Featured Pakistan considers Italy as an important defense partner

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

I would say economies of scale, but you cannot rule out state subsidy as well. In my first job I was working with SHI on some of their driling platforms most of the work was subsidised by Korean government so they could win the work and keep shipyard busy.

That being said Koreans have come a long way from where they started off and their Tech is well matured as well. If economy was in a better state I would say that PAF would be spoilt for choice. If they can provide funds at this stage, either aircraft will transform the current training regime employed at PAF.

I also think that either aircraft, if procured in numbers; can come with good deep level ToT to build on already available skills from making JF-17. The Italian will be far easier in this venture than the Koreans, Koreans tend to be more open in keeping manufacturing in house.

The PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS) said that a LIFT will come before the FGFA.

Even if the PAF were to opt for the upcoming Chinese J-35, I don't think that would become a factor before 2030. So, if there's no interim fighter on the roadmap (e.g., F-16, J-10), I think the PAF will finalize its LIFT requirements by 2022-2023, and induct the aircraft by 2028. The initial batch would likely hover around 24-32 aircraft.

 

[Invicta]

The PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS) said that a LIFT will come before the FGFA.

Even if the PAF were to opt for the upcoming Chinese J-35, I don't think that would become a factor before 2030. So, if there's no interim fighter on the roadmap (e.g., F-16, J-10), I think the PAF will finalize its LIFT requirements by 2022-2023, and induct the aircraft by 2028. The initial batch would likely hover around 24-32 aircraft.

LIFT is essential if PAF want to move to a 5th Gen and prepare well for it. They have 5 years to implement this strategy and play the system, I am optimistic but knowing how things get sidelined in procurement of new platforms historically I am not holding my breath.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

LIFT is essential if PAF want to move to a 5th Gen and prepare well for it. They have 5 years to implement this strategy and play the system, I am optimistic but knowing how things get sidelined in procurement of new platforms historically I am not holding my breath.

You're right.

But one way (ROK/Italy) or another (China), I do think a LIFT will come.

The FT-7P/PGs are aging, and if airframe life is not an issue, then technology gaps certainly are... FGFAs aside, 85% of the PAF fighter fleet will be 4/4+ by 2030, while 15% will be the strike wings (requiring their own specialized training to use H-2/H-4, REK, and Ra'ad/II).

 

[American Pakistani]

It is important to note that Italy supports Turkey in Libya.

Good to know this.

I was wondering Italian relations with Turkeye and then I saw your post.

Also how is Italy's relations with India? Afaik they are not too great.

 

[Invicta]

You're right.

But one way (ROK/Italy) or another (China), I do think a LIFT will come.

The FT-7P/PGs are aging, and if airframe life is not an issue, then technology gaps certainly are... FGFAs aside, 85% of the PAF fighter fleet will be 4/4+ by 2030, while 15% will be the strike wings (requiring their own specialized training to use H-2/H-4, REK, and Ra'ad/II).

I hope they go towards LIFT there is a tendency that they would rather invest in other multirole or specialised platforms. This needs to be changed as LIFT provides a lot of benefits for a country the size of Pakistan.