JF-17 - Updates, News & Discussion

[Dalit]

JF-17 modernised version like block 3 has a great market potential for small countries and airforces looking to replace their decades old F-5, Mig-21, and trainer/fighters like M-345 and Hawk. Some airforces also want modern 4.5 gen fighter that is not western dependent and inexpensive.

JF-17 block 3 is less than a third the price of a Gripen E/F and PL-15 is a performance match of Meteor.

Hope Pakistan can turn JF-17 into more of an export success. It's actually quite a unique position since there are no affordable 4.5 gen fighters outside of Mig-35 which is sort of incomplete. So it's only real competitor is Korean/American FA-50 but that is fraught with political strings.

Let's be real: the JF-17 Block 3 is the best 4th/4.5th gen lightweight fighter at its price point, especially with the full weapons suite. It just needed combat hours to prove itself and the Indians gave it all the PR it could ask for. It’s now a total package deal when paired with Chinese AEW&C. For that price tag it is very hard to beat.

On top of that, the PAF has become highly proficient in network centric warfare. An additional advantage for the buyer is the know how and training they receive for establishing a network centric capability. This goes far beyond buying and inducing a fighter jet.

 

[Aziqbal]

I would really like to know what exactly is going on inside the Kamra facility in Pakistan

the JF17 factory must be busy, my family lives on GT Road in Pakistan and they just increased the size of the wall from 12ft to 18ft

cant see a thing now and when J10CE arrived they blocked any visuals of the runway

 

[Ak01]

Let's be real: the JF-17 Block 3 is the best 4th/4.5th gen lightweight fighter at its price point, especially with the full weapons suite.

i mean, its the only lwf at its price point.

 

[Dalit]

I would really like to know what exactly is going on inside the Kamra facility in Pakistan

the JF17 factory must be busy, my family lives on GT Road in Pakistan and they just increased the size of the wall from 12ft to 18ft

cant see a thing now and when J10CE arrived they blocked any visuals of the runway

Pakistan is marketing the JF-17 aggressively among its allies and developing nations who are in need of AESA/BVR capability.

If the goal is to get 4.5th generation technology (AESA radar, PL-15 long range missiles, and advanced electronic warfare) for the lowest possible price, the JF-17 Block III is the undisputed budget king. The unit cost speaks for itself. The JF-17 Block III blows most 4th gen fighters in the developing world out of the water and gives many high end 4.5th platforms a run for their money.

 

[Aziqbal]

Pakistan is marketing the JF-17 aggressively among its allies and developing nations who are in need of AESA/BVR capability.

If the goal is to get 4.5th generation technology (AESA radar, PL-15 long range missiles, and advanced electronic warfare) for the lowest possible price, the JF-17 Block III is the undisputed budget king.

there no doubt about that

but can Pakistan modest production rate of max 18 units per year in 2016 really match the export needs

if Indonesia , Bangladesh, Iraq and Saudi Arabia add orders then Pakistan should really think of a expansion of the factory

Indonesia order would be 16-32 units
Bangladesh 16 units
Iraq 16-32 units
Saudi Arabia 40 units

Azerbaijan and Libya would be good few years to complete

and then you have say 120+ more for export that's 7-8 years

lets see what happens maybe China can help with production

 

[Dalit]

there no doubt about that

but can Pakistan modest production rate of max 18 units per year in 2016 really match the export needs

if Indonesia , Bangladesh, Iraq and Saudi Arabia add orders then Pakistan should really think of a expansion of the factory

Indonesia order would be 16-32 units
Bangladesh 16 units
Iraq 16-32 units
Saudi Arabia 40 units

Azerbaijan and Libya would be good few years to complete

and then you have say 120+ more for export that's 7-8 years

lets see what happens maybe China can help with production

That is a good question. Pakistan will need China's help. Pakistan alone can never fulfill the production demand. China will help Pakistan gladly in this regard. Obviously, both Pakistan and China have already discussed the production side of things in private. I cannot imagine that Pakistan would go on a solo tour to convince countries to buy JF-17 when it cannot deliver them. China is the king of production.

 

[Dalit]

i mean, its the only lwf at its price point.

There are a few options, but they cannot compete with JF-17 Block III. In the lightweight category, the JF-17 Block III has little competition.

 

[Ak01]

There are a few options, but they cannot compete with JF-17 Block III. In the lightweight category, the JF-17 Block III has little competition.

what aircraft are available at the same price point?

 

[Dalit]

what aircraft are available at the same price point?

Not at that price point, but their are a few lightweight fighters competing with the JF-17.

 

[Ak01]

Not at that price point, but their are a few lightweight fighters competing with the JF-17.

the only real competitor is the FA-50, perhaps even the M346FA, both seem to be doing better. The LWF category is a weird one, one in which most countries are not interested.

 

[ghazi52]

JF-17 Thunder with “Operation Swift Retort” markings

During Operation Swift Retort, Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft conducted precision strikes, employing stand-off weapons against targets inside Indian-held territory.

 

[niubi]

what aircraft are available at the same price point?

Mostly trainer-fighters dual purpose type lightweights like FA-50 that also offers AESA but no PL-15 equivalent.

FA-50 is nearly twice the cost of a JF-17 block 3 though and that's just unit price. Packaged for western weapons, parts and training, the FA-50 as a package would be more than 4 times the cost compared to a JF-17 block 3.

Tejas MK1.A would be an equivalent too but it's F404 engine supply dependent whereas even though the FA-50 uses the F404 as well, South Korea and Lockheed Martin directly profit from FA-50 sale so Uncle Sam is more likely to not disrupt engine supply. Mk1 hasn't got AESA yet but India claims to be close to putting Uttam to replace the Israeli EL/M-2052. Also doesn't have a missile comparable to PL-15 yet. Astra they say will be long ranged 200km + as well.

Other fighters are far more expensive - Gripen E/F is like 5 times the price.

If your country is western aligned or hopes to be then FA-50 or Gripen is the choice if you have deep pockets. Otherwise Tejas MK1.A or JF-17 block 3 is the choice. Mig-35 is more expensive than JF-17 and possibly worse performing since it has no AESA for actual use and no R-37M. Twin engine for Mig-35 also works against it for operational costs.

Any airforce that wants ready and proven AESA and long range missile combo for affordable price can only select JF-17 block 3.

 

[sutton9999]

Don't ever associate JF-17c with the word "cheap".

It is your mindset that is "cheap".

Ask Azerbajianis, it is more than $100m a piece.

 

[maxpane]

jF 17 has two avionics system from China to Turkiye. two different systems according to the customers requirement. no other provide that

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

the only real competitor is the FA-50, perhaps even the M346FA, both seem to be doing better. The LWF category is a weird one, one in which most countries are not interested.

‏ FA-50 and M346FA
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