, ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is looking at combat jets like the Euro-fighter as a hi-tech multi-role substitute for the F-16s that the US has steadfastly refused to supply.
Even so, Pakistan has not given up hope of acquiring the F-16s, either from the US or from third countries like Belgium, The News reported on Monday.
“Pakistan will go for more than one source for its needs of high-tech planes even after getting more F-16s, as it has done in the case of medium-tech and low medium-tech planes that are fulfilling the role in an excellent manner,” it quoted defence experts as saying.
“Islamabad is eyeing the Euro-fighter, which has outsmarted the F-16 and other contemporary planes in various roles.
“The Euro-fighters are available to Pakistan on cash payment but the supply of the planes would take a couple of years to commence, which could make the proposition difficult for Pakistan,” the report said.
The aircraft, which flew for the first time in August, would be inducted into the Pakistan Air Force “much earlier than expected”, News said.
The Pakistani air chief, Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, Monday begins a seven-day visit to China, his second in eight weeks, for discussions related to the production of the JF-17.
