Posted on 09/07/2008 9:59:59 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Pak to get 100 fighter jets from China, US
Islamabad, Sept 7 (PTI) Pakistan will acquire over 100 fighter jets from China and the US as well as airborne warning and air-to-air refuelling aircraft to maintain numerical parity with the Indian Air Force which enjoys a "qualitative advantage", the country's air force chief has said.
Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said the Pakistan Air Force was "very close" to signing a contract with China for serial production of 42 JF-17 fighter jets.
It would also acquire two squadrons or 36 of the FC-20 multi-role fighters from China and 18 new F-16s from the US, he said.
Ahmed said the PAF had already received eight JF-17 jets, which are being used for testing and evaluation. The first squadron of JF-17s is expected to be raised later this year or early next year.
PAF has inked a contract with a Ukrainian firm for four air-to-air refuelling aircraft, and the first of them is expected to arrive in a month, Ahmed said in an interview with Dawn News channel.
Pakistan also expects to receive the Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control system aircraft from Sweden in a year, he said.
Pakistan has signed a deal for five Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft, the first of which was rolled out in Sweden in April. The aircraft is currently undergoing tests in Sweden.
PAF has also received 12 refurbished F-16s from the US and will get two more similar aircraft after they are upgraded by Lockheed Martin, he said. PTI
This while the majority of the country lacks clean water, modern roads and safe medical care.
We should fix up some F-14s and send them.
China jets for pak? Looks like India wins
The Paki military has been dominated by Chinese equipment for close to 40 years.
Neither-the Soviet Union. The PAF is getting the IL-78 tanker.
I hear the same argument daily in the USA regarding Medical Care. Should we sacrifice the security of our nation to provide better medical for those that don't have it?
They don’t have many enemies.Their worst enemy is their own military.
My point had to do with Pakistan. What point is there in purchasing these planes?
Uhh, for the same reason we buy fighter planes for the USAF, USN, USMC?
Regardless of if you think the Paki's are on the *right* side or not on any number of military conflicts they have been in in the past or may get involved in the future, fact is the Paki's have been in miltiple hot shooting wars with India including, gulp, significant air to air combat sorties.
I'd imagine the Paki's consider another fight with India a rather distinct possibility in the future, ... and they do live in a geopolitical neighborhood stretching from the Middleast to Central Asia to Southeast Asia where there are a lot of hot fingers on triggers (including their own).
Because they trust the Chinese. Do you seriously think that the US will be flexible on technology and sanctions??China has always stood by them.
Besides they know they can fool around with the Yanks!!Using US aid saves up money to buy Chinese stuff.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.