PAF F16 Block 52 arrive in Pakistan

shardmanny · July 6, 2010, 8:40pm

To start with, this F-16 deal was important for us as Pakistanis and Muslims for the following reasons:

The F-16 Block 52+ will give an insight to the technology the same way that F-16 Block 15 OCU gave back in 1980’s and helped Pakistan and China develop JF-17 and in a way J-10(the entire fuselage seems same).

Do read on Project Saber-II and Super-7. (google or wikipedia)

The F-16 Block 52+ is the latest on modern technology that PAF has on its hands, which will directly influence the later models of JF-17 and FC-20, in avionics ,JHMCS,DFRM,etc.

Not many muslim countries have made their own aircrafts, a high tech fighter already present in the fleet can provide good information, experience and insight into making JF-17 a deadly machine.

Everything cant be enabled as technology from bochures.

PAF wanted 500 AIM-120C5, the best in BVR missiles. This is part of 5.1 Billion USD deal. This is the largest order of AIM120 ever put. These Missiles will not only be used on F-16 Block 52+ but also on F-16 MLU, and just like PAF integrated Aim-9 WVR missile on F-7 P/PG(upgraded derivative of Mig-21) and even F-6 (upgraded derivative of Mig-19), PAF would also use AIM120C5 on JF-17 when it gets a western radar (Italian or French etc) on later models. Maybe a western AESA radar on FC-20 may enable it to use AIm120C5 also.
To ensure the package of AIM120 is also approved, F-16 order was necessary.

AMRAAMs (AIM120) is not used to shoot down TTP “kites” but enemy’ advanced aircrafts.

Do google online what else is PAF getting in the 5.1 USD package.

The orders for F-16 block 52+ were cut from 75 to 55 to just 18 (with an option of 18 more), because PAF wanted:

a. Stop gap measure till JF-17 is fully matured for BVR combat (Currently JF-17 is equipped in a squadron whose basic role is bombing and A-2-G operations)

b. A deterrent to IAF:
A pair of F-16 Block 52+ patrolling Pakistani Airspace, armed with AIM-120 C5 and with AWACS support will not let SU30MKI or Mig29 or Mirage2000 think of even taking on such lethal birds.
(Read on google about AIm120 and how a BVR missile becomes lethal under AWACS coverage)

c. Ensure less aircraft are grounded, if sanctions are put and black market has high rates for spares, while the dividends are rich as explained in points 1-3.

The block 52+ is armed with the latest sensor pods for Air-2-Ground operations., which means they can be optimised for SEAD roles with JSOW weapons(google and part of 5.1 Bil USD deal).

This also means once used in operations against TTP , the civilian causalities will reduce drastically also reducing destruction of infrastructure.

USA made sure PAF doesnt get access to any modern technology. PAF was interested in SAAB Gripen, but USA got the deal blocked.

PAF have already evaluated EF-2000 and Rafale but the price tags are high plus costs for the infrastructure, support , training etc( and less numbers affordable) are not feasible.
PAF has pilots, support, maintenance, infrastructure and experience for F-16 already. Saves time and money.

Secondly, The main focus of PAF for high end tech fighter is FC-20, numbers maybe increased from 40 to 150 (speculated and rumours).So investing in a new aircraft wouldnt have been wise.

In the end, its NOT me who made the deal, its the PAF, so go and ask PAF about the questions you have asked me.

thats a mighty fine list of benefits of this deal you have there. whats the secret to getting these deals, did you sell something?

if you are quoting Umar ra, the question must be posed if he r.a. would behead you for supporting these bloodsales!?

so stop ducking the question and answer, do you or dont you support these deals?