Morrocco Showing interest in JF-17 ahead of Marrakech air show

[Quwa]

It seems that Morocco is looking for 4-5 sqd's hence they might be going for block 3. The only problem that can be seen is would they be able to arrange the funds. A few years back they were unable to keep their F-16 in the air because of shortage of funds.

That could be a problem, but then again, customers could just buy the planes rolling off the production line in cash. In other words, the birds for export could come from those allocated for the PAF, and the funds put in by the PAF could be offset by the cash given to PAC by export customers (in-exchange for the planes).

 

[ACE OF THE AIR]

That could be a problem, but then again, customers could just buy the planes rolling off the production line in cash. In other words, the birds for export could come from those allocated for the PAF, and the funds put in by the PAF could be offset by the cash given to PAC by export customers (in-exchange for the planes).

It could be possible that PAF leased out some aircraft to countries that can not pay out-rightly. This was done by the Italians when they opted for the F-16's. how much did that save them can only be seen if the contract details are available.

The issue that I wanted to make was not the initial cost or the fly away cost but the cost of maintaining and flying. Would Morocco manage such amounts from their budgets has to be seen.

PAC is trying to reduce the costs of JF-17's by exporting them and also trying to offset the financial deficit, a very positive approach. This does not solve the issue on how countries like Morocco, Argentina or African countries pay for these aircraft. Has PAC developed a financial support system to help these countries? If they have not then they should to secure customers.

 

[Quwa]

It could be possible that PAF leased out some aircraft to countries that can not pay out-rightly. This was done by the Italians when they opted for the F-16's. how much did that save them can only be seen if the contract details are available.

The issue that I wanted to make was not the initial cost or the fly away cost but the cost of maintaining and flying. Would Morocco manage such amounts from their budgets has to be seen.

PAC is trying to reduce the costs of JF-17's by exporting them and also trying to offset the financial deficit, a very positive approach. This does not solve the issue on how countries like Morocco, Argentina or African countries pay for these aircraft. Has PAC developed a financial support system to help these countries? If they have not then they should to secure customers.

In some cases China might offer a line of credit or loan, especially if it lines up with their regional economic interests (they might see a market for their defence goods in North Africa and Latin America).

Otherwise, PAC will just sell on a cash basis. It's not difficult. Normally, the seller requires a down payment up front in order to kick-start production for the buyer. This typically comes from a loan or a cash deposit, but can be risky for all parties involved if the buyer and/or seller are unreliable.

In PAC's case, it is already producing JF-17s. Yes, these JF-17s are for the PAF, but if Nigeria decides to buy 3 and is able to pay for them up front, then PAC can re-allocate those incomplete PAF JF-17s for the Nigerian Air Force.

This doesn't hurt the PAF because it would have gotten the cash (plus a little profit) from the buyer, and the risk for the buyer is really low because they can literally see the planes meant for them. Morocco, Nigeria, Myanmar, etc, could buy in tranches this way.

As for flying and maintaining the JF-17s, it should be really cheap. For one thing, the spare parts are either coming from China or Pakistan, so foreign currency shouldn't be a problem considering we're talking about Chinese yuan and Pakistani rupee. Either way, it is going to be a lot cheaper to operate the JF-17 than the F-16, guaranteed.

 

[ACE OF THE AIR]

how much does it cost to fly and maintain the JF-17?

A very limited information is available on the net, Doubt very much that PAC or PAF would share such information publicly.

There was a comparison made by one of the PDF think tanks probably in the F-17 discussion or JF-17's do not remember exactly
The comparison showed that the lowest cost was of Saab Gripen in the Western aircraft, so one can clearly say the JF-17 would have a lower cost than that.

These links might give you a very vague idea of the operational cost if you do the maths.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/jf-17-program.htm

http://thediplomat.com/2015/01/is-the-jf-17-really-a-tough-sell-for-china-and-pakistan/

 

[Basel]

Few things.

1: Nigeria is buying three Jf17b for training purposes first. They are demanding an enhanced ground strike Thunder aircraft.
Deliveries expected to start by mid of 2017. Nigeria paid 25 Million $ for first three aircrafts. They might place order for more by end of 2017.

2: Myanmar is buying one squadron (16 aircraft) for 560 Million $. Block 3 with AESA is their demand so deliveries will start after an year when first Block 3 will role out of production line.

3: Morocco, Qatar, Egypt are interested in Block 3. Instead of placing an order they first want to witness how much Block 3 of Jf17 offer. Egypt want to replace Mig21& MirageV. They are keeping an eye on both LCA and Jf17. Qatar want to replace Alpha Jet and Mirage F1 with new aircraft. Morocco can replace Alpha Jet with Jf17 or if they find Jf17 capabale enough they might replace their upgraded fleet of Mirage F1 and F5 Freedom fighter aircrafts.

4: Sri Lanka as per now will keep eye on both LCA and Jf17. Jf17 just scored extra points by getting deployed as Maritime aircraft with anti ship missile. But this is the deal which depends less on capability of jet but more on political game. If Sri Lankan government managed to repel Indian pressure then the deal for Sri Lankan Jf17 as Maritime aircraft can revive once again.

So over all despite of failed bids from Argentina or Malaysia, Jf17 can still manage to secure credible orders from various nations through out the World. Lack of Twin seat aircraft was a big short coming which will overcome by end of this year

CFTs should be developed for JFT it will make it more attractive.

 

[Quwa]

A very limited information is available on the net, Doubt very much that PAC or PAF would share such information publicly.

There was a comparison made by one of the PDF think tanks probably in the F-17 discussion or JF-17's do not remember exactly
The comparison showed that the lowest cost was of Saab Gripen in the Western aircraft, so one can clearly say the JF-17 would have a lower cost than that.

These links might give you a very vague idea of the operational cost if you do the maths.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/jf-17-program.htm

http://thediplomat.com/2015/01/is-the-jf-17-really-a-tough-sell-for-china-and-pakistan/

Don't forget - currency power. China and Pakistan maintain very affordable currencies for other importers, especially the likes of Morocco. Unlike the Gripen (which South Africa is having trouble maintaining due to importing maintenance supplies), the JF-17 would be much cheaper on that front.

 

[Mohammad ahsen]

Everyone is showing interest for many years but no confirmed sells.

because jf 17 sell is start deliever is start in 2017

 

[khanasifm]

2018 participation ???

http://www.marrakechairshow.com/en/the-exhibition/exhibitors-list

 

[Maxpane]

any news abour Morroco interest

 

[Signalian]

any news abour Morroco interest

I have skimmed through the first post, i couldn't find Morocco showing interest in buying JF-17 anywhere.