ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Aeronautical Complex’s JF-17 is in the race to replaceRoyal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) light combat aircraft/fighter lead-intrainer (LCA/FLIT) jets including BAE Systems Hawk and Aeromacchi MB339trainers, and its Mikoyan MiG-29 fighters.
The 8 fighter jets shortlisted based on the requirements include:
– PAC/AVIC JF-17 Thunder – AVIC L-15A/B – Saab JAS-39 Gripen – KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle – Aero Vodochody L-39NG – Yakovlev Yak-130 – Leonardo M346 – HAL Tejas
According to the requirements, the RMAF is looking for up to 36multi-mission and cost-effective aircraft with an option to add another 26.It is expected that RMAF could be looking to acquire fighter jets worth RM36 billion ($8.61 billion) over the next 10 years.
The common denominator in its requirements is the ability to offer advancedjet training and ground-to-air and air-to-air operations.
PAC is a strong candidate in the competition, however, it faces massivecompetition from China’s L-15A/B as well as from Korea’s FA-50 FightingEagle and Saab JAS-39 Gripen.
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In recent times, Pakistan has been making strides to export JF-17s toMalaysia and Azerbaijan after successful deals with Nigeria and Myanmar.The forte for PAC’s JF-17 is that it is battle-tested and offers lowupfront and maintenance costs.
The counter-trade options are not yet known and each of the suppliers islikely to come up with lucrative offers. It remains to be seen whetherPakistan’s close friend Malaysia goes for JF-17 or any other platform.
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*Via Quwalink*
