s not just about availability. Congressional approvals, end user agreements, and broader geopolitical dynamics will all play a role. But if Pakistan moves early and smart, it could secure a meaningful boost to its air capabilities.

Also worth noting: other countries will be watching this closely. Greece, Taiwan, Ukraine, they’re all potential contenders for these jets. So it’s not just about asking, it’s about asking first, and asking well.
 
@Oscar wouldn't the recent pak US closeness make china uncomfortable or they r fully on page with pak with regards to our relation with US.
 

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