PAF should've invested more on J-10s rather than JF-17s

[MastanKhan]

Hi,

During the Falkland wars, the british ships got hit real hard by the exocet---a stage came that the order came right from the top to save a ship from sinking at all cost---the pride of the british navy was at stake. Through their connections with the americans they got the codes from the french to counter the exocet missiles.

The only possibility in this case is to get the codes for the amraam missile---whereas the exocet was a threat to the name and majesty of the british navy----the amraam poses no such threat to the dignity and honour of the IAF. Whereas the exocet could sink a naval ship----thus the might of the british navy---the amraam would only blow an SU 30 to kingdom come---the USAF would love to see its missile blowing a russian aircraft to smithereens---.The world would not mind a tad bit----if the IAF gets a thrashing by the PAF----remember---people always love to see the little guy beat up the big bad wolf---they would rather see IAF get beat up----first of all americans are tired of losing their jobs to india----" this item needs to be exploited more".

America is not known to have given its codes for the amraams to anyone---they have sold us the best aircraft of their times---the F 86, the F 104---the F 16's----in 1984, I was talking to a u s millitary officer on the college campus and he mentioned that u s had given pakistan some equipment that some of the american regiments didnot have those items. So---it has not happened before and it won't happen----nobody wants pakistan to go nuclear----they would rather see a 100 indian planes go bite the dust----than see a mushroom cloud rising somewhere in the sub-continent.

Now coming to the JF 17---an aircraft reflects the needs, the neccessity, the mindset, the available technology, the ability to absorb the technology and enable maintenance, the psyche of the air force, what it desire to, what it wants to do with the plane,----that is where the JF 17 comes into picture----we needed a next generation aircraft of our own---an aircraft that was superior to the F 7 PG, the best chinese built aircraft in our inventory----we had limited funds and the chinese were a willing partners as they also had sanctions of their own.

Till yesterday, we were happy with the 80 % comparative performance of the JF 17 to F 16---because this was going to be our bird---but today we are not satisfied with that---the reason being that suddenly there are so many options available to us----what has happened is that the defence industry has realized that there is a very inexpensive fighter aircraft coming into the third world market pretty soon---around 250 plus planes for pakistan and about 600 plus for the rest of the third world countries---so every one is offering one kind of package or the other----like radar---weapons equipment and electronics---engine etc. We have not wasted any money on this aircraft----other nations have spent billions on failed projects---we have a successful working product for less than 500 million dollars---chump change for an aircraft.

The PAF was and is happy with the the end product---that is what they are telling us---the plane is coming with a 6 cylinder engine today---tomorrow---it will have a V 8----at least it is a modular design airframe----so there are endless possibilities---any successful air force has to start at somewhere and JF 17 is everything to be proud of. We are going to start up with a good radar and weapopns system---which in future would lead to a high end radar system with high tech weapons and a higher performing engine as well.

We know that the JF 17 is and J 10 / FC 20 are going to be the same type of combo the USAF had with the F 16 and the F 15.

PAF operates the mirage, the F 7 pg, the F 16 and the A 5----4 different types of aircraft----which in the future will be phased out to F 16---JF 17---FC 20 plus the option to purchase another type of aircraft---if they want 4 different types---the JF 17 would be the work horse of the future PAF----this aircraft is a learning experience for the airforce----they just don't want to load it up with anything and everything right from the word go----that is the main difference between IAF and PAF----IAF wants to RE-INVENT the wheel----PAF wants to carry the BATON in the relay race to the next level. It takes time to absorb high end technology----.

TOT is a term extremely loosely / casually used by the pakistanis----they donot understand and cannot comprehend to what it stands for and what does it mean for an impoverished nation like ours---I would like the posters to think about talking so casually about TOT---DO ANY OF YOU KNOW IF PAKISTAN CAN SUCCESSFULLY MANUFACTURE A BICYCLE CHAIN RIGHT FROM SCRATCH.

A war is a war---the F 16's won't be parked anywhere during a war with india---they will be flying headon against the indians without any prejudice---without any discretion.

 

[x_man]

@ ANTIBODY

JF-17 and FC-20 are totally different aircrafts with different price tag, role and induction plans. It’s a similar kind of an argument that why Indian AF needs LCA once they are already inducting 200 + SU-30 MKIs….

