The JF-17C Block III from the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex represents a major recurring upgrade to the JF-17A Block II, and the new subsystems added in this upgrade include the TRM AESA 1000+ KLJ-7A radar with a detection range of 150-220 km (for fighter-sized RCS), and a next-generation display screen also used in the J-20 stealth fighter, and a highly advanced suite of electronic warfare and support measures, and a new helmet-mounted display screen and high off-boresight missile cueing system (the same HMDCS is used in the J-20 stealth fighter).
Other features include an advanced infrared and ultraviolet missile approach warning system, and a new suite of external and internal sensors to enhance situational awareness, and very long-range new air-to-air missiles, and new weapons, and a better triplex-axis FBW system, and enhanced sensor fusion, and integrated and networked data-linked air operation capabilities, and the latest cockpit, and increased MTOW and payload capacity and more hardpoints for weapons among many other upgrades.
The developed lightweight fighter is characterized by an MTOW of approximately 30,000 pounds, and greater use of composite materials to achieve a lighter airframe weight, and an external weapons capacity of 10,700 pounds, and a combat radius of 1,450 km, and a ferry range of 2,500 km, and a maximum speed exceeding 1.7 Mach and a service ceiling of 56,000 feet.
With the integration of the most advanced and longest-range air-to-air missiles including the PL-10 HOBS and PL-15 VLRAAM, combined with one of the best available AESA radars, and a high-performance electronic warfare suite with strong capabilities, a suite of next-generation weapons covering every domain of modern air warfare, alongside Pakistan's ability to manufacture the aircraft in its own facilities, translates into a superior advantage in regional air warfare, and continues the legacy of the Pakistan Air Force of air superiority and dominance.
