members are requested to do not engage the trolls but report them accordingly so the Mods can deal.
Topic: So another news about we are getting SU-35 but realistically speaking, it is still a news so I would wait for official news/source/hints in this regard. Many senior members have discussed the same in the manners whereby if there is any possibility for such procurement or not and I hope members here may continue in same regard in civilized manners rather than flame baiting and personal attacks.
It is true that we have been looking for other options (The ACM statement) and there is no clear indication that which platform is considered in this view but by going the official statements and a bit of updates, seems like induction of 4.5 or ++ platform need to be backed with official statement otherwise it is just a news and geopolitics hype.
If India by any chance goes for any US top tier A/C(s) indeed, as per norms of geopolitics and nations interests, Russia would be interested to balance the equation especially against an old time rival. The US stance against Russia and China is very clear to understand and none is to be spoon fed, which warrant the influence game and geopolitics for many of rivals. The recent Pact of US-India and India's weapons procurement from west already sent a message to anti-US/West blocks/countries so the upcoming ties/relations and new blocks are not surprise at all, for the one that can see this all through developments.
Russia is totally independent to sell its weapons to any nation and definitely is not bound to any country in relation though it is always matter of national interests so by the same formula, the future sale of any weapon would be based upon the same development as well. If Russia's sale to Pakistan is subject to opposition of India then China and Russia are already in strong relations whereby China possess the large family of Flankers like India does and Russia never stopped any sale to China even production of Chinese Flankers.
The same rule applies to the buyer that Pakistan is independent to buy the weapon if the one is selling. Here, many impatience friends must keep in view the procedure and keeping the things under the wraps practice of Pakistan and China as well so it is not necessary to announce every single thing openly with beating the drums unnecessarily, which itself is a good approach to keep enemy thinking. So far, till the last updates and developments, PAF will stick to the plan of current fleet with possibility of new platform of 5th Gen. Even if we are going for 4.5++ A/C then the time will tell/any official confirmation whether it is going to be EFT or SU-35. This is not about a Confectionery purchase always that need to pay upfront as the deal is signed as there are many ways, the step by step payment, through different mods and a middle man so if PAF is serious about any such type of induction, things would be done or who knows are already worked out that they know how to do it. Upcoming CPEC is our priority and a responsibility as well which is going to be one of the economic boosters while inviting many of parties that includes Russia as well.
Reference to SU-35 possibility, we can see our relations through RD-93 purchase and overhaul facility at PAC Kamra as well which may warrant the expected purchase in future while indicating that we are moving in right direction. Also, the changing directions of countries and India;s tilt towards US/West may also be kept in view in this development. From Rafale to Scorpene and offers of F-16s assembly line in India as well as possibility of F-18 etc are indicators for any future possibilities between Russia and PAF but still depends if we want it and can have it.
With reference to EFT, we can see our interests with Turkish TFX program whereby BAE is involved and Turkey has openly invited Pakistan to participate that seems like things are already worked out.
IMO, I will be waiting for official confirmation and till then, happy posting and enjoy the thread.
.....did you ever stop to think how many other combat aircraft actually participated or performed in this second tier exhibition..... and do some homework on how far back did PAF checked out both the platforms you mentioned and declined them as they didn't fit into PAF's doctrine.
