Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions

[Desprado123]

When the initial deal was announced

Just last question on this topic. Were 3 that deilvered from our stock is excluded from our 2 sqdns stock.

 

[Toxic]

When the initial deal was announced

You are mistaking I think, There was no initially delivery of 3 it doesn't make sense we already have 2 heavily understrength squadrons.

 

[Fatman17]

"PAF. PAC formally launched the production work of JF-17C on December 30, 2020. The first batch of 8 was rolled out in January 2022, powered by the original RD-93 engine. A recent report (August 2021) suggested that an indigenous WS-13X engine has been tested successfully onboard a JF-17C prototype, making it more competitive on the international market. A total of 50 JF-17Cs were reportedly ordered by PAF to replace the remaining F-7PGs. Currently the production continues at PAC. It has been rumored that Iraqi AF and Azerbaijani AF showed some interest. A $1.6b contract was reportedly signed between PAC and Azerbaijani AF in February 2024 including 8 JF-17Cs and 4 JF-17Bs."

 

[Fatman17]

"26 were reportedly ordered by PAF. The first batch of 8 JF-17Bs (including prototypes) were ready for delivery at PAC in late 2019. The production of last 14 JF-17Bs were completed by December 2020 and all aircraft are in service with PAF. Inflight refueling was practiced with Il-78M tanker. One PAF JF-17B crashed in August 2021. A recent image (March 2019) indicated that first customer of JF-17B was actually the Myanmar Air Force. So far two JF-17Bs (S/N 1706 & 1707) were delivered to MAF. The latest news (November 2025) suggested that Azerbaijan AF just took delivery of 3 JF-17Bs."

 

[Fatman17]

You are mistaking I think, There was no initially delivery of 3 it doesn't make sense we already have 2 heavily understrength squadrons.

My information is from open sources just like yours probably. I do have friends in the AF just like everyone else.

 

[Desprado123]

In short @Fatman17 information Pakistan currently has 32 or 36 JF 17 Block 3 including Azharbhijan's 3 intitial stock deilvery from our own inventory.

Imo why would Pakistan land 9 JF 17 Block 3 to Azharbhikan when 2 country are so hostile towards Pakistan. Moreover, those 9 are customized for Pak and why would they opt for used one. They will wait for new one which i think current stock are new as they are not in war situation like Pak is in.

 

[Michael]

A recent report (August 2021) suggested that an indigenous WS-13X engine has been tested successfully onboard a JF-17C prototype, making it more competitive on the international market.

Can you provide this report or other credible evidence?

To the best of my knowledge, Liyang Engine Company has never mass-produced the WS-13 series engines (including all versions). They only conducted research and experimental production of a small number of WS-13 series engines. Liyang Engine Company has never had a mass production line for the WS-13 series engines, nor has it planned to build one.

Currently, Liyang Engine Company's mass production line for the WS-21 engine is operating normally. Their mass production line for the WS-19 engine, which is under construction, is also nearing completion.

To the best of my knowledge, the compatibility work between the WS-21 engine and the JF-17 series fighter jets has not yet been carried out. ------ In the early days, an early version of the WS-13 engine did undergo relevant flight tests on the JF-17 fighter jet. However, it was rejected because its performance did not meet the requirements of the PAF. The PAF selected the RD-93 engine. After that, there was no reliable information regarding this.

In some places, the WS-21 engine is also referred to as the WS-13X. However, this is incorrect. Even if this were true, and we could view it as a compatibility test between the WS-21 engine and the JF-17B3, the timeline you mentioned is also incorrect. In August 2021, the WS-21 engine had not yet left the laboratory...

 

[Fatman17]

In short @Fatman17 information Pakistan currently has 32 or 36 JF 17 Block 3 including Azharbhijan's 3 intitial stock deilvery from our own inventory.

Imo why would Pakistan land 9 JF 17 Block 3 to Azharbhikan when 2 country are so hostile towards Pakistan. Moreover, those 9 are customized for Pak and why would they opt for used one. They will wait for new one which i think current stock are new as they are not in war situation like Pak is in.

Fair enough but remember this AZ order was a breakthrough export order for JF-17 and at that point in time there were no hostilities.
Maybe the 3 earlier examples will be returned once the order is completed. AZ pilots needed the training on JF-17. This last para is my personal opinion. Thanks

 

[Desprado123]

Fair enough but remember this AZ order was a breakthrough export order for JF-17 and at that point in time there were no hostilities.
Maybe the 3 earlier examples will be returned once the order is completed. AZ pilots needed the training on JF-17. This last para is my personal opinion. Thanks

You mean they deilvered in 2024. 24-34 etc has nothing to do with it during oct 25 air show in Azharbhijan.

 

[Yasser76]

Totally in PAF interests now to make exact JF-17C numbers a guessing game. The aircraft will be amongst the cutting edge should thinsg flare up again. no use helping IAF with confirming numbers

 

[Ak01]

Can you provide this report or other credible evidence?

To the best of my knowledge, Liyang Engine Company has never mass-produced the WS-13 series engines (including all versions). They only conducted research and experimental production of a small number of WS-13 series engines. Liyang Engine Company has never had a mass production line for the WS-13 series engines, nor has it planned to build one.

Currently, Liyang Engine Company's mass production line for the WS-21 engine is operating normally. Their mass production line for the WS-19 engine, which is under construction, is also nearing completion.

To the best of my knowledge, the compatibility work between the WS-21 engine and the JF-17 series fighter jets has not yet been carried out. ------ In the early days, an early version of the WS-13 engine did undergo relevant flight tests on the JF-17 fighter jet. However, it was rejected because its performance did not meet the requirements of the PAF. The PAF selected the RD-93 engine. After that, there was no reliable information regarding this.

In some places, the WS-21 engine is also referred to as the WS-13X. However, this is incorrect. Even if this were true, and we could view it as a compatibility test between the WS-21 engine and the JF-17B3, the timeline you mentioned is also incorrect. In August 2021, the WS-21 engine had not yet left the laboratory...

no- ws13 is undergoing tests currently and will probably be selected

 

[bravo_1]

Cno- ws13 is undergoing tests currently and will probably be selected

For later batches??

 

[Toxic]

For later batches??

Lot of the older JF-17s are approaching 20 years and are going need to engine replacements and MLUs so probably for new and old jets.

 

[Ak01]

For later batches??

rd93 and ws13 are basically identical, they were described to me as being similar to just variations of eachother, like how the PAF operates multiple variants of the Wopen 13 on the F7.

So im guessing JF-17s going forward, but also to replace older JF-17 engines

but as i said, trials arent complete yet, but nearly!

 

[Desprado123]

Totally in PAF interests now to make exact JF-17C numbers a guessing game. The aircraft will be amongst the cutting edge should thinsg flare up again. no use helping IAF with confirming numbers

To be honest even in proper war 20 or 30 are enough because it was first dog fight and it is shift towards kill chain etc. The new era is more towards drone, electronic warfare, blastic missiles, icbm etc.

Air defense plays the most critical role in todays warfare which we need to improve on.

India would never or even Pak would never be flying full stock in other countries and target it as war will be mainly towards Kashmir, Punjab and Rajistan.