JF-17 - Updates, News & Discussion

[Ak01]

Would also like to ask why is production still being dripfed when theres already a backlog of orders both domestic and foreign and theres an obvious need to retire legacy platforms as soon as possible. Is it just another finances issue because paf should be able to add orders whenever the line is close to idling

no money, but also, i feel like the block 3 is an interim solution.

The next block will be a far deeper upgrade, perhaps we've found ourselves in another block 2 or j10b like situation.

but mainly no money.

theres a backlog, but it can be cleared within two years lets say, then the line goes idle, the paf has no money to order more when the line is close to idling, they cant even buy more j10s

 

[Ibbi32]

no money, but also, i feel like the block 3 is an interim solution.

The next block will be a far deeper upgrade, perhaps we've found ourselves in another block 2 or j10b like situation.

but mainly no money.

theres a backlog, but it can be cleared within two years lets say, then the line goes idle, the paf has no money to order more when the line is close to idling, they cant even buy more j10s

I see. I dont think its issue of interim block situation as b3 is still a big upgrade over b2 and the fact that paf initially ordered 50 ac. I feel jf-17 production is being oriented towards export to bring in more foreign capital into Pakistani MIC for higher priority programs or to generate money to buy platforms like j10c

 

[baqai]

Two options:
1. Increase the workload of the current production line (employee overtime + increased wages), and try to explain the situation to customers and gain their understanding.
2. Continue efforts to increase the number of orders. Once the number of orders reaches a certain level, upgrade the production line to a smart, automated production line or build a new one. (I support the upgrade)

Third Option: Ask CAC to help with increased production

 

[Michael]

Third Option: Ask CAC to help with increased production

CAC does not have a mass production line for the JF-17. They only have experimental production facilities for the JF-17, capable of manufacturing them in very small quantities, but at a very high cost, making it unsuitable for order-based production.

A feasible solution:

Pakistan requests CAC to send production line system designers and engineers to PAC to optimize and upgrade the existing production line based on PAC's financial resources.
This approach is very common in China. Its ultimate maximum production capacity lies between that of a traditional production line and a pulsed production line, maximizing production capacity while working within limited funds.

 

[AeronautIR]

My article to debunk Indian myth of Tejas having better safety record than JF-17 https://defensetalks.com/tejas-cras...cident-or-an-injustice-to-the-fallen-aviator/

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

Pakistan will continue the production line of JF-17 block 3 until 2030 and we might see further blocks in the future.

Timeline & Projects

• 2023–2025:• KAAN first flight (2023), unveiled (2024), Pakistan commits (2025) with engineers + joint factory.
• PFX (Medium weight) remains in concept stage, inspired by J‑35 and KAAN.

• 2026–2030:• KAAN enters serial production; Pakistan expected to receive units by ~2028–29.
• PFX prototype and testing phase, aiming for low‑rate production by ~2030.

• 2030–2035:• KAAN operational in PAF squadrons.
• PFX enters production, designed as Pakistan’s indigenous stealth fighter.

Fleet Roles

• JF‑17: Continues production into the 2030s as Pakistan’s lightweight backbone.
• F‑16: Gradually phased out; limited upgrade paths.
• KAAN: Heavy air superiority role, joint production with Türkiye.
• PFX: Medium‑weight stealth multirole fighter, intended to replace F‑16s and complement KAAN.

Summary:
• Pakistan will keep building JF‑17s until PFX is ready.
• KAAN provides immediate 5th‑gen capability through partnership.
• PFX is the sovereign replacement for F‑16s, ensuring independence while KAAN covers the heavy role.

 

[Ibbi32]

Pakistan will continue the production line of JF-17 block 3 until 2030 and we might see further blocks in the future.

Timeline & Projects

• 2023–2025:• KAAN first flight (2023), unveiled (2024), Pakistan commits (2025) with engineers + joint factory.
• PFX (Medium weight) remains in concept stage, inspired by J‑35 and KAAN.

• 2026–2030:• KAAN enters serial production; Pakistan expected to receive units by ~2028–29.
• PFX prototype and testing phase, aiming for low‑rate production by ~2030.

• 2030–2035:• KAAN operational in PAF squadrons.
• PFX enters production, designed as Pakistan’s indigenous stealth fighter.

Fleet Roles

• JF‑17: Continues production into the 2030s as Pakistan’s lightweight backbone.
• F‑16: Gradually phased out; limited upgrade paths.
• KAAN: Heavy air superiority role, joint production with Türkiye.
• PFX: Medium‑weight stealth multirole fighter, intended to replace F‑16s and complement KAAN.

Summary:
• Pakistan will keep building JF‑17s until PFX is ready.
• KAAN provides immediate 5th‑gen capability through partnership.
• PFX is the sovereign replacement for F‑16s, ensuring independence while KAAN covers the heavy role.

