Regarding JF17 PFX, Can some knowledgeable inform precisely?
1. Is there any concrete evidence or reliable source confirming the existence of PFX, or is it merely a speculation based on a PowerPoint slide image?
2. Is PFX an upgrade program designed for existing JF-17 aircraft nearing their service life, similar to the MLU program?
3. Is PFX a modified version of the JF-17 Block-3, incorporating technologies from Turkey and other countries?
4. Is PFX an upgraded version of the JF-17, akin to the Block-4 upgrade?
5. Is PFX a larger and more advanced version of the JF-17, similar to the transition from Gripen C to Gripen E?
I think this question or its answer is almost like the "J-31 in Pakistan until late 2025"!
For some - including myself - this JF-17PFX is most likely no. 2 & 3, while others are convinced it something like no. 5 aka a new type, a semi-stealthy JF-17XL-PLUS!
Besides this single report and slide however we know nothing!
Sadly, given the broader environment in Pakistan, there is a fair chance that the PFX is, simply, vapourware. Between the J-10CE, J-31, and potentially even L-15, I can't actually see a need to add another platform.
While I do believe the Pakistani armed forces can muster cash (via unaccounted assets within and outside of the country), there's a limit to what they can do.
For example, the JF-17 itself was driven by necessity. If the Peace Gate III/IV F-16s came, the PAF would
not have signed on with CAC. Rather, it would have built upon the F-16 as its principal mainstay fighter. Once the multirole requirement was set, the next phase in the PAF's plan was, likely, to acquire a strike fighter, like the JH-7A.
Similarly, the PAF now has access to the ideal multirole platform in J-10CE as well as a potential strike system in the J-31. In addition, it has acquired medium-to-long-range and long-range SAMs from China, and will likely acquire more via domestic means. So, that would help complement the quick-reaction element.
Where would the PFX fit? You could say the lightweight multirole segment, sure, but the JF-17 is already there. Perhaps we can argue that the PFX is an upgrade path for the JF-17, and I truly believe that to be the case. However, as long as the J-10CEs and J-31 can be bought, there's no urgent need to upgrade the JF-17s either.
Ultimately, the "X" is the key indicator. It likely means "experimental" and, potentially, the PFX could be a study of a potential upgrade of the JF-17. It may be something on offer to the export market for a while, but beyond that, I doubt it'll survive.
In fact, I suspect there are voices in the PAF (especially those poised to take over after the current CAS) that are looking in another direction. I think there may be a drive now to walk away from crewed fighters and, instead, pivot to UCAVs.
UCAV tech is likely a shorter climb for Pakistan's technical capabilities, especially small designs like 1,000-ton decoys. The PAF has already found a willing partner (Baykar from Turkiye), the economies-of-scale make more sense (especially for disposable designs) and there's overlap with other areas, like ALCM tech.
