I think we will pursue T-129 so as not to become fully dependent on US. Just like JF-17 and F-16 combo. Also with Truks we may get some ToT and freedom of customizations like JF-17.
PAF is not very keen on SAM from the US. So is it some RADAR/ground based EW/ECM System? and which one will be officially announced first, blk72 or your mystery multirole system?
Production line will only be feasible if we want to adopt F16 like we did with M3/M5. Maybe do something similar to what Turks have done with buying A129 IP and modified to T129. But it would mean end of JF-17 at Block3.
A lot is going on in the region. I think his tenure should be extended for atleast 1 year. They can create another post of Vice COAS if it helps some of his work and the new guy can come upto speed before elevating him to COAS next year.
IIRC we still have about 15 MLU kits approved which were supposed to be used for upgrading Jordanian F16 to Blk52 standard.
So do u think that all new upgrades will be to Blk72 specs now?
I wish we get more new builds and use older (first batch of 80's) for training and OCU.
Thanks for the share. I hope it becomes a reality.
I think we should have min. 3 squadrons from Blk70. Two new built and 18 upgraded from Blk52. Later MLUed airframes having enough hours left can be upgraded also.