But we do have mangrove forests and sir creek.
Brazil hasn't signed onto the Umkhonto R (60 km) - financial and economic troubles - so if Pakistan were to sign on, it'd be a bilateral program between SA and Pakistan. Still, between the PN and PAF alone, I think they can spur a need for a decent number of batteries, probably more than Brazil. In fact, seeing that the Marlin is to have a MR-SAM sub-variant, then it wouldn't surprise me if the Marlin SAM and Umkhonto R are the same program. So if the PAF were to sign onto the Marlin as a whole, that would support the JF-17 (BVR AAM), MR-SAM on land and sea, etc.
How about Helmet mounted site for JF17 ?
The only one in South Africa that might be capable of make one is Hensoldt Optronics South Africa (HOSA).
Looks like whole package deal .
I guess if we going whole sum with SA then should go HOSA too might get good price as well .
Even if getting HOSA to develop an HMD/S is expensive, Pakistan can choose to stick with that system for JF-17 Block-III and the next-generation fighter.
i have said it many times, PN/PAF/armed forces most of time focus on off the shelf purchases unless pushed in a corner
This could change in the next few years. The PAF CAS made it a point of emphasis to be free from foreign suppliers with the next-gen fighter. Independence would need to include air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, otherwise you'll end up with one side refusing source-codes with the other. Second key would be whether a joint-venture would result in Pakistan accessing critical technology or expertise in things like rockets or miniature turbojet engines.
turkey is an inspirational example of country with relatively smaller economy doing alot of indigenous projects
China is excellent partner for R&D of new technology too (e.g. developing GaN TRM for AESA radars), but when it comes to co-production, China won't allow it. You'd have to partner with countries closer to your size, e.g. South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, etc.
