Actually this pak su35 story has a deeper meaning. What i got after talking some good thinkers and def researchers whom i know, i can conclusively write few things here...
1. The Su35 jet sale talks is more of testing the water by Pak to see how much really Russia is opened up to defense cooperation
2. Its true that Mi35 helos orders initially is 4 and based on cash position the deal can be expanded to a max of 14 helos but at a single time it will be 4 helos in a single tranche.
3. Pak is interested as a deal of 16 jets bought by Indonesia where rumoured sale package includes line of credit. So Pak is hoping if they can afford a 2-5 Bn line of credit, they also can get a squadron or two fit in via that route
4. The propaganda and the news in dawn newspaper was part of a much bigger media operation done at the behest of top pakistani leadership
5. Since US is a traditional supporter of Pak and consider Pak an important avenue for its fight against terror and rebuilding of Afganistan and dismantling of Haqqani like terror outfits, it is a straight drawn conclusion that USA wont like Pak cosying up too much with Russia.
6. USA may see it as an opportunity to ensure Russia faces further issues of economic sanctions by drying up Russian defence deals and may instead opt for allowing Pak access to say a squadron of F16s block 52 (16 are not yer delivered to pak). So either USA gives them fresh new F16s Block 52 delivered by say max 2019 or old ones asap. All that via some package which Senate may approve with the line "fight against terror"
7. In case USA does allow the potential talks between Russia and pak to succeed with successful conclusion of say a squadron or 2 sale of Su35, USA would then deploy its top white house officials including President Obama (inhis last days also as a president) to court India to join the USA block. USA will end up sharing with India latest tech gears and perhaps invite India to become a partner in F35 program in view of India's 5th Gen bird requirement.
8. Inspite of old friendship, at domestic front the indian government will face a lot of heat (read parliament disruptions and allegations of a failed foreign policy by INC+others/UPA members) to justify the participation and funding of PAKFA program and FGFA.
9. Seizing this opportunity Iran (a traditionally muslim country) can participate in Pakfa program and fund it. Something Russia is aware of and Pakistan does not mind PAKFA going to a islamic country.
10. All these chess board games just bcz of Nawaz Sharif going to USA. As he wants to leverage out the best deals and come back with some goodies to showcase a diplomatic victory either way and win suport of army and general public.
11. All the folks also said if something like this does happen (su35 sales) its for the best for India as then we will see a quick but decisive action on procurement bottlenecks and major impetus on domestic programs (LCA MK2/AMCA). Possibly F35 would come in IAF also besides IN. Rafale deal will then get much bigger to serve the time needed for domestic program delivery gestation.
I hope i covered all the angles of my discussions.. ANything else feel free to pls correct and add
