Stealth aircraft work on the principle that you can’t defend against something that you can’t see. Hence let us eliminate these from our discussion. Besides, stealth technology is so expensive that one would always need conventional fighters to make up the numbers.
For the last 20 years, Air forces around the world have moved towards multirole aircraft. Reasons is ‘Economics’ pure & simple. Lesser the varieties of aircrafts, cheaper & easier it is to maintain the birds and to train the pilots. However it does mean a compromise in performance as a dedicated 4th generation strike aircraft such as F-24M or Tornado would make a more efficient bomber than a multirole aircraft 4th generation fighter/bomber and a dedicated air superiority aircraft such as F-15 would out class nearly everything in multirole fighter/interceptor role.
Keeping the above in mind, which aircrafts; at least on paper; provide you the best comprise? In other words which type gives you biggest bang for your buck?
For the strike role and with the ability to defend itself deep inside enemy territory F-16, F-18, Mig -29, Su-30, and Mirage -2000 are about the best available 4th generation multirole aircrafts. 4.5Th generation consists of Rafael, Typhoon, F-15E, and F-16 block 60, F-18 Super Hornet, Su-35, Grippen and J-10/20.
Let us not forget that our perceived adversary (Indian Air Force) would have SU-30, Mirage -2000 & Mig-29 intercepting the bombers. Admittedly, Tornado GR4 can carry greater load at higher speeds for longer distance; however when intercepted by Su-30 & Mirage 2000-5; can a Tornado defend itself better than F-16 block 52? I would strongly disagree.
Admittedly JF-17, even in block-3 would not match the performance of state of the art 4.5th generation fighters. However given the constraints that some aircraft would not be made available to us at all and that our financial resources are severely limited; I would say the JF-17 is an excellent compromise to have as workhorse and grossly unfair to be ‘pooh- poohed’
I have deep respect for Hon Mastan Khan and make it a point to read all of his posts. However I disagree with the contention:
“Basically---PAF CANNOT be TRUSTED to buy the right type of equipment---. Like in the case of Saab aircraft----. Paf wanted all saab aircraft and Musharraf put a stop to it and got 4 or 5 chinese variants to have diversity and lines open in case of sanctions from Sweden.”
When you are sick you don’t go to a Pharmaceutics manufacturer; you consult a doctor before you buy what is best for your disease. Comparing theoretical performance is in my opinion not sufficient, you need Air force professionals to define your requirements for Air Defence. By the way, given the choice, I would go for SU-24M instead of Torando GR4, as Fencer would be cheaper.
PAF needs about 20 front line squadrons to have a credible air defence. Current planning appears to be:
Jf-17 - 10 to12 squadrons, F-16 – 6 to 7 squadrons. Balance 2 -3 squadrons of Chinese J-31.
IMHO PAF planners are on the right track.
