By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Global demand for Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets is on the rise. The success of the country’s arms industry has the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy. During the four-day conflict with India in May last year, Pakistan not only demonstrated the effectiveness of Chinese-made military equipment but also showcased its indigenously developed weapons, including the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, the Al-Khalid main battle tank, and the Fateh series guided multi-launch rocket system. The JF-17 Thunder, in particular, proved its combat capabilities during clashes with India in both May last year and in 2019. Last year, it was credited with destroying the Indian Air Force’s advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile system at Adampur. The aircraft also performed impressively at the Dubai Air Show.
The J-10, on which the JF-17 is based, has a long development history. The first aircraft of the J-10 design was delivered to the 13th Test Regiment of the Chinese Air Force in February 2003 and declared operational later that year. Work on the aircraft continued for eighteen years, with the J-10C variant entering combat service in April 2018. Initially developed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the aircraft was later manufactured for export purposes. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force had long planned to replace its aging fleet of Mirage aircraft, acquired in 1967, with a more modern fighter. Two elements are critical in an aircraft: the airframe and the avionics. The J-10C’s delta-canard configuration improves agility, allowing rapid changes in angle of attack. Its composite material structure, while not fully stealthy, reduces detectability on radar.
Its AL-31FN engine is resistant to jamming, and its Active SSR Radar offers advanced target tracking with the ability to distinguish friend from foe. The aircraft also features a data-link facility, allowing information sharing not only among aircraft in formation but also with AWACS, UAVs, and ground stations—an innovation manufactured in Pakistan. Its cockpit is ergonomically designed to ease the pilot’s workload, allowing full attention to radar operation and weapons deployment. Pakistan has intensified its defence outreach in recent months to expand arms exports and strengthen the profitability of its local defence industry. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted that Pakistan’s aircraft, tested in combat, are receiving enough orders that the country could potentially avoid seeking assistance from the IMF within six months.
Since May 2025, Pakistan has been actively negotiating defence agreements with friendly nations. On January 10, 2026, the Iraqi Air Force expressed keen interest in the JF-17. Lt. Gen. Muhand Ghalib Muhammad Razi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Air Force during the May engagements with India and sought to acquire JF-17 Thunder aircraft, as well as benefit from Pakistan’s training programs for both JF-17s and Super Mushtaq trainer jets. On January 7, talks were underway with Saudi Arabia to convert loans worth approximately $2 billion into a potential JF-17 deal, with the total value possibly reaching $4 billion and including additional defence equipment. Bangladesh has also shown interest, with air force chiefs from both countries discussing a potential purchase of JF-17s and agreeing on training and technical cooperation.
For instance, in 2018 Riyadh provided Pakistan with a $6 billion aid package, including deposits with the central bank and deferred oil payments, and has since rolled over repayments to bolster Pakistan’s reserves. Pakistan has also recently signed a $4 billion arms deal with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army, one of the country’s largest arms sales to date, covering JF-17 fighter jets and training aircraft. Other negotiations with Bangladesh and potential buyers reflect Pakistan’s growing ambition to expand arms exports beyond South Asia and the Middle East. The JF-17 Thunder, a single-engine, multi-role, all-weather fighter, was jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation in 1999. It first flew in China in 2003, and after further refinements, Pakistan received its first aircraft in March 2007.
Since early 2010, the Pakistan Air Force has operated a full squadron of JF-17s. The aircraft is equipped with a 23mm machine gun and can carry SD-10 and PL-9 missiles, as well as Exocet, C-801, or Harpoon missiles for naval targets. Beyond Pakistan, the JF-17 is now in service with China, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria. The aircraft is priced at around $25 million, though costs vary depending on variant and included features. Pakistan has signed a $1.3 billion deal with China for 50 Block 3 fighters, with $500 million paid in installments. The rollout of the 50th JF-17 aircraft at PAC Kamra in December 2013 marked a milestone for Pakistan’s defence industry, attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, senior military leadership, and representatives from AVIC China.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
