F-7Ps

Inducted into the PAF in 1990, the F-7MP is the primary air defence fighter of the PAF. Derived from the earlier MiG-21 model, the F-7MP embodies some 20 PAF specified changes including wiring for both PL-5, Sidewinder missiles, IFF equipment,Martin-Baker Ejection seats. PAF initially ordered 20 F-7Ps and later the upgraded 60 F-MPs, but now has taken delivery of another 80 aircraft. The initial F-7Ps have also been upgraded to the F-7MP standard. F-7MP currently equips No. 2, No. 14, No. 15, No. 17, No. 18, No. 19 (OCU), and No. 20 and CCS Squadrons of the PAF.

FT-7P is the export version of J-7 (Mig-21US) advanced trainer developed by GAIC, modified specifically for PAF (HUD, air data computer, twin 23mm cannon and longer range) in association with the F-7Ps produced by CAIC. The latest variant has thefuselage stretched by 600mm to create space for additional fuel tank and an internal gun. The maximum take-off weight has been increased to 9,550kg and internal fuel capacity to 2,800l.

The first order by PAF was for the F-7 Airguard, designated the F-7P Skybolt. This was basically a J-7II with a GEC-MARCONI HUDWAC, SUPER SKYRANGER radar, airdata computer, western IFF and an additional pylon under each wing (total 4). Re-designated F-7MP (M - Marconi, P - Pakistan) included additional Martin-Baker 10L Zero-Zero Ejection seats (i.e. they can be fired at zero height and at zero speed i.e. even when the aircraft is on the ground stationary), Collins AN/ARN-147 VOR/ILS, AN/ARN-149 ADF and Pro-line digital DME-42. Pakistani orders were for an initial
batch of 60. These aircraft were designed to carry and launch AIM 9 P/L Sidewinder missiles and delivered between 1990 and 1994.

Around this period, PAF contracted with FIAR (Italy) to supply the GRIFO 7 multimode radar with a trackimg range of 30 nm, and, was re-designated F-7MP Skybolt and deliveries to PAF were scheduled began in 1994/95. In 1996, the earlier batch of 20 F7Ps were upraded with the Grifo 7 radar to match the second and third batch of 60 and 80 F-7MPs.

The PAF F-7MP's are basically modified and upgraded Chinese versions of the MiG 21F-13 (which entered service with the IAF in 1964), however, with a sophisticated GRIFO 7 multimode radar, western HUDWAC, braking chute in the tail fairing, British 0/0 ejection seats, ability to carry 4 sidewinders (2 AIM9Ps and 2AIM9Ls) and an increased 1000 lb st in afterburner (chinese design).The F-7 is a decent clear weather point defence interceptor albeit, with a limited range. However, with the incorporation of the GRIFO 7 radar gives it a fairly good all weather air-to-air and air-to-ground capability. In the secondary air-to-ground mode it's capability would be restricted by the necessity to carry 2 fuel tanks.