If PAF would have tried to get everything installed right at the manufacturing stage, we would still be talking dates of raising first unit. Wrong strategy IMO. When JF-17 was being inducted, three requirements were on priority.
1. Replace legacy aircraft
2. Boost airspace defence through BVR capability
3. Increase maritime defence capability
As you can see this is where PAF has stressed first. Precision strike is a broad term. Any guided weapon is a precision weapon. C-802 is a precision weapon so are LS series bombs. What we are talking here is thermal/ electro-optic acquisition and laser designation / guidance in a targetting pod. This capability was not required immediately as F-16s already had it and they were performing very well. And if it was to be required on urgent basis, WMD Chinese pod could fulfil the requirement. PAF did not see such need and focus remained on first three priorities as I mentioned.
It is only now that PAF is turning it's attention to precision strike capability. Good thing that technology has advanced and meanwhile options have increased as well (e.g. French / European hardware). As is evident by Air Marshal's statement who is visiting France, PAF is now examining these options and logically this will be next capability to be added. PAF is/ should now focusing on following capabilities.
1. Targetting pod integration
2. Air refuelling
3. EW suite integration (DRFM included)
4. Reconnaissance pod integration
As to why not have all these capabilities right from the beginning? Answer lies in my first sentence. Integration and upgradation is a painfully slow process and our resources as well as expertise are limited compared to aviation giants like Lockheed or Dassault. Better to have critical capabilities first than to have none at all.