PAF is currently working with 20 fighter squadrons and she would like to maintain the numbers for obvious reasons….JF-17 will be inducted in large numbers while replacing many F-7s, Mirages and A-5s ….It will also form part of the OCUs and become the stepping stone for converting the pilots onto the further hi-tech platforms e.g. F-16 MLU , F-16 Block 50/52 and FC-20s…..So it’s a wrong argument to compare JF-17 and FC-20…

As far as Mirage III ROSE Vs Mirage 2000, well they are again two very different aircrafts with Mirage-2000 being much superior….Who so ever says that Mirage III is more capable, is perhaps haven’t seen the M2Ks capabilities…

About the codes, I think Mastan said it all. People shared similar doubts ( about codes) when our current F-16 fleet came on 80s….Remember that once you have got the aircraft, you will get everything. And if ( at all) there is anything that is tempered with, there are million of other sources ( open / black markets etc ) where people are ready to sell any thing till the time you keep showing them your credit card…..Its a jungle out there !!! Ever wonder how are F-16s kept flying despite embargo’s?? Don’t worry about the codes…

 

[Manticore]

thanks guys.. .perhaps the US might themselves be interested to see block52 Vs mki



FC-1 / J-10 Pairing
There have been various comparisons between the FC-1 & J-10 pairing, including the F-16 & F-15 pairing and the F-20 & F-16. However, one comparison pairing still to be analyzed is the MiG-29 and Su-27 pairing. If you think about it, the FC-1 is the equivalent of a single engined MiG-29 and the J-10 a single engined Su-27. The difference between them is relatively (and admittedly not absolutely) the same. Given that the modern equivalents of these planes – the MiG-35 and the Su-35 are even more closely matched in terms of performance, radar capability and range, the point of painting the FC-1 & J-10 pairing black seems perhaps a bit more tenuous.If we compare the initial JF-17 with the initial F-16A Block-10/15 aircraft, JF-17 is a superior aircraft, compared to the Block-20 it is equally effective

 

[Neo]

I addition to excellent analysis by Sir Mastan Khan and X_Men I'd like to point out that JF-17 is the first combat fighter in modern history that has been jointly developped by two airforces whereas other air forces go shopping with international commercial manufactures and select something from existing designs and ask for modifications.

PAF drew its own concept of a light weight fighter, so did PLAAF and both joined hands together to build something that would meet their ASR. The results need no further explanation, we have a world class medium technology aircraft with huge potential and its going to be the backbone of PAF for atleast two decades.

J-10 is another success story. We had requirement for medium weight MRCA so we looked at J-10A which unfortunately failed to impress us so we built our own concept, sent more engineers to China to work on the design and came up with the FC-20 which is very close to PLAAF's J-10B, a true 4.5 gen MRCA housing latest technology, avionics and weaponsuit which in PAF's case are being purchased from a number of European countries. Once operational, the JF-17 and FC-20 will become a deadly duo.

So please don't compare apples with oranges. Both are designed for different roles and once inducted they'll form a perfect harmony, enhancing PAF's capabilities to unprecedented levels.

 

[Quwa]

In the future a substantial portion of the PAF fleet may be composed of J-10/FC-20s - as per PakDef we're looking at 60~150 fighters. Bear in mind that there is a chance that FC-20 is the J-10B, which in slated to be PLAAF's 4.5 generation fighter.

Beyond this we have the JF-17 and F-16, and I am certain PAF will work towards making them 4+ generation fighters. With JF-17 the path is pretty clear with PAF planning to equip it with AESA radar (IDEAS) and the same generation of avionics & ECM/EW as EF/Rafale/Gripen (confirmed by PAF ACM on media).

F-16 may receive the Northrop Grumman SABR or European AESA, though I am unsure as PAF hasn't detailed such plans...purely my guess...but it is logical to assume that at least the F-16C/Ds may see such an upgrade. Goes without saying that it is also possible of PAF to seek out used F-16C/Ds as they become available due to F-35 rolling into service.

If you read through the IDEAS bulletin, it is also clear that PAF wants to arm its fighters with contemporary weapon-systems. In other words, we will see PAF employ BVRAAM and WVRAAM of the same generation and league as MBDA Meteor, Diehl BGT IRIS-T, etc...basically ramjet based LRAAMs and 5th.gen SRAAMs.

