Re: Pakistan said to be reconsidering US F-16 deal
Indian fighter-planes can shoot at any Pakistani airplane from a distance of over 70km, without even or barely revealing their identity. Pakistani fighter-planes, as of now, have a max. range of shooting around 25km < This includes the current, old F-16s that we have. So, you can clearly see that right now we have basically nothing (in the air) to defend the whole of Pakistan's airspace. If a conflict was to errupt right now, Pakistan's Air Force would probably be roasted. These newer F-16s which we were about to recieve very soon, at a very low cost, would've changed the whole scenario. The max. shooting range could've been increased all the way upto 100+ km, hence we would've been able to deter any Indian threat. But as long as those F-16s don't come, Pak's Airspace is not safe. You can choose which is better - delay the deal, or have it right now. Also, Pakistan doesn't pay the cost of the total deal at one time, but over the total delivery time.
Also, note that the delivery of the planes will take atleast 2yrs.
There is always an oppurtunity cost.