JF-17 - Updates, News & Discussion

[Desprado123]

I doubt Russia cares about India

Because what Pakistan smartly did is that China supplies these engine as a 3rd party and China as a first party buy these engine for J 31 prime purpose.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

The oldest JF17 Block I will no doubt go thru replacement
But JF17 Block II and JF17 Block III likely be the focus for long time

 

[hussain0216]

The oldest JF17 Block I will no doubt go thru replacement
But JF17 Block II and JF17 Block III likely be the focus for long time

From my understanding, and I could be wrong

The first 25 block 2s won't or can't be upgraded to block 3

BUT the block 2s from then onwards which are about 37 fighters can be

The JF17 dual seaters also had infrastructure more common with the block 3



So Pakistan has been using those original fighters quite heavily, the JF17 have been excellent for Pakistan and have now been involved in multiple conflicts and missions

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Still a very large number of Block 2 being upgraded to Block 3 Standard
Block 1's can still remain active

Even the Block 1 at one point were targeted to be upgraded to block 2 levels

Public domain info

Model	Count
JF-17 Block I	50	MLU to Block 2 Standard
JF-17 Block 2	62	Up-gradable (90% to Block 3)
JF-17 Block 2B	26	Up-gradable
JF-17 Block 3	23	Ideal Standard
JF-17 Block 3	27	Ideal Standard, Under Construction

The JF17 Thunder will continue to get refined

Only official press release can confirm if every craft is officially at Block 2 Level and when will Block 1 terminology would be unnecessary, Block 1 already has a good operational History so there is no Loss there

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan Arms JF-17 Fighter Jets with PL-15E Missiles​

Global Defense Insight
April 30, 2025

Newly surfaced images have confirmed that Pakistan has armed its JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets with the Chinese-origin PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile, significantly boosting the platform’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities.

The PL-15E, the export variant of China’s advanced PL-15 missile, has an effective range of 145 kilometers and is equipped with an active radar seeker and strong electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM). Designed and developed by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), the PL-15E is among the most capable BVR missiles available for export.

This development means that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) now operates two combat aircraft platforms capable of deploying the PL-15E: the newly inducted JF-17 Block-III (also referred to as JF-17C) and the J-10CE — both of which are equipped with advanced avionics, including AESA radars, to fully utilize the missile’s potential.

High-resolution images from a PAF airbase clearly show PL-15E missiles mounted on the underwing pylons of operational JF-17 Block-III jets. This visual confirmation follows reports of a recent procurement deal between Islamabad and Beijing, aimed at enhancing the range and lethality of PAF’s fighter fleet.

The JF-17 Block-III, co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is the most advanced variant of the Thunder series, featuring the KLJ-7A AESA radar, upgraded cockpit systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.

With both the J-10CE and JF-17C now fielding the PL-15E, the PAF has significantly expanded its air-to-air engagement range, providing a critical edge in any potential aerial conflict. This move reflects Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its defensive posture through the integration of high-performance Chinese missile technologies.

 

[FuturePAF]

Still a very large number of Block 2 being upgraded to Block 3 Standard
Block 1's can still remain active

Even the Block 1 at one point were targeted to be upgraded to block 2 levels

Public domain info

Model	Count
JF-17 Block I	50	MLU to Block 2 Standard
JF-17 Block 2	62	Up-gradable (90% to Block 3)
JF-17 Block 2B	26	Up-gradable
JF-17 Block 3	23	Ideal Standard
JF-17 Block 3	27	Ideal Standard, Under Construction

The JF17 Thunder will continue to get refined

Only official press release can confirm if every craft is officially at Block 2 Level and when will Block 1 terminology would be unnecessary, Block 1 already has a good operational History so there is no Loss there

While a new design, with a similar engine or at least similar sized engine (110 KN WS-19), it would be interesting to see how hard it would be for PAC kamra to switch over the air frame to a JAST inspired design aka PFX project, while porting over expensive internal complaints such as the radar. Manned and unmanned versions, as well as a two seat version as a trainer could go a long way as a trainer for all the countries look to get the J-35A and looking for commonality of engines and other components. Room to carry 4 PL-15 internally would make it a great manned or CCA aircraft. The “hump” behind the cockpit shows it could carry significant fuel for long CAP missions.