Overall the PAF is shaping itself up to be one of the world's top air forces in the long-run, one just needs to take a closer look. Perhaps the real 'seal' of a top air force is securing a 5th generation fighter program...but that would take time in the case of Pakistan. Who knows what PAF will do for 5th generation...we might join a Chinese-led project; U.S. out of pure commercial interest might offer F-35; or maybe join others like Turkey & South Korea in exploring an alternative, such as the Saab Project...

Who knows...

 

[Anwar2]

I have little knowledge of thse things. The little bit I know, there are two types of data buses on F-16 Blk 52 (i) MIL-STD-1553B deals with air data, communications, Nav/Attack, and some Radar mode functions (ii) Mil-Std-1760 is the Stores management bus that integrates the weapons, stores, pods, ECM functions.

In general, Pakistan has a proven track record of maintaining –1553B sub-systems under an embargo situation. In fact –1553B like architectures are now common in Russian and Chinese aircraft as well.

-1760 functions are difficult to support independently because of firmware level interfaces to the actual weapons to be launched.

If the USA is upset and pulls the carpet under our feet, we will still be able to Fly the F-16 Blk 52’s, but they may not be fully mission capable. Work around may be possible but that will permanently mutilate the configuration management of the fighter.

 

[batmannow]

i really , hope that in the comming future, PAF will increase its aircrafts inventry, with JF-17's & introduction of FC-20 , will surly going to make PAF, a force that could take on any 1 , any time, any where!

i guss, if we & CHINA can improve J-11b, we couldbe able to get a reliable, long range MRCA & "deep strike capability", with crunnt F-16's?

i guss, PAF would understand, its future challenges, so it can change its role from a defence force, to a "strike force". which is the need of hour?

 

[notorious_eagle]

I have little knowledge of thse things. The little bit I know, there are two types of data buses on F-16 Blk 52 (i) MIL-STD-1553B deals with air data, communications, Nav/Attack, and some Radar mode functions (ii) Mil-Std-1760 is the Stores management bus that integrates the weapons, stores, pods, ECM functions.

In general, Pakistan has a proven track record of maintaining –1553B sub-systems under an embargo situation. In fact –1553B like architectures are now common in Russian and Chinese aircraft as well.

-1760 functions are difficult to support independently because of firmware level interfaces to the actual weapons to be launched.

If the USA is upset and pulls the carpet under our feet, we will still be able to Fly the F-16 Blk 52’s, but they may not be fully mission capable. Work around may be possible but that will permanently mutilate the configuration management of the fighter.

You are correct, that is why the numbers for F16Block 52 speak for themselves. PAF knows that America is not a reliable supplier of weapons and that is why PAF is trying to be less dependant on the US. Expect the numbers for J10B to go up once the inital batch is delivered to us.

 

[mean_bird]

I have little knowledge of thse things. The little bit I know, there are two types of data buses on F-16 Blk 52 (i) MIL-STD-1553B deals with air data, communications, Nav/Attack, and some Radar mode functions (ii) Mil-Std-1760 is the Stores management bus that integrates the weapons, stores, pods, ECM functions.

In general, Pakistan has a proven track record of maintaining –1553B sub-systems under an embargo situation. In fact –1553B like architectures are now common in Russian and Chinese aircraft as well.

-1760 functions are difficult to support independently because of firmware level interfaces to the actual weapons to be launched.

If the USA is upset and pulls the carpet under our feet, we will still be able to Fly the F-16 Blk 52’s, but they may not be fully mission capable. Work around may be possible but that will permanently mutilate the configuration management of the fighter.

If I understand correctly what you are trying to say, is that if US is upset it won't supply us with weapons and its difficult to integrate other weapons into the F-16 blk 52...is that right?

I still don't understand what exactly is in the US hand and what exactly will suffer if suppose they try to restrict to the maximum. Any explanation would be helpful.

 

[nitetrogen70]

hey how come we dont start to develop engin tec cuz this culd be very gud for the country?

 

[Manticore]

engine production is so very costly.. only 5 countries are into engine production in the world.. china might become1 in coming years (in producing world class engines)
**
jf-17 had a major design change midway the programme
1]proven technologies from different jets taken into consideration to reduce time of production and increase reliability
2]to make it more than an f7 upgrade..
3]rather something close to f16
4]even the ability to mass produce it..
5]cancel quantitative edge
6]gain market edge for countries wanting an f-7 replacement even closing to f-16
7]exporting indirectly translates to gaining money and experiance for upgrading further blocks
8]easy maintanence
9]minimum dependence on West
10]PAF wanted to gain primary experience while quickly having a numerical deterent but the later blocks of jf-17 would be all composits and the design wouldve been already tested and refined and up and flying years before!

