Hi,
There is no such thing as a 5th generation version of JF17----. That clearly shows that you have no clue what te term means----. JF17 will end as a 4--4.5 gen aircraft---that is the limit of the design.
This does not put to rest any claims that it was the right aircraft.
This would have been a right aircraft when the nation had FREE time and no threats from the enemy. It in itself is not the right aircraft to fulfill the need of the defense of Pakistan----because it has miniscule strike capabilities which are all defensive in nature.
The Iraqis suffered in the first gulf war---because they made it a DEFENSIVE war----they dug in and waited for the enemy----.
The German----were ploughing thru in Europe till they build a defensive line on the beaches of france.
Our measly navy----they died 2500 miles away---waging war on the other side of India---in the submarine hunting for the indian assets-----our soldiers died on the other side of the border during kargil----and our frigging air force wants to fight on our soil----?
Why----because they want to be called a defensive air force----defensive my ar-se----these guys are being led by cowards----that is what the air force has been for the last many years----.
14 years it has been and still no air superiority fighter to compete and take down the enemy one on one---nt a single aircraft that the enemy is concerned about----.
I don't give a sh-it about the slogan of the PAF we will give our live for the country----I want a slogan that we will kill the enemy in the land of the enemy----.
I don't give a sh-it about the slogan of we will give them a bloody nose----I want a slogan that we will smash them to kingdom come---.
Who gives a diddly sh-it about gaining knowledge with a puny little aircraft when we have to face 240 monster breathing death and destruction from everywhere.
This R&D is for those who have FREE TIME----or when you have secured your assets with the right aircraft and then you can develop these kind of aircraft.
So---400 million in development of this aircraft
20 million a piece----a total of 70 JF 17----being built and in operation----1.5 Billion dollars
So----for 14 years----is this what we have to show for-----2 Billion dollars of procurement that is all------
You don't even qualify to WIPE YOUR OWN NOSE YET----where come the no losing of your sleep----.
You have to know and understand the levels of threat that is being faced to lose sleep----if you are totally clueless---then off course----what losing of sleep---you can party 24/7 and have a good time because it matters nothing to you because you canot comprehend the threat.
Well this was a wonderful point of view , which made me read it a few times.
My answer to this point of view is very simple lets look at it from a realistic point of view
Are we better off fighting an enemy with aging 70's planes or with JF17 thunder , obviously the newer planes.
I think , you have misjudged the effort - serious amount of effort Pakistan Airforce and military minds have put forth on
modernizing the Airforce and bringing it to modern levels.
a) We have brought in AWACs into our force which make our forces more aware and its a force multiplier
b) We have extended our airforce's range by purchasing 4 Tankers and most JF17 thunders would be
coming with option to refuel. Which is a sign of an attacking airforce.
c) What makes a jet more potent , a powerful engine and hard points to carry weapons well the engine enhancements
are coming up in Block 3
So , instead of depending on older planes , we have inducted close to
53 brand new thunders
Which the pilots themselves have vouched that they enjoy flying and find it as effective as F16
About the day/night monsters fire breathing dragons or what ever luckily we have tools to detect and see them clearly
on Thunders
Not to mention weapons to take out those monsters !!! Not to mention Unlimitted Ammo Hack
This right here is gift for any invadors coming from ships a 100% attacking weapon
We have a platform that has no upper limit yet, as we are still enhancing it as days go and who know we migt even
have Block 5 !! Once advance Avionics are upgraded
An attacking force !!! which will have eyes in sky !!!
And you have also completely missed !! The point Pakistan Airforce have also upgraded their base F16 Jets
Now you raised a question well why worry about R&D - well the R&D helps grow a engineering sector in country , which is vital for national defence. Tomorrow we might design a larger plane some day scale it up so the benefits of knowledge gained is undebatable
The points raised were good obviously one cannot always have a doctrine of Defensive force
however I think Pakistan Airforce have put in the right moves to make our force flexible to special operations if need be.
We are going in right direction !
Plus one cannot over look , the development of pilots themselves
a) Training contracts for simulators
b) Contracts with Turkey for training (joint training)
c) Work being done with other partners in Training pilots
d) Availability of more jet trainers for more air time for recruits
But the best asset is Men/Women flying the jets - they know what to do when they see monsters in air