PAA needs a dedicated strike aircraft on the lines of A-10 , SU-25 etc that can relieve PAF from carrying the burden of not only giving air cover to PA but also performing air interdiction missions.
Considering the aircrafts already operated by PAF and slated for retirement are F-7 and Mirage III/V.
A-5 was a great choice, it was very cheap to procure and maintenance cost was low. It had 10 hard points and could carry a variety of air to ground ordnance including guided, unguided etc bombs. Infact PAF also used it for A2A CAP's. Retired and out of service, it might be a cumbersome task to bring its support and maintenance system back to life.
The light trainers K-8 and MFI-17 cannot carry enough ordnance to strike the enemy targets and their ecm and avionics is basic level. However, as last resort, they can have pylons added to them to carry A2G ordnance.
Mirages III/V are even older than F-7 though they are more potent and effective than F-7, even Non-ROSE ones. Most of Mirages acquired in the last batch were attained to be cannabalized for parts which means that apart from ROSE modified, the other mirages have almost non existent life on their air frames. PAF wanted to convert more Mirages to ROSE standards but changed decision due to over bearing cost and importantly coz of old ageing air frames. Retired Non-Rose Mirages can spark more crashes than sortie rates. On the other hand, PAF might need them for parts to keep ROSE squadrons airworthy for next many years.
PAF may not let go of F-7 PG quickly. It has an upgraded radar and its performance at high altitude is good.
The F-7P replaced by JF-17 can be the choice of aircraft for PAA for ground strike missions. SLAF and BAF have used them as ground strike aircraft with different munitions. BAF has also modified F-7 by increasing its hard points from 5 to 7.
F-7P already has the support and maintenance infrastructure available for operations. There are 100+ F-7P in PAF service. Even if a 12-18 aircrafts squadron is given to the three commands of PA: Northern,Central and Southern, 50 odd aircrafts would be required.
The AGM-65 maverick in PAF service is used by F-16's, though its an under utilization for it. F-16 in PAF has many other significant roles.
If this weapon is integrated with Grifo radar of F-7P and used by PAA , having a range of around of 20km can be used effectively to hit enemy tanks, Mobile SAM's, Ammo and Fuel dumps, C4I and other command centres, important bridges etc.
Originally a TV guided missile but in later variants the resolution has been enhanced so pilots dont need to get really close to target to fire it as some versions are IR and laser homing targetting.It can be used with LANTRIN and even Altis pod on PAF F-16's.
C-704 is considered the chinese equivalent of AGM-65, although C-704 is an anti-ship missile.
F-7 has basic 2 X 30mm cannons. Non guided 500kg bombs or Mk82 bombs may also be used. BAF uses cluster, anti runway and PGM bombs.
It can already carry Aim-9 A2A missile.
Though the loiter time is less but if it can show up in time of need, engage, strike and turn away, its a bang for buck.
With the induction of a dedicated strike aircraft in PAA, the distress calls for air cover as well as air support by PA can be met easily without hampering PAF ops.