[on youtube and search for a video f16 verse jf17....180degrees are coverd in 18 seconds by f16 and 19 sec by jf17].. just showing it is far from just an f7 or failed mig33 upgrade.
**
**
**

two great things i gathered from above

1]jf17 is the first aircraft made my 2airforces considering their requirements rather than supplier companies

2] jf17 and j10 combo would be like f16 and f15 for the US [leaving only the upper high teck place vacant for later on]

 

[qsaark]

If I understand correctly what you are trying to say, is that if US is upset it won't supply us with weapons and its difficult to integrate other weapons into the F-16 blk 52...is that right?

I still don't understand what exactly is in the US hand and what exactly will suffer if suppose they try to restrict to the maximum. Any explanation would be helpful.

Let me put this in very simple words for you. You with even a mediocre IQ would not like to fight with your enemy with the help of a friend of your enemy. US/Europe are the friends of your enemy. Time has proven that they have helped your enemy more than they have helped you. I would rather procure an inferior system from a reliable source or better still make my own and develop techniques to use my inferior system against my enemy's superior one. We have to say good bye to our 50 years old spueriority complex that US/European stuff is better. Even in 1965, F86 was not the decisive factor (Hunters and Gnats were not inferior in any respect), it was the courage and the professionalism of our officers and crewmen that saved the day.

 

[Luftwaffe]

May I add JF-17 might later on after 2014 with many structural changes to come become a medium class fighter in category of F-16C. Is it possible??Lets wait...i hope so..

 

[MastanKhan]

Let me put this in very simple words for you. You with even a mediocre IQ would not like to fight with your enemy with the help of a friend of your enemy. US/Europe are the friends of your enemy. Time has proven that they have helped your enemy more than they have helped you. I would rather procure an inferior system from a reliable source or better still make my own and develop techniques to use my inferior system against my enemy's superior one. We have to say good bye to our 50 years old spueriority complex that US/European stuff is better. Even in 1965, F86 was not the decisive factor (Hunters and Gnats were not inferior in any respect), it was the courage and the professionalism of our officers and crewmen that saved the day.

Hi,

Courage holds a seat in the second or third row on the viewing stand----F 86 were indeed extremely superior aircraft of its time----as a matter of fact it was the most superior aircraft in the arena----but then there is more to a dog fight than what comes out on a slide show----each aircraft has its strengths and weaknesses----the sabre had a different altitude where it would rule whereas the hunter and gnats had to fly at a different altitude to be in control---the strength of a good pilot is to catch the adversary in their weak position and dictate the terms from their point point of strength.

F 86 sabre was an outstanding aircraft with a computerized aiming of its gun sights---the COURAGE AND PROFESSIONALISM COMES OUT POURING LIKE IF FLOOD GATES HAVE BEEN OPENED WHEN YOU ARE STRAPPED INTO A HIGH CLASS KILLING MACHINE.

By the by----you are a little too harsh in your very first posts---talking about mediocre I Q.

If you might have noticed---we try not to use these kind of terms over here.

 

[Manticore]

This interview appeared on Daily Jang and was also shown on ARY ONE. This is a translated version from Daily Jang.

Translation Courtesy - Sarmad


INTERVIEW WITH CAS ACM TANVIR MAHMOOD AHMAD
By: Salim Bukhari, Saeed Ali and Naeem Tahir


Q. Would the new Pakistani F-16s would be performing with a handicap or limitations after the American concerns of the use of F-16s by Pakistan?

Ans. There are no handicaps or limitations following the use of the latest F-16C/D Block-52 as well as F-16A/B MLU Fighting Falcons, imposed by the US authorities. PAF can use these aircraft against any target whenever and wherever it wants to. PAF is totally independent in deploying these aircraft against all sorts of targets, in both defensive and offensive roles. All US suspicions are cleared.


Q. Can you explain that why a US team of experts will also accompany these aircraft in Pakistan?

Ans. This is not a new thing. In 1961, a US team of experts accompanied the 12 F-104A Starfighters. Again in 1983, a team accompanied the F-16A/B Fighting Falcons. Similarly French and Chinese team of experts have also accompanied aircrafts of the origin of their countries for the discussion about technical and maintenance details, initially when Mirage III, F-6, F-7MP and F-7PG were inducted.
The only thing which US do not want is that Pakistan does not transfer the technology of the new Falcons to a third country, especially China.