 

[m52k85]

Still a very large number of Block 2 being upgraded to Block 3 Standard
Block 1's can still remain active

Even the Block 1 at one point were targeted to be upgraded to block 2 levels

Public domain info

Model	Count
JF-17 Block I	50	MLU to Block 2 Standard
JF-17 Block 2	62	Up-gradable (90% to Block 3)
JF-17 Block 2B	26	Up-gradable
JF-17 Block 3	23	Ideal Standard
JF-17 Block 3	27	Ideal Standard, Under Construction

The JF17 Thunder will continue to get refined

Only official press release can confirm if every craft is officially at Block 2 Level and when will Block 1 terminology would be unnecessary, Block 1 already has a good operational History so there is no Loss there

The 22-3xx and 23-3xx serials total is closer to 30 than 23.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

I am curious has the number of JF17 Block 2B , set to increase ?
No new news about increase for twin seater in a quite some time

Block III has stolen all the Thunder

 

[studsmart]

While a new design, with a similar engine or at least similar sized engine (110 KN WS-19), it would be interesting to see how hard it would be for PAC kamra to switch over the air frame to a JAST inspired design aka PFX project, while porting over expensive internal complaints such as the radar. Manned and unmanned versions, as well as a two seat version as a trainer could go a long way as a trainer for all the countries look to get the J-35A and looking for commonality of engines and other components. Room to carry 4 PL-15 internally would make it a great manned or CCA aircraft. The “hump” behind the cockpit shows it could carry significant fuel for long CAP missions.

View attachment 124895

Is this the rendering of pfx or pfx alfa ?

 

[MS Sandhu]

The Block-3 took down a fighter in the conflict.
Each aircraft deployed is judged based on their position and capabilities by the ground controllers and provided clearances based on their likeliest probability in getting a kill in this chess match.

J-10s were better placed to hit certain strikers while the JF-17 that fired was placed differently.


The JF-17s did admirably in strike missions that followed including defeating enemy SAMs thrown at them.

If JF17 has scored a kill
PAF should hype up Thunder not J10C
This would be helpful in getting much needed attention for Pak defence products
Like How Fatah 1 videos went viral across international media
You are just getting free advertising here.
GIDS should capitalize on this event.

 

[MastanKhan]

Hi,
There is a reason why israel used american aircraft and their own EW package.
The answer should have been obvious to you---.
Why put factory in pakistan when china produces everything for us---.
We don't have to worry about air strikes crippling it---,
All faults in the aircraft while developing---are paid for by the chinese---all successes---we both take credit of---.

Hi,

When I wrote this comment---it was in the flow of the moment---but after the interview of the chinese analyst on youtube about everything available to pakistan---I hope young pakistani readers understands the significance of china spending money to develop---we use our co-resource to maximize efficiency & utility and then reap the benefits without paying for any development costs---.

 

[FOOLS_NIGHTMARE]

 

[HRK]

Is this confirmed ? Its huge news if true. That would mean the JF-17 fired at an S-400 and also downed a frontline Indian fighter in the recent war.

Kill is confirmed but confusion is on the type ... Some claim MiG-29 some claim upgraded Mirage-2KH was the shot down by JF-17

 

[FuturePAF]

Is this the rendering of pfx or pfx alfa ?

This would be the fledged PFX, if it were adopted. It shares the same geometries as the one from the official renders so I did some digging. (It’s actually the McDonnell Douglas JAST design from the 80s/90s.)

If you go to Torrance, CA. There is a museum there; The Western Museum of Flight.

The model is up on the wall. You can also see one of the two real YF-23 prototypes at this museum as well. A design I think the PAF liked for their PFX design originally, but have seemed to found the right balance between capability and cost/airframes that can be procured. But considering our ability to make the JF-17, a JAST like single engine design with a 110 kn WS-19 engine or 150 kn WS-10B engine be perfect for the PAF.

It would be really cool if some aerospace students/engineers in Pakistan could make this render at full size 1:1 and present it to the PAF and PAC Kamra. Why do all the R&D when there are great designs literally on the shelf.

IMHO, PAC kamra can work on getting the JF-17 Block 3 to do what the Gripen does in terms of short runway landings, quick turn around, austere basing capacities. Once they are pros at that, that tech can be applied to the PFX, and you will have a winning design on your hands. A $30 million plane that can keep up with the big boys. Customers will be lining up at PAC Kamra’s door. A CCA and twin seat version can be marketed to the PLAAF and PLANAF.

We need hundreds of Road Bases around Pakistan.

https://www.military.cz/airfield/Torrance/images/torrance04.JPG

 

[FuturePAF]

If JF17 has scored a kill
PAF should hype up Thunder not J10C
This would be helpful in getting much needed attention for Pak defence products
Like How Fatah 1 videos went viral across international media
You are just getting free advertising here.
GIDS should capitalize on this event.

We defiantly should be hyping up the JF-17, but also the J-10. We get more support from China by hyping up their J-10. The JF-17 is winning deals with Azerbaijan, which we can use to fund the PFX (similar to the render I shared) and market the low observable version to more customers looking for a true 5th Gen platform on a reasonable price point as well as a companion to the J-35A.