JH-7 as a Missile Hauler

[BlueMarlin]

The more I research JH7A, the more I think Mastan Khan's initial idea wasn't a bad one. PAF could have invested in an updated version of JH7A with all modern 4.5+ gen bells and whistles to support JF-17.

but now we see the idea is not only a bad one but a shortsighted one. it hold no benefit other than its payload which isnt a justified solution. swams of loyal-wingmen, ucav, and kamikaze drones are the new toys to fight the next war.

 

[Michael]

A surprising comparison:

Su-30MKI heavy fighter
Maximum range (internal fuel only): 3,000 km
Maximum payload: 8 tons

JH-7B/A2 fighter-bomber (classified as a medium fighter)
Maximum range (internal fuel only): 3,650 km
Maximum payload: 9 tons

 

[Trailer23]

What is the point of senseless Topic - and that too in the PAF section !!!

Talking about Pakistan getting JH-7 is like me starting a topic about Pakistan getting B-1 Lancers.

Awww cool, let me go start a new Topic.

 

[Bilal]

What is the point of senseless Topic - and that too in the PAF section !!!

Talking about Pakistan getting JH-7 is like me starting a topic about Pakistan getting B-1 Lancers.

Awww cool, let me go start a new Topic.

Few years ago yes. But we need a solution for ALBMs (eventually), not saying JH-7 specifically but we need to crack this capability.

 

[Quwa]

Few years ago yes. But we need a solution for ALBMs (eventually), not saying JH-7 specifically but we need to crack this capability.

It depends on the size of the ALBMs.

Technically, the CM-400AKG is an ALBM, and the JF-17 has deployed those in May 2025. Similarly, the Roketsan UAV-230 is also technically an ALBM, and it was recently tested from the Akinci.

Just IMO, but if the PAF wants to continue building ALBM capabilities, it can continue working off of the CM-400AKG or, potentially, Fatah-1 (or Fatah-1 ER). That would give it options in the 400 mm and 300 mm diameter range, respectively, and its current platforms should be able to deploy those.

 

[Trailer23]

... potentially, Fatah-1 (or Fatah-1 ER).

There's a Fatah-I ER ?

How many ER variants are there in the Fatah-series?

I recently saw the Fatah-II being tested. Interesting choice of colors.

We outta have a comparison between all variants & the Range they all bring to the table.

@AeronautIR - Sir something you could cover in one of your future videos.

 

[Starlord]

JH-7 for PAF.... **Summoning the Mastan** Gassssssssssssssp

 

[Michael]

JH-7 for PAF....

Please append the letter "E" to the designation. "JH-7E" is the correct designation for the export version of the JH-7 series of fighter-bombers.
It is reportedly an export variant developed based on the PLA's JH-7A2 version.

 

[Corax]

There's a Fatah-I ER ?

How many ER variants are there in the Fatah-series?

I recently saw the Fatah-II being tested. Interesting choice of colors.

We outta have a comparison between all variants & the Range they all bring to the table.

@AeronautIR - Sir something you could cover in one of your future videos.

It's confusing because Fatah-I ER was initially called Fatah-II, before the bona fide Fatah-II was revealed.

 

[studsmart]

Please append the letter "E" to the designation. "JH-7E" is the correct designation for the export version of the JH-7 series of fighter-bombers.
It is reportedly an export variant developed based on the PLA's JH-7A2 version.
View attachment 219902

I have started believing Sir Mastan's earlier push for JH7P [my innovation of P to be a Pakistan-specific upgraded version], as we are not going to get J16 or an equivalent. No 5th gen will be used as bomb/ missile truck. The JH7P, with updated engines, avionics, and a strengthened structure, can serve the PAF for the next 20 years. It is already a BVR-capable, fully digital FBW fighter. If we make it carry two F2ERs at 1500km range without refueling. Just imagine. Or 4 Fateh-4 ERs, tossed at max range.

 

[Michael]

I have started believing Sir Mastan's earlier push for JH7P [my innovation of P to be a Pakistan-specific upgraded version], as we are not going to get J16 or an equivalent. No 5th gen will be used as bomb/ missile truck. The JH7P, with updated engines, avionics, and a strengthened structure, can serve the PAF for the next 20 years. It is already a BVR-capable, fully digital FBW fighter. If we make it carry two F2ERs at 1500km range without refueling. Just imagine. Or 4 Fateh-4 ERs, tossed at max range.

Don’t harbor such unrealistic dreams!

It has no practical significance!

 

[AeronautIR]

There's a Fatah-I ER ?

How many ER variants are there in the Fatah-series?

I recently saw the Fatah-II being tested. Interesting choice of colors.

We outta have a comparison between all variants & the Range they all bring to the table.

@AeronautIR - Sir something you could cover in one of your future videos.

The problem is that we see PAF in isolation. I think the strike element with missiles will be with ARFC and PAF will use UAS/existing arsenal. With requirements of 5th Gen, SAMs, LIFT etc., the air-to-ground projects may be delayed.

 

[Par 5]

Unrealistic Post. We do not need bombers or missiles carrying platforms like this JH-7

 

[Pakistan First]

I have started believing Sir Mastan's earlier push for JH7P [my innovation of P to be a Pakistan-specific upgraded version], as we are not going to get J16 or an equivalent. No 5th gen will be used as bomb/ missile truck. The JH7P, with updated engines, avionics, and a strengthened structure, can serve the PAF for the next 20 years. It is already a BVR-capable, fully digital FBW fighter. If we make it carry two F2ERs at 1500km range without refueling. Just imagine. Or 4 Fateh-4 ERs, tossed at max range.

IMPOSSIBLE.

We'd seriously be dumb fools to induct a huge RCS, ancient aircraft with super heavy maintenance.

Why not buy more J-10Cs instead ? JF-17s/J-10Cs can carry ALBMs.

People needs to understand, its really NOT important for us to pack 4 ALBMs into single platform. Infact it has serious downside. If its shotdown, then you lose 4 of your missiles even before those could be utilized. Instead 2 Jeffs carry 2 ALBMs each is much more deadlier and smarter approach.

Secondly, range of the aircraft has absolutely ZERO value in Pakistan - India context. We are not going to fly over indian airspace either over land or water to strike targets. We are most likely to release payload from our own airspace just like what was done in 2025 by both sides.

 

[studsmart]

IMPOSSIBLE.

We'd seriously be dumb fools to induct a huge RCS, ancient aircraft with super heavy maintenance.

Why not buy more J-10Cs instead ? JF-17s/J-10Cs can carry ALBMs.

People needs to understand, its really NOT important for us to pack 4 ALBMs into single platform. Infact it has serious downside. If its shotdown, then you lose 4 of your missiles even before those could be utilized. Instead 2 Jeffs carry 2 ALBMs each is much more deadlier and smarter approach.

Secondly, range of the aircraft has absolutely ZERO value in Pakistan - India context. We are not going to fly over indian airspace either over land or water to strike targets. We are most likely to release payload from our own airspace just like what was done in 2025 by both sides.

I don't agree with you. The reach and strike across India is very much needed. If India needs to feel pain, the fear of pain is bigger than pain itself. They need to know that PAF has the capability and capacity, plus the firepower, to go beyond LR drones and rockets to attack the length and breadth of Bharat. Just like they, the bhindi mindset, always claim that they can annihilate entire Pakistan conventionally... let them have this pain also. For me, the updated JH7P is the only option until / unless the J16 is available.