Leonardo M346 For PAF

[ACE OF THE AIR]

PAF still evaluating the thunder B?

JF-17B is not for LIFT unless its operational cost can be further reduced.
The M-346 is joint development with Russia so why not get the YAK-140?
If one has to choose then the lowest in price should be selected, unfortunately that is L-159 in western platforms and L-15 in eastern.

 

[airmarshal]

Yes you have a point and what about JF-17 still being under assessment? Any updates on that?

Jf-17B is not a trainer. Its a conversion jet and is as capable as single seater. The analogy would be F-16B or F-16D.

M-346 is a fighter trainer in the same league as Hawk, Yak-130 and American Goshawk. So its a different class of jet.

Alan Warnes said Leonardo Defence is trying to sell M346, not that PAF is buying it. So totally two different things.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1067429795250618369

 

[Ali_Baba]

M346 will cost more than a JF17, so i just dont see it happening, no matter how good the M346 is.

 

[mingle]

exactly the problem ..70 years and we cant do anything because of this mind set

What u want ?for 14 planes who gonna transfer tech to U?

 

[GriffinsRule]

Having a dedicated LIFT aircraft also makes sense looking at the longer terms plans of the PAF. A K-8 will not suffice for advanced training of 5th generation aircraft that Pakistan is hoping to have in service around 2030.
I can see the pilots going from MFI-17 -> K-8P -> LIFT trainer -> OCU with F-16/BM/D, JF-17B, 5th Gen aircraft

By that timeframe we will not have any residual Mirages or F-7s left and hopefully T-37s will be done with as well. A much cleaner force structure and streamlined logistics.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

so IF that happens it should be like No 1 FCU --> No 18 sqn --> OCU
Acc to me.

Remember, they inaugurated the 'Shooter Squadron' to do LIFT, not sure if it's No. 18 or a new unit though.

 

[Gryphon]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1067965781135290368

https://twitter.com/x/status/1067967276396224512

https://twitter.com/x/status/1067969461049851905

 

[GriffinsRule]

So PAF has not issued an official requirement yet. The companies are proposing and promoting their vares as a marketing move to woo a potential client. Interestingly, the L-15 can trace its roots directly to Yak-130 and M346.

 

[Tps43]

Remember, they inaugurated the 'Shooter Squadron' to do LIFT, not sure if it's No. 18 or a new unit though.

Yess , at MM Alam AFB I remember , I think they were the old F 7/ FT 7 from 19 sqn and all other ex F 7p's who had life in them.

 

[Tipu7]

PAF still evaluating the thunder B?

Yes we are!
In fact AESA equipped Jf17B (or call it Jf17D) will hit production line soon.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

So PAF has not issued an official requirement yet. The companies are proposing and promoting their vares as a marketing move to woo a potential client. Interestingly, the L-15 can trace its roots directly to Yak-130 and M346.

There's a bid (confirmed w/PAF ppl at IDEAS), but unclear where it's at, my guess: RFP stage probably.

 

[Foxtrot Delta]

Heck no. Even though italians are good and reliable suppliers we have better options thank this aircraft.
Also if we invest in russian yak series or chinese competitor that would help cover diplomatic fields as well. After all italy is half a globe away and seldom in news for us. While russia and china are just next door and in headlines everyday

Im sure they can match performance or exceed even.

Whole idea of a lift aircraft is giving pilots cost effective way to train for after burner capable aircraft. With high g possibilities.

I don't think anything would be cheaper and easy to maintain as compared to Jf 17 variant made for as LIFT

Cuz for pakistan not only buying it but tuning it and maimtaining and even upgrading it is a poece of cake!

 

[Dazzler]

Yes we are!
In fact AESA equipped Jf17B (or call it Jf17D) will hit production line soon.

The radar for that version has been finalized.

 

[Tps43]

The radar for that version has been finalized.

Klj 7 A?

 

[Maxpane]

The radar for that version has been finalized.

Which radar sir?