Would any second hand aircraft help PAF in its modernization?

[All-Green]

Salaams

I was wondering whether there are any good second hand aircraft which can be bought by PAF to enhance its capabilities in any role.
Both fighters and non fighter aircraft can be considered.

I know that there are many who disagree with this strategy but in light of modernization of air forces all over the world i feel that some worthwhile planes may also be grounded/decommissioned and with some good bargaining skills, maybe PAF can make a value deal out of this development.

Following questions also need to be answered for any particular choice of aircraft.

1) What numbers are available and can the second hand aircraft be actually acquired by Pakistan or will economic/political issues be too much to handle?

2) In what role can the aircraft add real value to PAF?

3) What will be the additional impact in terms of maintenance/repair/support of the aircraft in case it is purchased?

Do share your views in an organized manner, looking forward to some interesting ideas!
Many thanks.

 

[pakpower]

Some days ago someone spread this rumor on this forum that Pakistan is getting Mirage 2000 from UAE and the deal is almost done. He told via his thread message that he saw the news on the Duniya News Channel.

Well I guess that news wasn't a correct one and in my opinion is not going to procure any jet soon other then J-10s from China.

and answer to your questions will remains empty bosket.

 

[metalfalcon]

I think PAF is Focused More on having New Aircrafts and Building New JF-17 Thunders.

 

[Najam Khan]

Right now GoP has not given alloted funds to PAF,so discussing these questions will be waste of time.

 

[qsaark]

I think PAF is Focused More on having New Aircrafts and Building New JF-17 Thunders.

Absolutely and avoid procuring any US made stuff at any cost (even if it comes free of cost).

 

[mean_bird]

Absolutely and avoid procuring any US made stuff at any cost (even if it comes free of cost).

We are already procuring US F-16s both new and used ones.

The point being that we already have quite a lot of infrastructure in place and pilots with over 2 decades of experience flying them. We can't hope to switch platforms on the turn of a button.

Western aircraft like Rafale and Eurofighter are too expensive to obtain. Grippen was an option but the strings involved, setting up a new infrastructure, training pilots,etc would be an extra headache and that too for the short run since the JF-17 is meant for that role.

Contrary to popular belief about PAF's love affair with the F-16s, its mostly our need rather than our wish. Its cheaper, we have the infrastructure in place,and highly trained pilots. The F-16s would, however, most probably be the last US aircraft we will purchase.

From now on, JF-17 will fulfill our mid tech, light fighter requirement (the initial batches) and F-16 blk 52 (and MLU) plus FC-20 would fulfill our medium fighter and hi-end requirement....total fleet of about 400 with 150 medium weight and 250 light weight.

Out of this 250 light weight, 100-150 will be cost efficient, medium technology (current status of JF-17) while the remaining 100-150 JF-17 of later batches would be high-end (in terms of technology), and probably heavier than existing ones (more payload).


In short, i do not think Pakistan will go for another aircraft new or second hand. Only if we can get some second-hand F-16s would we consider them as we intend to maintain a fleet of F-16s anyway.

 

[hj786]

The way I see it, the only way to avoid significant maintenance/repair/support costs is to procure more second-hand:
- A-5
- F-7
- Mirage 3
- F-16
The first two are obsolete and the third needs significant upgrades to compete, therefore also obsolete. The fourth is a good platform, however there are better options available in the J-10 and upgraded JF.

Conclusion - the best option is to simply invest in JF, J-10 and if relations with America improve, then perhaps seek more used EDA F-16s in good condition. Seems to me that PAF is already going down the most cost-effective path.

 

[spsk]

Pakistan does not need an Aircraft carrier. Pakistan cannot be an aggressor to India ( this is by just considering the present political situation, India is the only threat to Pakistan).Its coastal area is not that huge that you need Aircraft carrier.

Maintenance cost would be too much for an Aircraft carrier,Just think if the defense troops need to secure at least 300 Kms (Brahmos) around the AC in case of war and should keep the AC away from the coastal border of India.

They can safely invest this in their nukes than investing in AC for an unknown war.

 

[mean_bird]

Pakistan does not need an Aircraft carrier. Pakistan cannot be an aggressor to India ( this is by just considering the present political situation, India is the only threat to Pakistan).Its coastal area is not that huge that you need Aircraft carrier.

Maintenance cost would be too much for an Aircraft carrier,Just think if the defense troops need to secure at least 300 Kms (Brahmos) around the AC in case of war and should keep the AC away from the coastal border of India.

They can safely invest this in their nukes than investing in AC for an unknown war.

We are not talking about Aircraft carriers...we are just talking about aircraft (fighter planes)

 

[Zob]

BRAGMOS tests failed buddy... so we need not worry about it.

 

[satishkumarcsc]

BRAGMOS tests failed buddy... so we need not worry about it.

Let us wait till the day after. That is Brahmos Block II

 

[Patriot]

If Pakistan can somehow acquire second hand Mirages 2000's that would be great!I think we also need squadron of strike jets which can drop nuclear and are equipped with sophisticated jammers like Russian Mig29 (Around 20) which were equipped with some of the best jammers and they were made for nuclear delivery!

 

[Owais]

If Pakistan can somehow acquire second hand Mirages 2000's that would be great!I think we also need squadron of strike jets which can drop nuclear and are equipped with sophisticated jammers like Russian Mig29 (Around 20) which were equipped with some of the best jammers and they were made for nuclear delivery!

second hand Mirages 2000s are possible but Mig29 is not even PAF's requirement. there may be a very little chance of getting F15C/D from RSAF but I think that PAF will prefer J11BS(with western Avionics) over old US made jets.

 

[Patriot]

second hand Mirages 2000s are possible but Mig29 is not even PAF's requirement. there may be a very little chance of getting F15C/D from RSAF but I think that PAF will prefer J11BS(with western Avionics) over old US made jets.

No, i was saying just install sophisticated Jammers in Mirages 2000 if we get them..was not actually talking about acquiring mig 29.I don't think PAF will buy F15's from SA because of spares problem and i highly doubt SA Will sell them.

 

[Bull]

I think PAF is doing good by looking at JF-17 and F-16 blk 52. Probably once you are done with JF-17, they would start with J-10.