JF-17 Thunder / FC-1 News, Discussion & Media

joshuatree said:

From a Chinese defence industry point of view, do you really want Pakistan to sell FC-1s to other 3rd world nations? I would presume the Chinese prefer to be the ones selling to other 3rd world nations?

I know this might have been discussed before but is the PLAAF buying some only because they have to, not because they want to?

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The most important outgrowth of the whole JF-17 project for Pakistan is that it would enabled Pakistan to build its own jet fighter. Whether it sell the JF-17 in the export market or not is of secondary consideration at this point. China compete against Russia in the arms export market, but still they remain close allies. The same can be said about China and Pakistan.

joshuatree said:

From a Chinese defence industry point of view, do you really want Pakistan to sell FC-1s to other 3rd world nations? I would presume the Chinese prefer to be the ones selling to other 3rd world nations?

I know this might have been discussed before but is the PLAAF buying some only because they have to, not because they want to?

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all the contractors for the different parts on FC-1 are on the Chinese side. If there is any modifications that need to be made on the plane, it must also be made on the Chinese side.

tphuang.
Is there any news regarding chinese procurement plans for this airoplane. I gather there has been some reluctance on the chinese side on account of the J10 development. Thanks in advance.
Araz

My guess is any PLAAF order for the FC-1 will depend on the final unit cost after the incorporation of the WS-13.

Will Pakistan receive tech transfers for Avionics and Engine (Ws-13)?

Or will Pakistan only receive tech transfers for the airframe?

araz said:

tphuang.
Is there any news regarding chinese procurement plans for this airoplane. I gather there has been some reluctance on the chinese side on account of the J10 development. Thanks in advance.
Araz

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I've always believed that China has no need for this plane, since it would only take production away from J-10. China hasn't made any orders as far as I know. As for ToT, only airframe ToT. engine and radar are a whole different matter.

In the past Pakistan has preferred avionics and engines sourced from Western (European) companies when possible, no? So may not really be an issue.

tphuang said:

I've always believed that China has no need for this plane, since it would only take production away from J-10. China hasn't made any orders as far as I know. As for ToT, only airframe ToT. engine and radar are a whole different matter.

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That's what I thought. But then again, I remember reading PLAAF was forced to buy some FC-1s because Pakistan was only willing to pay half the development cost if they knew there would be another large customer so the cost-per-plane will be brought down. Don't know if that is true or not. But from Pakistan's point of view, that would make sense.

joshuatree said:

That's what I thought. But then again, I remember reading PLAAF was forced to buy some FC-1s because Pakistan was only willing to pay half the development cost if they knew there would be another large customer so the cost-per-plane will be brought down. Don't know if that is true or not. But from Pakistan's point of view, that would make sense.

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I think that was the original plan first to have the Chinese buy as many as 100-200 planes to get the volume costs down, then the Pakistanis buy it at a lower price.

I think that has changed. Pakistan just wants to get the planes first ASAP. That means even if China wants to get some, CAC may need to fulfill the 150 PAF plane order first. Which I think may be a little too way in the future and by then the PLAAF would have other better planes to concern itself.

crobato said:

I think that was the original plan first to have the Chinese buy as many as 100-200 planes to get the volume costs down, then the Pakistanis buy it at a lower price.

I think that has changed. Pakistan just wants to get the planes first ASAP. That means even if China wants to get some, CAC may need to fulfill the 150 PAF plane order first. Which I think may be a little too way in the future and by then the PLAAF would have other better planes to concern itself.

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The vibes that seem to be coming from PAF officials point to an acquisation plan that involves 250+ planes for just PAF. There is alot of interest from Bangladesh as well. We can guess there acquisation to be around 50-100 planes keeping in view their current inventory which needs replacement. Few more orders from countries like Srilanka, Egypt or some African countries for another 200 planes and There will be no need for PLAAF just for the sake of pricing issues. But ofcourse if this type fits into some kind of niche role(aggresors, interim replacements for J-7s/Q-5s or test beds for weapon systems/avionics/structural changes) for PLAAF/PLAN, thats just gonna add up on the success of this aircraft.