JF-17 - Updates, News & Discussion

[PakShaheen_79]

HQ9BE interceptor has active seeker from what I read.

That's for terminal phase only. An active seeker of diameter of a HQ-9 can't give you a range of 250-300 KM. For most part of its flight it requires radar guidance hence it remains primarily SARH like most ADS. In context of CEC type infrastructure development, what PAF can do is to establish a low-letancy time-synchorized distributed network where one shooter can trust track data of another sensor to shoot down an invading aircraft or missile. I believe PAF is working towards this goal though I am not certain if this includes track-handover capability as well something central to true distributed CEC type architecture. No easy even for most modern airforces.
PS: I asked ChatGpt to assess PAF's integration maturity level for CEC capabilities based on publically available data. I shared linked to Alan Warnes report on May 2025 conflict. and this is what it generated.

 

[RAMPAGE]

What Pakistan offers is the whole package for countries lacking an effective Air Force infrastructure. Starting from basic training to transition to fast jets. We saw that in Azerbaijan and and in some African countries.

What kind of package is PAF offering that's going to turn Somalia into a functioning state?

And what did we see in Azerbijan?

 

[ghazi52]

The non-engineered version of the Huzb family has been in service with the Pakistan Air Force for years, and the LR version was introduced during IDEAS 2024 and is likely to become operational this year.

Huzb 81 provides a notable boost in strike capability for the Thunder.
Carries 4~6 weapons with 3 fuel tanks and 2 air-to-air missiles
and an operational radius of about 900 kilometers.

 

[iron shrapnel]

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24 x 35 = 840 for the jets and the rest for munitions etc ?
Could these be older jets that will go through refurbishing ?
Either number is inflated or munitions are very basic.. none of the good stuff

 

[Corax]

24 x 35 = 840 for the jets and the rest for munitions etc ?
Could these be older jets that will go through refurbishing ?
Either number is inflated or munitions are very basic.. none of the good stuff

I was thinking this too, the PAF could seek to sell some of their earliest Block I aircraft after being refurbished to countries like Somalia.

 

[SiliconBit (silicon0000)]

Somalia buying JF17 is utterly bizarre, it barely functions as a country, hasn't had a credible fast jet airforce in decades I think, doesn't even have infrastructure, would it even have enough money to maintain and operate the aircraft? They may ask mercenary pilots to fly them.

The prospect of Somalia acquiring the JF-17 presents a significant strategic opportunity, provided the geopolitical cards are played correctly. If Pakistan were to provide high-level "backdoor" operational support—reminiscent of the rumored strategic assistance provided to Sri Lanka during its conflict with the LTTE—it could prove to be a decisive game-changer.

Given that Somalia currently possesses practically no functional air force, the role of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) becomes indispensable. This is not merely a hardware sale; it involves a total transfer of operational doctrine (and may be actual ground and field support too). Without deep-rooted training and technical oversight from the PAF, the JF-17 could easily be underutilized or mismanaged. However, if employed effectively, these jets would provide Somalia with a renewed offensive punch to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s supply chains and neutralize domestic threats.

By leveraging this aerial advantage, the federal Somalian government could consolidate control over disputed territories like Somaliland and stabilize the region. Such a victory would serve as a massive publicity boost for the JF-17, positioning it as the premier "turnkey" solution for small nations seeking affordable yet lethal air power.

 

[iron shrapnel]

I was thinking this too, the PAF could seek to sell some of their earliest Block I aircraft after being refurbished to countries like Somalia.

All B1s were upgraded to B2 standard so from that fleet most probably.. considering there is no eco system present with somalia. It's most probable they are getting those one's. Or the munitions package is very basic. e.g no air to air weapons ( they don't need them anyway )..

 

[MastanKhan]

All B1s were upgraded to B2 standard so from that fleet most probably.. considering there is no eco system present with somalia. It's most probable they are getting those one's. Or the munitions package is very basic. e.g no air to air weapons ( they don't need them anyway )..

Hi,

They will have air to air weapons capability---but not the tier 1 type.

 

[ghazi52]

No.8
Haiders

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

The "Sudan" JF17 Deal , for 24-48 planes seems interesting
The "Somalian" JF17 Deal , 24-48 planes seems interesting

However can KAMRA actually ramp up production for these additional orders?

Would be ideal if the export orders are done by "Extended facility" or new facility to handle additional Engineering work

So main core focused on PAF needs we still have not reached 250 craft , to retire older Mirage or F7PG

Would be interesting to follow news if such deals are "formal/official"

 

[FarhanSiddiqui]

Somalia may not need the state of the JF-17 Block 3. They can operate the previous Block 1 and 2 against the Zionist supported separatists. This will be cheaper option for cash strapped Somalia. While Pakistan can sell from its inventory and replace these Block 1 and 2 by Block 3.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Well the issue is not that "Somalia" or "Sudan" wants to buy JF17 Thunder , the issue is our production rate is less then spectacular

What we produce is 100% spectacular , but we make few planes

In order provide other air-forces , necessary production,
we will have to expand our existing Factory

• Fulfill our domestic need
• Foreign Orders

8-10 planes per years is hardly spectacular during our best years
we made 16 planes only

We should have been making 24 planes per year

May be China if they help perhaps the situation would be more manageable, I recall once they were ready to send us 50 planes on short notice this was quite a few years ago.

However it would be a good test to see how PAF can handle larger order delivery

• I would imagine it would be best if we have 3 new production facilities
  • KPK
  • Balochistan
  • Sindh

I think it is possible to expand our production with China's assistance to complete the orders (if they are formal orders)

 

[PakShaheen_79]

Well the issue is not that "Somalia" or "Sudan" wants to buy JF17 Thunder , the issue is our production rate is less then spectacular

What we produce is 100% spectacular , but we make few planes

In order provide other air-forces , necessary production,
we will have to expand our existing Factory

• Fulfill our domestic need
• Foreign Orders

8-10 planes per years is hardly spectacular during our best years
we made 16 planes only

We should have been making 24 planes per year

May be China if they help perhaps the situation would be more manageable, I recall once they were ready to send us 50 planes on short notice this was quite a few years ago.

However it would be a good test to see how PAF can handle larger order delivery

• I would imagine it would be best if we have 3 new production facilities
  • KPK
  • Balochistan
  • Sindh

I think it is possible to expand our production with China's assistance to complete the orders (if they are formal orders)

If we have been producing fewer planes I can bet it has more to do with financials than engineering. Even if we had maintained 16/year constantly, we would have completed all domestic orders long before. Somehow PAF decided to keep the production on low burner perhaps to invest funds elsewhere.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Well that is why I suggest to use the funds from new deals to build new manufacturing facilities

 

[Be dazzled]

Blk 2 for Somalia. From PAF inventory as PAC only makes blk 3 since upgrades and retooling and is gearing for PFX.