In my view, Pakistan Army Aviation should not have selected T-129 helicopter gunships, at all. The fact that a major component manufacturer, i.e the power plant for the helo, Rolls-Royce/Honeywell, pulled out of it's commitment on supplying Turkey the engines. America has imposed sanctions on Turkey because the latter has pursued independent defense procurement policy, by purchasing Russian S-400 Air Defense Systems. The argument put forth by America, was that F-35s which were to be operated by Turkey, were somehow subject security threat by the S-400s, also operated by Turkey. For this reason, Turkey will no longer receive any of the F-35s it was looking to purchase and was a contributor (financial) toward the Joint Strike Fighter program.
Revoking sale and participation of Turkey in the JSF/F-35 program was one thing. But to block the supply of helicopter engines is something different altogether. To an outsider, it almost seems like America has managed to "kill two birds with one stone" punishing both Pakistan and Turkey in one go. Turkey is NATO member state and Pakistan is a major contributor in America's so-called "War on Terror" as well as (apparently so) a Major Non-NATO Ally. If Turkey, being a NATO member state can be treated this way. Then Pakistan ought stay well clear of an procurement from America or it's partner nations. As it is clear for all to see, no country, NATO member or not, MNNA or not, European or not, can and will be punished by America, if any refuse to tow the line.
American sanctions on Turkey has put the entire $1.5 billion deal, in jeopardy. And Pakistan ought to have learnt from past experiences, not to trust Western suppliers as highly unreliable. Be it the F-16 fighter-jets' fiasco, where aircraft that were bought and paid for, we never delivered to Pakistan due to American sanctions. Or be it the sale of AH-1Z helicopters, that were purchased and are now languishing in the so-called "boneyard" due to yet more American sanctions. Pakistan ought to cancel the deal altogether and should pursue options with Russia or China. At least with these two countries, Pakistan doesn't need to fear any sanctions or any other absurdity.
