JF-17 - Updates, News & Discussion

[Qaraca]

I dont really understand the silence at PAC Kamra. The fact that we had to ship existing PAF jets to is not a good sign in terms of production. Why is it so hard to keep a line running?

Which existing PAF jets? JF-17B variant could be if the 20-xxx stands for production year (2020), but can’t state definitely without knowing if it follows the same formula as PAF. And if it does, then the Block 3 ones are produced in 2024, correct me if wrong but newest PAF Block 3s are from 2023.

 

[Pakistani Dragon]

I dont really understand the silence at PAC Kamra. The fact that we had to ship existing PAF jets to is not a good sign in terms of production. Why is it so hard to keep a line running?

There's no indication that the PAF intended to build any additional JF-17 Block-2B ("Bravo") aircraft beyond the 26 that were produced for PAF and 1 or 2 for MAF.

If I'm not mistaken, those aircraft were primarily built with export customers in mind, while the PAF itself appeared satisfied with relying on its advanced simulator training capability rather than expanding the fleet.

So it wouldn't surprise me if the PAF were willing to sell them to an export customer if the opportunity arose.

 

[Pakistan First]

@Qaraca

You mentioned in one of your posts (which is deleted now) that why Azerbaijan selected JF-17 when J-10C existed. I threw same question to the AI. I think it gave the reasonable response that's why i am sharing it. Also to add to whatever AI says below, I want to say that nobody buys a weapon system only for political reasons. They test it thoroughly and check its capabilities before buying it. When military and political objectives meet only then you buy a specific platform.

Here's AI response:

Azerbaijan selected the JF-17 Block III over the J-10C primarily due to its lower operational costs, co-production pathways with Pakistan, and easier integration without political baggage. The JF-17C provides a highly cost-effective, multirole capability for replacing aging Soviet-era aircraft like the MiG-29.

The key factors driving this decision include:

• • Cost-Effectiveness: The JF-17 Block III is a lighter, single-engine multirole fighter that is significantly cheaper to procure and maintain than the heavier J-10C. This affordability allows Azerbaijan to procure a larger fleet—a deal for 40 aircraft was signed.
  • Industrial Partnership & Technology Transfer: The JF-17 is co-developed by Pakistan and China. By acquiring it, Azerbaijan deepens its crucial strategic, military, and industrial relationship with Pakistan.
  • State-of-the-Art Weaponry: Despite being less expensive, the JF-17 Block III features "J-20 DNA". It is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and can fire the highly advanced Chinese PL-15 and PL-10 air-to-air missiles. This gives Azerbaijan a major technological advantage in its region without needing the heavier, more expensive J-10C airframe.

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[maxpane]

why azebaijan selected jf 17 cuz you can put turkiye product in it you cant do it with j10s . plus similar engine there engineers wnt have to train on other engines. it seamless transition plus avionics from turkiye

 

[Qaraca]

I think that is a legit question to ask when Pakistan itself went for J-10C despite JF-17C.

 

[RealNapster]

think that is a legit question to ask when Pakistan itself went for J-10C despite JF-17C, and obviously the example of Uzbekistan

Different sticks for different herds.

JF17, lightweight, less range. But good for ground attacks, and customization.

J10C, medium weight, more payload and range. Good for dogfights and Air to air engagements.

Small country, less range requirement, JF17 GOOD. Bug country, need for more range, J10C GOOD. AZERBAIJAN, small country, Uzbekistan, Big country. Both these fighter jets are not interchangeable.

That being said, whatever you think is the reason for this purchase. Stick to that. No reason to listen to logic and change your mind.

 

[Pakistan First]

I think that is a legit question to ask when Pakistan itself went for J-10C despite JF-17C,

Incorrect. Pakistan went for the J-10Cs & JF-17Cs not just J-10C.

When India placed order for 36 4.5 gen fighters (Rafales) many years ago. Pakistan responded and planned the equation with 20 J-10C and 25+ JF-17s. We had to balance the 4.5 gen equation accordingly. Also note that JF-17Cs were inducted later than J-10C in PAF. JF-17 block IIIs were inducted almost 2 years later than J-10Cs. If J-10C was our only solution then we should have acquired more J-10Cs instead producing JF-17Cs.

Also note that backbone of entire Pakistan airforce is JF-17s.

 

[hasssanali8998]

I think that is a legit question to ask when Pakistan itself went for J-10C despite JF-17C, and obviously the example of Uzbekistan, who is also a Mig-29 operator.

shortest anwer is chinese woudlnt give us pl15 without buying j10 first and we needed pl15 to counter meteors

 

[huanghong]

shortest anwer is chinese woudlnt give us pl15 without buying j10 first and we needed pl15 to counter meteors

In reality, the JF-17 simply cannot take advantage of the PL-15's 200-kilometer range. The JF-17's lock-on range against typical fighter-sized targets is only 150 kilometers, whereas the J-10C, by comparison, has a lock-on range of 240 kilometers.

 

[krash]

Personally, I don't see why every block would need to be upgraded when each was designed to fulfil its intended role.

It wasn't. Each block was developed with what was available, not for role-specific duties. The increase in available technologies allowed the upgrades and would serve the older blocks just as well as they did the block III, or as they did our F-16 AM/BMs.

Do you think they will be in need of AEWACS ? Given that their next door opponent is a small country which may not even need an aewacs. I think the JF17 aesa radar alone will be able to see through the Armenian airspace.