sancho
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what are the implications for the PAF now that the IAF has 'regained' the edge by short-listing the EFT and Rafale as their mainstay weapons system along with the SU-30MKI
Not much I would say, it was clear from the begining that the MMRCA winner will add numbers, but especially quality to IAF, no matter which one would have been choosen. So in a fighter vs fighter comparison PAF would be in disadvantage anyway, but they already made a smart decision to counter this "potential" threat with the addition of AWACS aircrafts!
I always said that neither the JF 17, nor the new F16 Block 52 are real game changers, but Saab Erieye and Y8 AWACS will be, because IAF will loose the advantage of long range radar detection and first sight that they have now with MKI. That will be crucial, because it doesn't matter too much how capable the fighter itself is, it only needs to be BVR capable and able to be conected with AWACS to be a real threat for IAF fighters. Same reason why Mig 21 Bisons with R77, guided by MKI are a big threat for the more capable F16s of PAF. And even if the AWACS platforms of PAF are less capable then the A50s in IAF, as long as PAF can counter it with numbers (and the advantage of just one borderline to cover), they will have a good defence capability even against MMRCAs.
what will the US do now - it seems to be 'sulking'!
the russians have not 'commented' on the deal?
SAAB was always out-of-the-running - will they flog the Gripen to the PAF (remember it has US engine)
Except of Sweden and Saab, the loosers will get other deals anyway $30 billion FGFA for Russia, $5.8 billion C17 for the US.