Bilal Khan (Quwa)
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The PAF has been using the K-8 in the FCU role, which is basically LIFT. So, it's Super Mushshak to T-37 to K-8. If there's a K-8 replacement on the roadmap, it would be a LIFT platform. But a lot of them are expensive, not just upfront but usage too, to the point of reaching F-16/JF-17 levels. So a K-8 replacement would need to be a small jet, e.g. L-159, Freedom Trainer, etcYak 130 is an advanced jet trainer which pilots use prior to going into fast jets, the K-8 is a basic to intermediate trainer. This is the aircraft that pilots graduate to when they have completed training on a basic fighter trainer like a turboprop Super Tucano or Hurkus. As such it depends on you pilot training regimens which one is more valuable to you. For PAF, they have dual seat fighters (Mirages and F-7) that fulfill the advance trainer role which will be replaced with simulators and dual seat JF-17s.
PAF pilots start on super-mushak and graduate to K-8 or T-37s then into Operational Conversion Units (OCUs) which utilize dual seat fast jets for training (i.e. Mirage, FT-7, F-16B/D and in future, JF-17B). There really isnt a need for something like YAK-130.
On the other hand if you utilize a basic turboprop (super Mushak) to advanced turboprop (Hurkus or Super Tucano or Texan II), you may consider an advanced jet trainer (like Yak 130 or T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle) prior to fast jet conversion.
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