Syed_Adeel
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Dear whether PAF goes for J16 or not is another matter but considering current scenario PAF is in dire need of a high tech jet which can effectively counter Indian Medium to heavy class fighter as well as may perform deep penetration missions. PAF F16 are good for air defense only can't be used for bombing missions further if compared to Rafael and new single engine jet India going to induct soon they will not be competitive enough. Further it is almost impossible to for Pak to get V upgrades for F16s both politically and cost wise.
PAF Mirages can only be used for secondary roles or as gap fillers can't penetrate effectively as the could do in the past as now Indian's have upgraded their Air defense from Low to high altitude SAMS supported by AESA/PESA latest radars.
JF17 block III will be good enough for Air defense roles but may face limitations regarding operational range and payloads.
J31 may also take further time for development and shall be available in small batches.
Further JF17 block III and J31 are medium to long term options meanwhile we require a capable fighter though in limited numbers currently to counter not only Indian threat but we may also face such threats form Afghan side also though rare chances. Further if Arab crises is expanded then Pak can't keep it away for long.
Well f16s can perform a bombing missions as well up to quite good ranges. although SOW weapons are not available but they are available for JFT and Mirages.
My point is that of PAF pursue for J16 then J31 or any 4.5 gen aircraft then 5th gen program will be delayed further more.