Exceptionaly optimistic especially considering KAAN for one has an in service date with turkey of around 2028 (thats before any other delays) and that turks intend to prioritise own production first. Also lmao Pakistan cant afford to handle both a domestic medium weight and light weight fighter program at the same time. PFX will likely axe jf17 production

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

My article to debunk Indian myth of Tejas having better safety record than JF-17 https://defensetalks.com/tejas-cras...cident-or-an-injustice-to-the-fallen-aviator/

Welcome to the forum sir.. we had useful interactions over youtube channel in comments.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

Exceptionaly optimistic especially considering KAAN for one has an in service date with turkey of around 2028 (thats before any other delays) and that turks intend to prioritise own production first. Also lmao Pakistan cant afford to handle both a domestic medium weight and light weight fighter program at the same time. PFX will likely axe jf17 production

Ideally, JF‑17 production will continue into the foreseeable future, sustained by ongoing foreign orders. The early Block I variants will gradually retire as they reach the end of their airframe life. KAAN production is expected to begin by 2028, with the first operational batch likely available around 2029–2030. If engine challenges are resolved, a dedicated KAAN production line in Pakistan could be established by 2030–2031. In parallel, Pakistan will initiate limited production of the PFX, with the strategic aim of fielding the aircraft before India’s next‑generation fighter program enters serial production.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

You can't call yourself "think-tank" and think that you are one. This is all wishful thinking.

The future cannot be predicted with certainty, and any major conflict could alter project timelines. Decisions must be made intelligently, based on the information at hand. While the PFX timeline remains open to question due to limited details in the public domain, what is clear is that PFX is envisioned as a medium‑weight fighter program, whereas KAAN is firmly positioned as a heavy‑weight fighter project. KAAN production based on official news from Turkey, from 2028 - 2030. Any major conflict or technical issues can delay/push KAAN serial production to 2032.

 

[Bilal]

The benchmark for light fighter jets:

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[Samurai]

Pakistan will continue the production line of JF-17 block 3 until 2030 and we might see further blocks in the future.

Timeline & Projects

• 2023–2025:• KAAN first flight (2023), unveiled (2024), Pakistan commits (2025) with engineers + joint factory.
• PFX (Medium weight) remains in concept stage, inspired by J‑35 and KAAN.

• 2026–2030:• KAAN enters serial production; Pakistan expected to receive units by ~2028–29.
• PFX prototype and testing phase, aiming for low‑rate production by ~2030.

• 2030–2035:• KAAN operational in PAF squadrons.
• PFX enters production, designed as Pakistan’s indigenous stealth fighter.

Fleet Roles

• JF‑17: Continues production into the 2030s as Pakistan’s lightweight backbone.
• F‑16: Gradually phased out; limited upgrade paths.
• KAAN: Heavy air superiority role, joint production with Türkiye.
• PFX: Medium‑weight stealth multirole fighter, intended to replace F‑16s and complement KAAN.

Summary:
• Pakistan will keep building JF‑17s until PFX is ready.
• KAAN provides immediate 5th‑gen capability through partnership.
• PFX is the sovereign replacement for F‑16s, ensuring independence while KAAN covers the heavy role.

You are providing dates as if you are traveling back in time from future or you are like that old Russian babushka woman who predicts future events. Where is Chinese J35 in the equation?

 

[Pakistan Space Agency]

Anyone know the serial number for the fifth crash?

JF-17 Thunder: Record of Crashes

No.​	Date​	Block​	Type​	Serial Number​
01​	14 November 2011	Block-1​	Alpha​	10-127​
02​	27 September 2016	Block-2​	Alpha​	15-209​
03​	15 September 2020	Block-2​	Alpha​	17-241​
04​	06 August 2021	Block-2​	Bravo​	20-614​
05​	05 June 2024	Block-2​	?​	?​

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

Anyone know the serial number for the fifth crash?

JF-17 Thunder: Record of Crashes

No.​	Date​	Block​	Type​	Serial Number​
01​	14 November 2011	Block-1​	Alpha​	10-127​
02​	27 September 2016	Block-2​	Alpha​	15-209​
03​	15 September 2020	Block-2​	Alpha​	17-241​
04​	06 August 2021	Block-2​	Bravo​	20-614​
05​	05 June 2024	Block-2​	?​	?​

if i am not wrong i thing no 1, 2 and 3 were all block 1? only two block 2 crashes that is number 4 and 5?

Also 3 of the 5 crashes came in Attock District? this Attock region is very dangerous? dont know why?

 

[Pakistan Space Agency]

I see. I dont think its issue of interim block situation as b3 is still a big upgrade over b2 and the fact that paf initially ordered 50 ac. I feel jf-17 production is being oriented towards export to bring in more foreign capital into Pakistani MIC for higher priority programs or to generate money to buy platforms like j10c

Nope. PAF initially ordered 30 and there's been no follow on order announced by PAF (well not publicly known anyway). If 50 were ordered, their production would've been alongside Block-2s.

Year​	Block​	Alphas​	Bravos​
2019​	2​	8?​	8​
2020​	2​	-​	14​
2021​	2​	-​	4​

Year​	Block​	Alphas​	Bravos​
2020​	3​	2​	-​
2021​	3​	12​	-​
2022​	3​	12​	-​
2023​	3​	12​	-​
2024​	3​	12​	-​

Alan Warnes had pointed out, Pakistan plans to focus production of this block on foreign sales rather upping the PAF numbers.