indianexpress.com
1. This is not the first Ababeel test.Pakistan conducts successful flight test of ‘Ababeel’ weapon system
ISPR says CJCSC Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza witnessed the launch along with other senior officers.www.dawn.com
Pakistan conduct first flight test of their largest medium range balistic missile system and also their first operational MIRV. Considering the problem with their politics and economic situation, this is quite considerable achievement.
This is also means Pakistan can now cover most of India. This Ababeel is their answer for Indian latest Agni.
Pakistan successfully conducts flight test of Ababeel Weapon System: Army
The latest test of the ballistic missile system was aimed at "re-validating various design, technical parameters, and performance evaluation of different sub-systems," said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the media wing of army.
www.defensenews.com
Lots of questions about the J-35 (31),FC-31 jet. As a lower cost alternative to the J -20 with the goal of future export sales, the level of stealth is the first question. How much stealth tech should be available to foreign AFs?. This may require different versions. As the PLAN needs a carrier jet, this is another version. Although China could likely afford multiple versions, this takes time and more money. The priority will be a carrier jet with some stealth. If Pakistan is willing to pay the extra cost China may export this version. If not, Pakistan will have to wait and see if China develops a derivative of the PLAN’s carrier jet. Just my two cents.Pakistan has plans to acquire the Chinese SAC FC-31 fifth-generation fighter, according to head of the Pakistan Air Force.
Not much details were given during the ceremony.
Pakistan to buy Chinese FC-31 fighter jets, says air chief
Pakistan is set to acquire the Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon fifth-generation fighter, according to head of the Pakistan Air Force.
I am not sure why 31 changed to 35 assuming it has. Perhaps a marketing decision for J-35 versus F-35?
www.defensenews.com
PAF's Chief had expressed intent to acquire J-31/J-35. I suspect he was in on the developmental trajectory, or was very closely following it, and partially committed to the acquisition as soon as the refined variant (i.e., J-35A) neared completion.
This India Defense Media sites 'quote' Pakistan media on J-35A green light to be procure by PAF. Now this is so far only one side media talk. No confirmation from Pakistan and Chinese official yet.
Still similar situation arise on J-10C acquisition talk before. It create much debates whether the acquisition was real deal or not. Then out of sudden J-10C come to PAF inventory. If this also come through, then PAF tied up with China supplies near complete with JF-17, J-10C and now J-35A. Going to raise question on that mix what future for their F-16A/B/C/D.
PAF has also not entertained the idea of Block 70/72. But this could because of the realization that the US will not sell unless Pakistan come up with hard cash of its own. On the other hand, PAF is quite happy with the Chinese technology and for all practical purposes has transitioned to it.
Dont want to derail the thread, but if Pakistan gets a J-35 in the next 3-4 years, India should absolutely get some Su-57s. I doubt if India could ramp up their indigenous 5th gen project even in 10 years. Unless the US is ready to sell them F-35s, India will have lower quality platforms over both rivals.
Price will be a major factor along with how downgraded the export versions of the J-35 will be. Its going to mainly compete with Rafales and possible Kf-21 in the future (as long as US does not put too uch restrictions on the American components of the KF-21). It may compete with Typhoons too if Germany relaxes its objections to the exports more.
Block 3 is a quite a formidable platform in its own right but neither its development is correlated to Tejas (any of its variants ... also considering the fact that the current variant of it is no where near operational readiness, being inducted in large numbers, or being mass produced) or to be inducted in bulk (as things stand right now). PAF intends on inducting some 50+ units of it and upgrading Block 2 to near Block 3 standard. There was a debate on potential Block 4 and the conclusion was that the envisioned aircraft would only be possible if the existing one was completely redesigned. Perhaps, this has led to the PFX project. Whether the project will takeoff anytime soon, if at all, is something that only time will tell.
