Pakistan buys 13 F16 from Jordan

[DANGER-ZONE]

All these Block-15s are EDA. After signing peace treaty with Israel, Jordan got these ex-USAF EDA's in 1997/98 and a second batch of ex-Belgian F-16AM/BMs in 2008 and 2011 (again those were also MLU). The one's we got are Block-15 EDAs and all of them were MLU'ed by TAI in 2005, bringing them on par with Block-52s, the only exception being CFTs and less powerful engine. In fact TAI did MLU on 17 aircraft. The A/B models which have those IFF/Bird cutters infront of canopy are all MLU'ed...that's the sign of A/B aircraft going through MLU.

Those birds cutter "BIRD SLICERS" antennas on A/B are because of ADF version otherwise Block-15 A/B models does not support IFF antennas unless they are MLUed.

The MLU F-16 you are talking about are still with Jordan and we are getting the old ones ADF Falcons, that haven't gone through Block-50 equivalent MLU. They might have provision to use Aim-120 but they have no A2G capabilities as compared to our Falcons.

Kindly Go through F-16.net Jordan AF records.

Regards,

 

[Windjammer]

Those birds cutter "BIRD SLICERS" antennas on A/B are because of ADF version otherwise Block-15 A/B models does not support IFF antennas unless they are MLUed.

The MLU F-16 you are talking about are still with Jordan and we are getting the old ones ADF Falcons, that haven't gone through Block-50 equivalent MLU. They might have provision to use Aim-120 but they have no A2G capabilities as compared to our Falcons.

Kindly Go through F-16.net Jordan AF records.

Regards,

Admittedly i have little or no knowledge relating to the current status of these aircraft, however different sources using adverse terms makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of upgrades or standard of these machines.

The batch of Ex Royal Jordanian F-16 AM/BM were flown by Pakistani pilots, directly from Jordan. With the addition of these new airframes (12 A models and one B model aircraft) the PAF will reach 76 F-16s in service. Lockheed Martin and the US government gave its blessing for the sale/purchase of the jets with contracts being signed back in 2013.

PAF officials declined to give any details of the amount involved in the deal but they claimed that it has been transparent and it would be made public next month just before the delivery of the remaining F-16s.

The airframes which are all in good condition as all had been updated to the Mid-Life Update (MLU) before they were purchased by the Jordanian government. Each jet is expected to provide service for another 20 years with almost 3,000 flying hours life on average available per airframe.

Reiterating their commitment to face any challenge confronting Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt has said that introduction of new F-16 fighter jets in the PAF fleet would further enhance its efficiency to effectively handle the internal and external threats.

 

[Battle Axe]

Nah... do not be too sad. I think that J-10 purchase news trolled Indians well enough. Besides PAF is too busy with JF-17 induction and upgraded F-16s. Induction of J-10 would complicate things for our airforce. Read Air Commodore (R) Kaiser Tufail's interview, you would find answers.

Link, for the interview?

 

[DANGER-ZONE]

@Windjammer

Some of the RJAF ADF Falcons, that we are getting were actually normal Block-15 A/B Versions that were upgraded to ADF standard before delivery to RJAF.
I don't know why F-16.net has mentioned the acquisition of MLU versions instead of the ADF. While Falcons parked at Mushaf AB are clearly ADF Falcons. Also note that they have mention only one "B" version while there are two on the tarmac. Things are not clear to F-16.net as well, for sure.

Please see the following images to differentiate b/w these two a/c.

ADF FALCONS: Notice the different style "Bird Slicers" in front of canopy and below chin intake. When u see these types of IFF Antennas, you should know that these are not Block-50/52 standard MLU.

RJAF F-16A ADF #221 from 2 sqn is strolling to the runway for another sortie in April of 2014.

RJAF F-16A ADF #228 from 2 sqn is seen parked on the ramp during Falcon Air Meet 2007

RJAF F-16B ADF #235 from 2 sqn is parked on the tarmac, ready for another training sortie.

MLU FALCONS: Notice the small "BIRD SLICERS" in front of canopy and absence of antennas below intake.

An airman guides an RJAF F-16AM #676 during the Falcon Air Meet 2010 alert scramble competition at Azraq AB on October 20th, 2010.

RJAF F-16AM #680 from 1 sqn is spotted taxiing by the lens at Al Azraq AB on October 18th, 2009 during the Falcon Air Meet.

RJAF F-16AM #155 from 1 sqn is taxiing by the camera at Konya AFB on June 20th, 2012 during exercise Anatolian Eagle.

RJAF F-16BM #139 is taxiing by the camera at Kleine Brogel AB on September 10th, 2008 while leaving for their home country. This aircraft is ex-BAF #FB-08.

Go through this album and you will know about the different versions of RJAF Falcons.

Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16s photos | F-16.net

 

[Munir]

We got the worst still flying RJAF F16's. Not even the correct engine. To me this shows the situation the nation is. When we talk about the bird slicers aka IFF antenna's... This is clearly not even close to the MLU'ed decades old planes that were bought by Jordan from the Dutch and Belgians... And those planes were already not the best planes to buy.

So the fact that two F16B b15 are parked and everyone talks about one... The bad quality that is clearly visible... It is the question how blind we are.

 

[VelocuR]

@DANGER-ZONE explained perfectly.

The overall point is I believe PAF bought old RJAF F-16's to please our Arab friends than care about our quality or even ask questions.

PAF made huge mistake to drop its decisions on few J-10B for this RJAF F-16s garbage bags?

 

[Windjammer]

Doesn't the fact that these aircraft flew non stop for over 2000 miles without a glitch proves their air worthiness.
Besides until the JFT becomes available in numbers, it's an ideal stop gap measure plus adds further advantage with the BVR capability.

 

[fatman17]

guys.....picky....picky...picky. one should appreciate the fact that these 13 a/c are now PAF property. they are for sure AM/BM so the MLU has been performed. yes i agree with munir that the engines need to be replaced to the 220 type (for which engine bays already modified) to conform to PAF standards for which PAF will request EDA engines.
what we need to understand that just like the manoverings PAF did to acquire MiragesIII/V from all over the world, the same experience is being successfully applied here. give credit where its due.

 

[Munir]

We indeed got F16 for the price of a K8... We got 13 F16's for the price of 3 new JF17's. And PAF is able to improve the quality within 6-12 months and if upgraded we got latest MLU for the price of JF17. Not bad.

There is maybe a good news... Russia opens up military sales to Pak. That means a lot. More then getting anything else at the moment. shhhht.

 

[Informant]

Good deal but these babies need some serious upgrades.

 

[Manticore]

Maintainers from Turkey, Jordan and the US pose in front of RJAF F-16A ADF #223 from 2 sqn on October 22nd, 2008 with Mwaffaq Salti AB Commander, Col.Yousef Al-Hnaity, after breakfast in a RJAF hangar during Falcon Air Meet 2008. F-16 units from Turkey, Jordan and the 421st FS from Hill AFB are competing in the areas of maintenance and flying operations. [USAF photo by TSgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf]

223.jpg photos | F-16.net

 

[think@best]

with reference to subject matter, it is very good idea of PAF to increase their fleet by adding old aircraft with available infrastructure.

1. Yes we know these jets can be up grated.
2. Our economy is rising but in steady speed, so old is gold for PAF.
3. JF 17 is not a mature plate form and production is not fixed. We are just assuming everything about thunder.
4. If old F16 ( Block-15) Price is equal to JF17 Block - 1 we should go for F-16 Used to replace half of F-7.

We indeed got F16 for the price of a K8... We got 13 F16's for the price of 3 new JF17's. And PAF is able to improve the quality within 6-12 months and if upgraded we got latest MLU for the price of JF17. Not bad.

There is maybe a good news... Russia opens up military sales to Pak. That means a lot. More then getting anything else at the moment. shhhht.

@Munir @Aeronaut @Oscar what do you think pakistan should brought old F16 more and more or invest in JF17 programme as we know, 4th Generation Fighter will be obsolete by the end of this decade. And does we have any plan for Stealth or 4.5 Gen aircraft. Or if not what is the possibility ( which aircraft ) of 4.5 Gen will be inducted in pakistan

 

[Rank]

IMO Pakistan Airforce think are the most ******** in the history of any country.... Look @ Pakistan's Airforce decision makers from past 60 years... just only 40 F16s of such state who are IN THE STATE OF WAR ... who has most Strategic important location in this whole world... whom have 2 super Powers along with 1 soft power side by side.. Look @ the decision of buying Aircrafts from past 20 years. Look @ the decision making of buying Aircraft from last 10 years... you will be SURPRISE!!... for understanding the situation and correct decision of What you need actually.... you don't need MONEY... you need BRAIN! which unfortunately Pakistan Airforce think Tanks lacking since the birth of PAKISTAN!

 

[Donatello]

We indeed got F16 for the price of a K8... We got 13 F16's for the price of 3 new JF17's. And PAF is able to improve the quality within 6-12 months and if upgraded we got latest MLU for the price of JF17. Not bad.

There is maybe a good news... Russia opens up military sales to Pak. That means a lot. More then getting anything else at the moment. shhhht.

Why so depressed? I know it is hard times, but we need to get the house in order first. Without a sound economy we can't buy anything. And for a sound economy we need to fix the law and order situation.

 

[Indus Falcon]

Why so depressed? I know it is hard times, but we need to get the house in order first. Without a sound economy we can't buy anything. And for a sound economy we need to fix the law and order situation.

Well said!! Law and Order should be top priority.