Quite sensible but the US mood is something that will hamper PAF's efforts. My problem remains with the threat of sanctions which could jeoperdise the functioning of upto 100 planes. I understand war reserves and PAF inbuilt capabilities of repair and upkeep but still sanctions remain a destabilizing factor. Cost and infrastructure wise it makes perfect sense to induct upto a total of 100 Bl. 15 platforms as out infrastructure can support it.
A
There is a difference in what the US says and whats going on behind doors. They can cut aid but it is unlikely Pakistan sees the type of sanctions it saw before. Even under sanctions PAF kept its F-16 fleet airworthy via blackmarket spares, issue was that PAF couldnt get upgrades without US approval. With regards to the F-16 things are alot different now, alot of non US vendors make parts for it. PAF learned it's lessons and is now stockpiling spares and is acquiring rebuild know how. An example is the recent recovery of a severely damaged F-16B in which a bomb exploded prematurely during a strike mission.