Pakistan – country riddled with problems, chaos and corruption but amid all this mayhem if certain institutes hold up to their ideals and deliver in spite of the hindrances, then it is called an achievement. One such prime example is Pakistan Air force, with their manufacturing of JF 17 thunder fighter. A project that is a joint venture between Pakistan and China has become a hallmark for PAF. Pakistan JF 17 thunder fighter is a light MRCA fighter to be chiefly employed in defensive counter air and air support purposes.
Pakistan Air force JF 17 thunder jet fighter is a multi-role combat aircraft, powered by a single Russian-designed but Chinese-built turbo fan; with a top speed of 1,960 km/h. As compared to the world top notch fighter aircrafts, its cost is estimated 28 million US$ in block 2. Air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles can be deployed with ease. It can be effectively used for ground and air attack plus air reconnaissance.
After years of collaboration and developments with China JF 17 thunder fighter first public performance was on 23 March 2007, which later resulted in improvements in the weaponry and flight sections in block 2 and 3 of the production. After a commendable performance at Paris Air show, on December 29, 2015, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) announced the 16th roll out of JF 17, which took the total number of manufactured planes to 66. The complex also announced in the expansion of its manufacturing capability in the light of interest shown by various buyers.
Pakistan also negotiated and struck deals with British, Italian and French defense firms for the systematic improvement in avionics and radar system of JF 17, unfortunately the French suspended their deal over the PAF financial situation and the security concerns over French technology. Nevertheless, December 18, 2013, the production of JF17 thunder block 2 started. These machines have the redeeming features of air-to-air refueling ability, electronic warfare & upgraded avionics capabilities, and enhanced load-carrying capabilities. More prototype aircrafts are added to the basic structure. This production will continue until 2016.
The weaponry system in this fighter aircraft has 7 fuselage/under wing hard points with an in-built twin barrel cannon. The missiles and bombs that can be loaded have a variety of short to medium range.
The latest news regarding the production is that after 2016, the manufacturing of JF 17 thunder Block 3 will start with the prime focus on AESA radar, helmet-mounted display, improvements in avionics and most probably an internal infrared search and tracking system (IRST). It will also be equipped with anti-ship warfare. Thus making it 4th generation fighter jet. PAF resources have also confirmed the successful operations conducted by this aircraft during Zarb-e-Azab, using “both guided and unguided munitions.”
An infographic showing the JF-17’s performance specifications. (IHS)
After the Paris Air Show, the two strong potential buyers who are brought into the news are Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Other potential buyers include Morocco, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Argentina. The list of the potential buyers clearly shows that Pakistan JF 17 is not a competition to the NATO’s expertise or other experts like F16s in the field. As it was declared at the onset of its production, the aircraft will be used to serve the secondary defensive operative. These nations will find it cheaper to replace the hundreds of ageing mirages and F16s.
Although JF 17 is a state-of-the-art aircraft assembled and manufactured – at the moment by Pakistan only – for very specific and limited purposes but the potential and research continually put into its production by PAF should not be underestimated.
The Making of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF 17… by majestic-faraz
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