Pakistan raises issue of F-16 sale with visiting US commander

[cloud4000]

Congress doesn't listen to commanders. They'll bend the military over a table if it'll get them re-elected or fill their campaign funds.

Never thought attacking the military was ever a great political move in US.

 

[Thəorətic Muslim]

Never thought attacking the military was ever a great political move in US.

Oh you never attack the Military. Just feign concern over it's handling of issues.

Example, Forcing the Army to buy hundreds of tank it never wanted or needed.
Example, Feigning concern over health of veterans, but introducing more bureaucracy in the Veterans Affairs department.
Example, Trimming Military pensions.
Example, Forcing the Military to integrate women in all positions, the firebrands are demanding regardless of physical capability.

And the most fu<ked up, Government shut-down that ended all Military Funerals, and compensations to family members.

 

[Saquib]

If there is intelligent life in PAF can explain to us why you need F-16s it is not designed for COIN operations! Why not spend the money to improve JF-17 so it can be used for COIN operations! why not spend money to make it equal to F-16! You have the engineers and the talent to do so! Why did you waste the time and money in JF-17 if all you only want is F-16s

 

[somebozo]

Eventually Pakistan will get the F16 but the nuisance US created with India would be seen as a long term strategic offset..

 

[HAIDER]

Like in Pak, US seems to have two parallel political horns...where Pentagon vs Congress. Don t under estimate Pentagon power. If Penta decide to sell the plane, then Congress has no choice to listen....just setup few senate hearing committee after few hot exchange they pass the bill.

 

[TexasJohn]

I have been a member a long time..nowadays I read more than I post.
Why on earth is Pakistan soooo stuck on F-16s?? they are pretty much an end-of-life platform. Is there no other airframe / platform out there?? F-16 has had it'a day...it's done...really.

And why bend the ear of a visiting General? do you really think this dude is going to be able to do anything about it?? sorry...but that was a waste of time

 

[MastanKhan]

I have been a member a long time..nowadays I read more than I post.
Why on earth is Pakistan soooo stuck on F-16s?? they are pretty much an end-of-life platform. Is there no other airframe / platform out there?? F-16 has had it'a day...it's done...really.

And why bend the ear of a visiting General? do you really think this dude is going to be able to do anything about it?? sorry...but that was a waste of time

Sir,

Does that not show you the problem with pakistan air force---. They don't understand the american system---they never wanted to understand the american system---they don't listen to anyone telling them otherwise.

Pakistan air force is ruled by F16 fighter pilot mafia---for them it is God's gift to them on earth.

 

[TexasJohn]

Sir,

Does that not show you the problem with pakistan air force---. They don't understand the american system---they never wanted to understand the american system---they don't listen to anyone telling them otherwise.

Pakistan air force is ruled by F16 fighter pilot mafia---for them it is God's gift to them on earth.

Sad, but true. Your neighbor turned them down during the MRCA bid. Israel is a different story. They have been getting their crap from us for darn near free for years - so yeah, it's cost effective to them.

 

[slapshot]

Sad, but true. Your neighbor turned them down during the MRCA bid. Israel is a different story. They have been getting their crap from us for darn near free for years - so yeah, it's cost effective to them.

I think same stands true for PAF's deal too. If they are getting these F-16s under a subsidized deal then it convenient to have a jet which is already integrated.But every time being humiliated for this damn platform is ridiculous and PAF must be given award for withstanding this humiliation for multiple times. What US did to PAF back in 90s was more then enough to make them their mind and look somewhere else but seems like they are still stuck in same rut.

 

[21 Dec 2012]

Why on earth is Pakistan soooo stuck on F-16s?? they are pretty much an end-of-life platform. Is there no other airframe / platform out there??

Have a look at the rest of their fleet. F-16 is an upgrade any which way.

 

[Dalit]

Have a look at the rest of their fleet. F-16 is an upgrade any which way.

You have been living in a cave. The F-16 are outdated machines. Pakistan has much better alternatives at its disposal today.

 

[James David]

You have been living in a cave. The F-16 are outdated machines. Pakistan has much better alternatives at its disposal today.

What I may ask those alternatives are?

 

[Dalit]

What I may ask those alternatives are?

You know what those alternatives are.

The Pakistanis have held talks with the Russians. The Pakistanis could easily opt for Chinese fighters. The Pakistanis have their own JF-17 project, which will eventually be upgraded and could easily fulfill the role currently carried out by the F-16.

My hunch is that the F-16 deal is off. The Pakistanis are trying their level best which is a disgrace, but that is just how things are. The Americans won't budge anymore and the Pakistanis will be forced to look elsewhere. This will be a good thing for everyone.

 

[James David]

You know what those alternatives are.

The Pakistanis have held talks with the Russians. The Pakistanis could easily opt for Chinese fighters. The Pakistanis have their own JF-17 project, which will eventually be upgraded and could easily fulfill the role currently carried out by the F-16.

You guys aint gettin squat from the Ruskies because they wont risk loosing India as a customer period. China on the other hand is I think more than will to give you what you need. So you have not answered my question about your post below. Which "much better alternatives you got?"

Pakistan has much better alternatives at its disposal today.

Which better alternatives? Simple answer for a simple question.

 

[slapshot]

What I may ask those alternatives are?

Chinese and Russian options. Only problem is the overhead related to integration of a totally new platform. IMO they should go though pain of integrating a new platform and get rid of this F-16 dependency once for all. As of this point its in US interest if they get more sales of F-16 which allows them to keep it in production. This program is already near to end of life.