Q. What are your remarks about the new F-16C/D Block-52 Advanced Vipers?

Ans. I am impressed by these new breed of Fighting Falcons. I’m confident that these aircraft along with the MLU F-16A/Bs will bolster PAF’s capabilities and would balance the technological gap of the airforces in the Sub-Continent.
F-16C/D Block-52 is relatively larger, will have enhanced fuel capacity, better engine, powerful radar, better avionics, better payload carrying capacity and range than the earlier versions. Apart from that the aircraft will have night vision, sophisticated targeting pods, ability to carry smart weapons, latest BVR weapons (AIM-120C AMRAAM) and latest Sidewinder missiles and latest sophisticated PGMs and ASMs.
These aircraft will provide all weather day/night capability to hit targets in air, land and sea. Their would be very minimum set up for these as well as upgraded Falcons as Pakistan already has facilities and ground support equipment for the F-16 Fighting Falcons.


Q. How do you compare Pakistan Airforce with Indian Airforce?

Ans. In the present scenario, the role of Pakistan Airforce is to ensure peace in the region and to defend Pakistan from all sorts of aggression. The ratio between PAF and IAF is still the same 1:3 in IAF’s favor. India also enjoys the marvels of latest technology more than Pakistan. Though our F-16A/B Block-15s are still considered as a major threat along the other side of the border, IAF is constantly adding latest and sophisticated aircraft n their arsenal as well as upgrading their old aircraft to meet the requirements of the air warfare arena of today. Practically speaking, PAF even today has the capability to counter any sort of IAF’s aggression but if we won’t take any necessary steps for our modernization in the coming 5-7 years, IAF will go way ahead from us. The balance of power will shift in their favor so much that it would virtually impossible to cope up with them at that time.


Q. Is PAF inducting the Swedish Erieye AEW&C system along with SAAB-2000 aircraft from Sweden? If so, then when will they enter service?

Ans. Affirmative! Pakistan is ready to receive the Swedish Erieye AEW&C systems and Inshallah these systems will enter service in 2009. These radar systems will be used to gather important information and forward it to our Command and Control System, which is linked to the ground radar systems. Thus important information can be forwarded to the Command Operations Center in no time.


Q. What are measures taken for this system to be compatible with PAF fighters?

Ans. All the combat aircraft in PAF’s inventory will be linked to the Erieye system by a data link. New as well as upgraded F-16s, F-10A and JF-17 Thunders are equipped with data links. We are moving towards Network Strategic Warfare, and for that we have worked out on a plan for the modernization of Pakistan Airforce.



Q. Is Pakistan interested in purchasing an aerial refueling system? If true how will PAF utilize this air asset? There is unconfirmed news that Pakistan is considering Ukrainian aerial refueling systems. Is this true?

Ans. Correct! PAF is inducting four Russian origin aircraft equipped with aerial refueling systems from Ukraine. This will enhance defensive and offensive capabilities i.e. PAF’s deep strike capability as well as endurance for long CAP and BARCAP missions. Basically our major aim is to provide a complete aerial refueling system for our JF-17 Thunders which will form our backbone in near future.


Q. Will Pakistan be inducting Chinese KJ-2000 system?

Ans. China is our most sincere friend and in the previous decades, China has excelled in the aircraft development industry and has always offered us frontline equipment with the best package available. Hence we will consider our policies, revise our modernization program and will consider this system to be inducted in our air arsenal along with Erieye System.


Q. What are the options available for PAF to enhance its fleet, and what new fighter types are expected to join PAF in the next five years?

Ans. As I have mentioned earlier, we are keeping all available options open and wants a well balanced multirole jet fighter aircraft. We will be inducting 18 new F-16C/Ds and most probably will use our option of 18 more after the first squadron will be operational. We will also be inducting 26 MLU F-16A/B as well as our existing fleet of 34 aircraft will also undergo the MLU upgrades. 150 JF-17 Thunders and 36 F-10A aircraft will also be joining PAF, and more F-10s can be expected. Most probably we will also purchase FC-20 fighter aircraft from China.


Q. Is acquiring aircraft from Europe won’t be more feasible?

Ans. In my opinion every option has some special features. We have studied all available options in details. Our main priorities are totally clear in front of the media i.e. Multirole Fighters, High Tech Airborne Radars, BVR Capability and Weapons, Top of the line Weapon Systems and Electronic Warfare Suites. We want to acquire all these things within our resources, and these things in the European market are quite expensive.



