While tunes of a deal have been played for years, what would be an appropriate response from a PAF stand of point. While the jf-17 is a great work horse there are something that it can not compete with. Until the jf17 program is mature, the PAF is in urgent need of a 4.5 gen fighter.
Ah! I'll break this convo as often because the original poster's question was not answered yet despite being valid.
But first let's clear something for the 3 peeps that brought for the Rafale vs Thunder equation.
There is such a difference between the two planes that Nothing in Pakistan's arsenal can make it a contest
and at that, the sweet6teens have a better chance. The Gen. thing is useless but comparing individually
all parts of those birds favors the Raffy :
AESA M-88 SPECTRA MICA AASM etc. and it gets worse as a package.
But if you accept that situation and consider the above question's main point :
… What would be an appropriate response from a PAF stand of point?
there are things that come to mind,
- continue the development of the JF-17 in any case maybe heighten it
as I suggested elsewhere on PDF by making
composite parts in Pakistan for the Thunder to balance the usual weight increase over the years ( jets & people
);
- keep an eye out for opportunities for a [political] deal on the market;
- and/or ward of an Indian attack/war by other means.
For instance, if I was the Pakistani High Commissioner in New Delhi, I'd grab a quiet evening with Narendra
and say
"SO how serious are you about that UN SC permanent seat, mate? Because if you are than I suppose we can rule out an attack & full-on war with you? That wouldn't look good on your resume!"
to which Modi should answer
"You're entirely right, that's the kind of things nations do after they get the seat!".
That's a 20 year break right there with India's sole possible excuse for war being pulling an American and labeling
it War on Terror … itself if believed a good reason for the govt in Islamabad to concentrate on the terrorists in-house.
Good evening all, Tay.