Did PAF evaluate J-10A against its F-16s in mock combat or something ? I heard somewhere that PAF cannot take F-16s outside of Pakistan by the terms of agreement with US . Also if Pakistan after all decides to acquire J-10 would they wait for version with WS-10 as they don't want to depend on Russian engine ?
To your first question ..... Yes, Pakistan Air Force did evaluate J-10As against it's Block-15 OCUs and NO, there weren't no 'Mock Combat' that took place for this evaluation. The J-10As were evaluated against the F-16 Block-15 OCUs, as at the time, the Block-15s were the most advance aircraft in Pakistan Air Force's fighter-fleet.
As for whether Pakistan Air Force can operate it's F-16s outside it's own territorial boundries .... Well if such is the case, then I believe that Pakistan Air Force leadership have made a blunder! I doubt that any country would be willing to procure a combat platform, which bars it's use outside of it's own territory. Simply because in war, sometimes the doctrine of
"best defence is offense", is necessary to disable the enemy as a threat to it's sovereignty. However, it is plausible that such is not the case with F-16s operated by Pakistan Air Force.
And lastly, the question pertaining to the power-plant of J-10Bs. Whether it is powered by Chinese engines or any other, it should not matter. For you don't have to look far for an example, which is the JF-17 Thunder. A Sino-Pak joint-venture, powered by a Russian engine RD-93. And Pakistan Air Force has been operating the JF-17 Thunders for over 4 years now. Since it has not been a problem for Pakistan Air Force to operate the Thunder. I don't foresee them being hessitant in operating J-10Bs with Russian power-plants.
One does get the impression though, that in a matter of preference, Pakistan Air Force would rather opt for a Chinese engine than a Russian one. Not that there is any grudge against the Russians, rather if you're operating a Chinese aircraft, you would prefer it to be powered by a Chinese engine. Mixing things up, does tend to complicate things at times!
... Any more recent info on what will be their first operational Unit ?