Q. How can you compare F-16 and Su-30?

Ans. These aircraft can be compared in many ways. Su-30 MKI has powerful radar but it can be detected by the AEW&C systems and the F-16s will thus be aware of its presence. Apart from that both aircraft can carry latest weapon systems. Su-30 MKI has the capacity to carry heavy loads and more fuel but this can be countered with the help of AAR. In the same manner Chinese F-10A is also an excellent platform in countering this threat and can carry heavier loads than the F-16.



Q. How can we compare F-16 with F-10A and F-18?

Ans. Similarly as I have done it above.



Q. If you are given the authority to induct an aircraft for the PAF, which aircraft will you prefer regarding the resources available?

Ans. The western world has a huge variety of high tech aircraft in which I personally like Typhoon, Grippen, Rafale and FA-18/E. But either these aircraft are expensive or political factors poses some hurdles in their procurement. You would probably understand that their procurement is a sensitive matter hence to be practical and modest F-16C/D or F-16E/F will be my choice.



Q. Initially Pakistan wanted to induct JAS-39 Grippen or Mirage-2000. Will PAF still go for either any of these aircraft, if not then why didn’t this deal materialize?

Ans. We have carried out a detailed series of tests and evaluation on these aircraft and after all the tests were conducted, F-16 was considered as the best due to many reasons.



Q. As you know that the Mirage 2000-9 fighter aircraft was released for the sale to Pakistan. Do you still have any contacts with Dassault for this matter?

Ans. Yes, but not for the Mirage 2000-9 but for our own Mirage series of fighter bombers.


Q. Is this a reality that Thrust Vectoring technology gives an edge in air to air combat? PAF does not possess this technology whereas IAF possess it.

Ans. Thrust Vectoring is an added capability in turning dogfights and close combat, but since the air war of today mostly is fought beyond visual range and effective medium to short range missile coupled with HMS, it’s importance has declined.
Thrust vectoring can be effective in evading a missile, either BVR or SAM.



Q. How will you compare JF-17 with India’s LCA Tejas, Israeli IAI Kfir and Iranian latest jet fighter?

Ans. JF-17 is a fourth generation aircraft, and much more capable than IAI Kfir and Iranian jet fighter. JF-17 can fight any fourth generation fighter and give it either a tough fight or outclass it by using latest tactics of air warfare. Mash Allah, JF-17’s development has taken a lightening pace whereas India is facing problems in LCA Tejas’ development. JF-17’s capabilities are well known by the media whereas LCA Tejas’ capabilities are yet to be revealed.



Q. Can you please provide a comparison between the BVR capabilities of Su-30 and Mirage-2000?

Ans. This is basically a comparison between Russian and French BVR technology. Both are different in performance as well as prices but unlike American BVR missiles, both Russian and French BVR missile are not COMBAT PROVEN.



Q. Can you please inform us about Pakistani PGM capabilities?

Ans. We have top of the range PGM capability, which comprises of both imported as well as domestic weapons.



Q. Can you please tell us that how much money does PAF will require in its modernization program which includes, development of new fighter aircraft, induction of new aircraft and systems and upgradation of old aircraft?

Ans. We will be requiring at least 8-10 Billion Dollars, but since we do not want to put a strain on our economy, our modernizaion program would be completed in 6-8 years starting from now.



Q. What are the measures which you will take for the PAF to make it a formidable fihting force?

Ans. Our targets for modernization should be fullfilled within the time i.e. 6-8 years. We are including AEW and AAR in our fleet as well as gradually replacing old aircraft with new aircraft.


Q. Pakistan is going for F-16s. After 5 years their won't be any room left for the upgradation of F-16C/D whereas F-16 MLU will already been upgraded and cannot be upgraded further. Why Pakistan is not going for JAS-39C Grippen, in which their is room for upgradation of aircraft as well SAAB has agreed to transfer the technology to Pakistan?

Ans. As i have mentioned earlier, latest upgradation, airborne equipment and weapon system can increase the lethality of the aircraft. New variants are certainly different from their older counterparts. As far as transfer of technology is concerned, to tell you the truth, we are not in a state of handle extremely high technology used in JAS-39 Grippen, as we don't have the bases of aerial technogy.

this interview is a bit old... but it clearly states that pakistan can use the f16 block52 no strings attatched!