Its just disheartening, that even though the instructions from the Quran are quoted and well known to all in the upper echelons of the military, on making preparation so as to be prepared for war, there would be such a state of overall corruption among those whose jobs it is to procure weapons. I don't think Air Marshall Latif was amongst the corrupt ones, and hence the honest efforts in making the JF-17 a potent fighter.
The PAF just needs to have the mindset that it needs to stop wasting time, procure what it needs, because without an adequate defense, there wont be a nation left to defend anyway. If we can't get the Block 70 deal by the end of the year, we need to make plans for at least two squadrons of J-10CE immediately. Either way, pilots will need 3-5 years to become proficient on either platform, so we need to see some kind of first proof we are getting the F-16s or else the US needs to know the PAF is walking for good (Hopefully the PAF can get the F-16 from the US from CSF Funds, and still get the J-10s anyway, we need at least 100-150 new planes ASAP).
Someone should also get to the bottom of if the J-10CE really costs $60 million, or if that price includes bribes to some general. I know the PAF said it wanted to get the planes at $40 million a copy. The PAF needs to negotiate hard, and if they commit to 36-40 planes, they should try to get a discount; meeting half way; $2 Billion for 40 planes. The J-10CE look like they already have the PL-15 and PL-10E integrated, so the PAF can counter the IAF's new Rafales and then some with the J-10CEs.
Also with the UAE looking like its pulling out of the Saudi Coalition, this maybe a
second chance for Pakistan to join up with the Saudis, and build that expeditionary force you were advocating. Armed with at least a few squadrons of Eurofighters (with Meteors and IRST missiles) given to the PAF by Saudi Arabia, and other equipment (like the thousands of MRAPs we need for our Frontier corps, Tanks, attack and transport helicopters for the Army, etc.), It would open up another procurement window for the Defense needs of Pakistan. Also, the Pakistan Army maybe better able to defeat the Anti-Saudi forces, now that the conflict should be more further along, and the military forces and achievable/realistic objectives better defined. Iran has also been more isolated, and so the Pakistani forces would have more chances of engaging just enemy military forces, reducing the risk to civilian populations. the faster the conflict ends, the faster the post-war rebuilding can begin, and the Saudis would appropriate the Pakistanis helping break the stalemate, and help Pakistan financially and militarily for the effort.
Between the JF-17 Block III, J-10CE, Eurofighters, and possible F-16 Block 70s and more Used MLU F-16s; the PAF maybe able to get the 100-150 planes it will need to stay potent in a few years, if it does what it needs to do.
