F-16s are stop gap jets to complement front line jet of future, they were inducted because they could be rapidly inducted and reduce the tech gap between PAF & IAF. If it would not be the case then PAF would have gone for JAS-39s because they fits the PAF defensive doctrine well.
PAF is waiting for Chinese to master new tech specially 5th gen one, because it is the most safest way to fill future requirements. US & Europe will not provide top of the line products without strings attached and they will not offer open architecture systems on board.
Sorry for being Off Topic.
Which two other tanks are expected to be tested by PA? can any one post pics with detail analysis of all tanks in trials or coming for trials??
Any jet that is inducted to play a second fidel role ( as going by your positioning of f-16s in paf) even that doesn't necessarily means that its a stop gap measure. They were inducted instead of JAS-39 because of multiple reasons
Firstly already developed infrastructure that resulted into less time and spending in developing infrastructure from scratch for a new fighter
Secondly Paf mastered f-16s over decades
Thirdly JAS-39 already had many parts sourced from various countries including US , so any embargo from US would have similar impact on JAS-39 to what it would have on F-16s
F-16 C/D block 52s were more capable aircrafts
Purchasing F-16s from US had given PAF a window to import other latest goodies from US and enhanced the capability of existing fleet.
You are not an airforce with so many options my friend you currently have only two modern and capable fighters F-16s and Jf-17s and being latest variants of f-16s more advanced than jf-17 you cant afford to keep your most advanced fighter as a stop gap measure or to play a second Fidel role, so your theory is flawed my friend
Besides you are thinking too ahead in future . Chinese 5th generation aint coming out that soon as many people here are expecting there is still a long way to go instead of prototypes being on the scene . And by no means PAF is going to induct 5th generations in so much numbers that it can not only fill the gap but also replace f-16s .
And no matter how good friend china is still you cant beef up your inventory from a single source . You always have to look to have multiple options due to various reasons. PAF needs to have a mix of Chinese, Local and European/American fighters. Ratio can vary or tilt in favor of China due to obvious reasons as they are more dependable suppliers and can offer soft loans but still you have to keep your options open. PAF F-16s arent going anywhere till 2030 i believe
