I wonder how long until some twit makes a comment about “Raptor food.”
I don’t doubt that the JF-17 Thunder has a leg up on the early model F-16s in some areas, but to my knowledge, the JF-17 doesn’t have refueling capability and something of a limited payload. It was my understanding that the F-16s would remain the preeminent fighter of the PAF and the JF-17 would replace the lighter aircraft in the PAF fleet (i.e. Mirages and J-7s).
Well,those 2 drawbacks you mentioned can be corrected gradually as the PAF wants aerial refueling capability & as the Chicoms or Russians develop better engines.It sure can’t replace the F-16,but it sure is a good aircraft for the mentioned roles.The PAF will acquire the Chinese J-10 which will complement & gradually replace the F-16.