JF-17/FC-1 Fighter Aircraft thread
- Thread starter johnqh
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but the point is not if we hear such rumours, but only how credible they are and who reports this? Otherwise - if rumours alone would count - Pakistan would already operate JH-7A, J-11B, J-15 off the Liaoning in PN service, J-16 and most of all J-20 .. and all this since there were rumours!
It is a better option. Because Iran gets to play with the manufacturing process and possibly integration of its own ammunition, maybe a joint block 4 later.
I am still suprised that they are going for the Su-35 given the poor performance of Russian avionics systems right now relative to Chinese systems, but then it is their money after all. China is miles ahead compared to Russia right now, suprised Iran does not recognise that !
Once Ukraine gets their F16s, we will see how "good" Russian systems are in reality against AMRAAM equipped F16s !!!! We already know of a PAF F16 taking out a Su30MKI rather easily and i think you will see more of that happen.
However, Iran does need a platform to add "bulk" to their airforce though, and the JF17 could be a contender. Iran has finally copied the F5 entirely at home, but intodays war - the F5 clone does not go far. The F5 "clone" will always be a side project to advance their own industry until it reaches some level of maturity but Iran does need a capability increase given the age of their airforce and the threats they seem to be gathering.
However, a J10CE would better suit their requirements as their "single engined bulk plane", while also offering the range and payload that they need for the type of targets that they want to go after. Iran does not have many friends in that part of the world.
The JF17 is designed around the financial, technical and political limitations that the PAF is forced to operate under. Some of those limitations ( eg financial ) do not apply to Iran as much as they are a wealthier country.
Once Ukraine gets their F16s, we will see how "good" Russian systems are in reality against AMRAAM equipped F16s !!!! We already know of a PAF F16 taking out a Su30MKI rather easily and i think you will see more of that happen.
However, Iran does need a platform to add "bulk" to their airforce though, and the JF17 could be a contender. Iran has finally copied the F5 entirely at home, but intodays war - the F5 clone does not go far. The F5 "clone" will always be a side project to advance their own industry until it reaches some level of maturity but Iran does need a capability increase given the age of their airforce and the threats they seem to be gathering.
However, a J10CE would better suit their requirements as their "single engined bulk plane", while also offering the range and payload that they need for the type of targets that they want to go after. Iran does not have many friends in that part of the world.
The JF17 is designed around the financial, technical and political limitations that the PAF is forced to operate under. Some of those limitations ( eg financial ) do not apply to Iran as much as they are a wealthier country.
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As of your writing, no su-30mki were harmed by PAF F-16 though.
Mig-21 was, but this achievement as a big sign of anything is ~70 years overdue.
Take it with grain of salt, but words are China is not offering J-10 to Iran. It's part of their diplomacy.
Don't know about JF17 though, Chinese could give a green light but Russian might say no.
WS-13 is not a proven engine yet and PAF doesn't have any experience with it too.
It's kind of desperate if Iran go with JF-17 with WS-13 now. Better wait after J-35 entering service.
Well, I think the WS-13 "could" be more mature than the RD-93MA and the J-35 is IMO no option nor available and even more so off-topic
I'm not saying China is exporting J-35. I was under the impression J-35 is using WS-13 or WS-13E.
Below is a random pic I found online
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ws-13.jpg
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