Hi who so ever thinks that we need capability 1 VS 1 is wrong , we need a better 4.5 Gen plan for couple of reasons
1. Like Rafale Model it is always supporting Mirage 2000 and in terms of capability 1 Rafale = 3 Mirage 2000
Dassault Chief termed Rafale fighter jet as a true force multiplier and also said that a Pair of heavily armed “Omni role” Rafale has same combat potential as Six Mirage-2000s.
http://idrw.org/rafale-true-force-m...ge-2000s-deal-with-india-soon-dassault-chief/
2. On similar lines JF17 needed some thing which can complement its role more efficiently , Imagine SU35 (just for example) detect an incoming bandit 400+ Km and just vector JF17 to do the kill job . For me JF17 alone is going to be tough sell against many modern planes .Its a great plane but its role will always be to complement unfortunately F16 and JF17 doesn't share the same systems as Mirage 2000 and Rafale do .
3. To fill up the numbers quickly the dividend of MRF were there but we have to stop there is no pride in repeating which we are doing since 70s world has move on so shall we be. remmember PAF needed 200 Fighters around 2020 JF17 alone can only fulfill lets suppose 40% top remaining 60% capability has to be filled .
4. F7P/PG & Mirages have served there purpose and its pointless to expose our core to these birds . small scale order 4-5 planes a year should start around 2020 . Chinese order of SU35 was around 2 Billion for 24 planes similarly the dark horse in my view is MIG 35 which by incident shares the same engine as JF17 roughly.
Egypt order 50 Migs for 2 Billion $ (i.e dirt cheap) considering capability if not surpassing SU35 but are evenly matched .
http://en.yibada.com/articles/14448...-fighter-enter-service-egyptian-air-force.htm
As business consultant i would have negotiated ruthlessly hard deal with Mikoyan corporation for Mig35 since it is difficult times for Migs these days in term of orders with Engine Overhaul and support facility built my bets are on Mig 35 40 Mil$ a piece tru big brother of JF17