I think the biggest plus is
a) Gripen Program is not finished its still evolving - so if we jump the boat now , we will gain the enhancements that will be done on it
e.g
AESA integration , new weapons and easy integration with our AWACs
and the source would be open , meaning we could learn from it
b) JF17 THUNDER is evolving as well so its a major plus
The big clunker for us is , Mirage platform and other older models in NAVY
If we bring in Gripen into the mix we get a platform JF17 which is evolving , and Gripen still maturing (I mean sweeden choose Gripen themselves)
Plus if we play our cards right I hope we can also get the AESA radar , and research and development knowledge share on Gripen
And we could just phase out Mirages/old planes faster.
I mean Gripen is sweedish , and sweedish software is known for its efficiency and design the knowledge we will gain will be tremendous even to our own JF17 thunder project
But I agree J10B is our Main STARLET ...
But Gripen would be ideal platform for NAVAL operations , and also for our Airforce
An Air-force with following make up would be fantastic
300 JF17 Thunder , Main work horse of Pakistan airspace defense
40 J10B , Air Superiority Missions , Interceptions
70 F16 C/D , MLU Interceptions and Special Nuclear Missions
40 Gripen :
NAVY/Air-force, Great integration with AWACs, AESA (force multiplier)
This ideal setup would be perfect enabling us to retire the 70's mirages, and other Mig variants
The ANTI ship option of Gripen make this a great item for Pakistan Airforce/Navy
France cannot be trusted upon as a reliable supplier ,
not sarkozy