Pakistani Turkish Defense Ties Continue to Deepen

[Paksanity]

You dont think Pakistan would opt for newer Chinese fighter jets or further develope the JF-17(block III,IV,V,VI?) to be on par with other 4.5 gen fighter jets by 2020?

We have appetite for 250-300 new fighters. It won't hurt if JF numbers are restricted to 200 and get Blk 40 F16. Around 2020 PAF will start looking for replacement of its last F-7PG squadrons (3 sqns). Ex-Turkish F16 with dedicated ground attack role looked good to me, economically.

 

[T-123456]

We have appetite for 250-300 new fighters. It won't hurt if JF numbers are restricted to 200 and get Blk 40 F16. Around 2020 PAF will start looking for replacement of its last F-7PG squadrons (3 sqns). Ex-Turkish F16 with dedicated ground attack role looked good to me, economically.

The problem is not us giving(or selling) but the Pakistani government taking(or buying) them,maybe by then the Chinese will offer a better deal or solution so that your government will opt for Chinese fighter jets.
Or the development of the JF-17 will be on par with those F-16s offered.

 

[Paksanity]

You are right. At the moment we can only guess. And my guess is, given that Pakistan does not like to put all its eggs in one basket. They will diversify and this is a good option and most likely cheap too. Probably these aircraft will not make the most advanced fighters in our inventory rather fill the gaps left from JF induction to say J-31 readiness. PAF will stop between 150-250 JF-17s. It still leaves room for 30-50 fighters preferably in ground attack at night. F16 carry more load than JF and will be easily absorbed in PAF. US should also not have problems with transfer of Blk40 in year 2020. It will be easy on PAF budget as well. I hope PAF opts for this option.

 

[cabatli_53]

Bro,will that be this year?

In official schedule, It was planned to pass into serial production in mid 2016 at the beggining of the program but Otokar performed great to develop prototypes ahead of schedule and delivered all prototypes to Turkish Army early than expected. The ball is into the hands of army officials. If They give a green light, An institute which is going to produce Altay MBT, will be selected and It is expected to finish trials to receive serial production order in 2015.

 

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@Neptune - can you pls update the details about MRTP 65 ?