I don't think PAF would allow sales unless their needs are met first, I too would like to see 5-6 squadrons in service before we talk about export.
But it seems fine to me right about now.
Remember there was talk of ramping up production capability at Kamra? If that's been done to sufficient level, I don't see anything wrong in exports.
Besides, even if an order comes through, MoU signed, then negotiations, then talks, delays, then production outlines and more talks, it takes 2-3 years minimum. In the mean time PAF could have it's orders filled and even when the time comes for export, PAF could still use most of the production floor for it's needs, I doubt we're going to see any big order soon anyway.
See, that's where the problem lies. PAF doesn't even have 3 squadrons up. PAF should first get it's requirements met 100%, and only then consider exporting the fighter.
Combat aircraft are not like automobiles, that whichever country wants it, can export them at it's will.
Even if PAC (Pakistan Aeronautical Complex) makes the sales, what about the support to the JF-17 in service with other nations? That's like 20-30 years of technical support with spares, training etc. What if, a nation, let's say Egypt chooses to induct JF-17, but then due to whatever reason is slapped by international sanctions? Pakistan or any Pakistani company in that case cannot transact with that sanctioned nation.
Remember, recently HP was caught selling IT and Computer services to Iran through it's shadow companies. This is just basic computer hardware. But even then, once caught, they were heavily fined.
In case of JF-17, we are talking about a combat aircraft, an aircraft that can kill.
So unless PAF has a dedicated team to plan with a clear vision, this export of JF-17 is a flawed narrative.
Yes, JF-17 is a very good aircraft. It can replace all those Mig 21/23/27 and perhaps the Older Mig29's in many nations' arsenal, but the questions is, can PAF/PAC support the exports for years to come?
Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Dassault, MIG/Sukhoi have their nations back behind them, all of which are members of the UN Security Council, and thus can muster the strength to sell their weapons. We cannot. That's the simple fact of it.
JF-17 was designed to be used by PAF. Any export customer requiring this aircraft, would need to get it's pilots trained, in which case the only option is to let PAF pilots/air men train, at the expense of their own combat flying training. Do you think it is a wise idea?
I'd say, in my personal opinion, that PAF must first absorb JF-17 fully in it's arsenal, wait at least until 2017 to offer the jet for export.
From the looks of it, PAF officers seem to be getting carried away with the notion of 'low cost, cost effective, cheap, bla bla fighter aircraft'. Truth is, no body gives a damn if the aircraft that killed you was cost effective or not.
JF-17 is a light weight, multi-role combat aircraft for PAF.
That's it.
