[muslim282]

First of all, wether or not anybody purchases the thunder will make no dent to pakistans future plans as both china and pakistan do have a requirement in huge numbers for these jets.
Yes orders and sales will help both nations financially as they do to all nations and companies selling arms. Another thing is that this is in itself a massive leap for pakistan, as their are very few nations that actually manufacture and sell jets.
I don,t know about the numbers but I bet you their will be many interested parties. You see when the west and europe sell weapons they are usually downgraded or of reduced capability. In some cases (as for israel) they are given a clear edge over their neighbours(F-16,s) ie. egypt, jordan etc.
One of the things about the thunder was that it was meant to be a real bang for the buck eg. BVR, room for AESA etc in the future. This would allow many countries access to jets which may not be superior to their western counter parts but at least not downgraded models held to ransom through spare parts.
Integrated to BVR and stand off weapons such as the SD10 and RAAD this would be a considerable step up by countries operating planes such as Mig21,23,27 and older 29,s. Also mirage III, F1, F5s, etc.
I do believe that not 1500 but rather at least their is potential for around 200 to 500 apart from china and pakistan.
So in the end the combined numbers of all nations using could be 1000+.
This would be a very strong way of selling the project to potential partners ie:- engine manufacturers and avionics suppliers in the west especially considering their is a rescession and arms companies are taking a bit of a battering with finances and jobs.
One other thing, as we know mirage2000 production has come to an end, the blue prints and manufacturing rights/equipment along with all the know how was offered to india on condition they order the rafale in the MRCA contest. But they refused (l don,t know why?).
This has meant that the m2000 engine the snecma m53-p2 is of no use in future french plans ie. the rafale. It would be ideal for the thunder and is alot more reliable than any russian trash. Could their be a possibility to aquire such an engine (TOT).