The Evolution of PAF's JF-17 Thunder through OCU [Operational Capability Upgrade] - News, Updates, Possibilities & Discussions.

[CSAW]

 

[CSAW]

The dream lives on .....

 

[PakShaheen_79]

What all of this has to do with PFX?

 

[RajaBaja]

What all of this has to do with PFX?

Consider the JF-17C capability (AESA, Sensors, PL-15 to future PL-X missiles) becomes the baseline capability for the PFX project or the "new normal" for PAF. All future aircraft will expand this baseline capability to new levels.

Welcome to a new PAF where the future starts with 4.5 gen platforms and moves to 5th gen.

 

[PakShaheen_79]

Consider the JF-17C capability (AESA, Sensors, PL-15 to future PL-X missiles) becomes the baseline capability for the PFX project or the "new normal" for PAF. All future aircraft will expand this baseline capability to new levels.

Welcome to a new PAF where the future starts with 4.5 gen platforms and moves to 5th gen.

That's fine but what I was wondering that when we have dedicated JF-17 thread, then why latest images of Thunder have landed here because as per my understanding this thread is to track progress of PFX. I am not contesting against all or anything you just said here. We all wish a strong and advanced PAF.

 

[CSAW]

QUWA

" The next stage of this evolution, outlined under the forthcoming PFX program, will see further upgrades to the JF-17 platform, including a new Gallium Nitride (GaN) AESA radar and an integrated electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite.





This demonstrates a clear path forward, ensuring the JF-17 remains the adaptable, high-quantity, and cost-effective backbone of the PAF for decades to come. In an era where modern conflicts have underscored the critical need for a sustainable mass of platforms capable of deploying precision standoff munitions, the wisdom of the PAF’s investment in the JF-17 has never been clearer.





" Thus, in Quwa’s estimation, the Pakistan Air Force will likely aim for a total JF-17 fleet size of around 200-250 aircraft in the long term, including future upgraded variants.




This number would not only ensure a full one-for-one replacement of its remaining legacy Mirage III/5 strike aircraft but also provide a sustainable and sovereign industrial base for maintaining a large force of platforms essential for massed conventional standoff strikes, a capability of ever-increasing importance in the regional strategic calculus."



----------------------------------------

 

[CSAW]

 

[PakShaheen_79]

Only real update on PFX will come out during next IDEAS exhibition and for that we will have to wait for November 2026. 14 more months

 

[RajaBaja]

Only real update on PFX will come out during next IDEAS exhibition and for that we will have to wait for November 2026. 14 more months

Expect media silence for a while, very little information will come out until 2028. PFX is a big deal. Our first step towards adapting 5th gen technologies to build and integrate locally.

But they will release updates on new acquisitions of J-10C's as well as JF-17 program's evolution with OCU.

 

[MasterChief]

Expect media silence for a while, very little information will come out until 2028. PFX is a big deal. Our first step towards adapting 5th gen technologies to build and integrate locally.

But they will release updates on new acquisitions of J-10C's as well as JF-17 program's evolution with OCU.

Where do you get this from.. your gut instinct ?

 

[RajaBaja]

Where do you get this from.. your gut instinct ?

I don't write gut feelings! If you don't like the post, skip it.

 

[CSAW]

 

[huanghong]

Neither the F-22's APG-77 radar nor the F-35's APG-81 radar uses GAN.
The F-35 is scheduled to begin using the APG-85 in the 18 phase after 2025, which is radar to use GAN.

The first US military operational aircraft to use GAN radar IS the F-18 in 2021.

Fighter Radars Poised For Gallium Nitride Breakthrough | Aviation Week Network

Gallium nitride has migrated across terrestrial radar applications for a decade but is ready to enter the challenging market for fighters.

aviationweek.com

 

[CSAW]

"...The Azerbaijani Air Force is set to enhance its aerial combat capabilities with the acquisition of Turkish Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan missiles, which will be integrated into its JF-17-C Block III Thunder fighters, developed jointly by China and Pakistan.

This decision marks a significant step in the growing military cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan, largely built on the close defense relations between Turkey and Pakistan. In addition to these advanced air-to-air missiles, the Azerbaijani fighters will also benefit from the integration of sophisticated Turkish avionics, ....."

Azerbaijan Invests in Turkish Missiles for Its Squadron of JF-17 Fighters

Azerbaijan Invests in Turkish Missiles for Its Squadron of JF-17 Fighters

www.armyrecognition.com

 

[CSAW]

"Turkiye's MURAD 100-A GaN based AESA radar integrated into KIZILELMA scans an area within a 230km range."