SOURCE: AFI
According to a report by Quwa, a Pakistani defence website, the Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) behind the JF-17 Thunder program is reportedly losing interest in further developing this light multirole fighter. Instead, China is focusing on promoting other aircraft, such as the J-10CE, and investing heavily in the development of the Chengdu J-36, a sixth-generation platform for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This strategic shift could explain the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) sluggish procurement of additional JF-17s, raising questions about the future of the program that was once envisioned as the backbone of Pakistan’s air fleet.
The PAF had ambitious plans to induct a total of 250 JF-17 Thunder jets across various blocks to replace its aging fleet of Mirage III/V and F-7 aircraft. However, as of July 2024, the PAF operates only 150 to 160 JF-17s, including Block 1, Block 2, and the more advanced Block 3 variants. Notably, only 50 JF-17 Block 3 aircraft have been ordered, with deliveries starting in early 2022. Ten Block 3 production aircraft were photographed after their rollout at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra in January 2022, and the first batch was inducted into service in March 2023. As of mid-2024, at least 23 Block 3 units are operational.
The limited order of just 50 Block 3 jets, even five years after the program’s advancement, has sparked criticism. The current PAF chief has faced accusations of sidelining the JF-17 program in favor of procuring the more advanced J-10CE, a Chinese fourth-generation fighter. This shift aligns with China’s apparent pivot away from the JF-17, which may no longer fit into its long-term export and development strategy.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is primarily an all-metal aircraft, utilizing aluminum alloys for most of its airframe, with high-strength steel and titanium alloys in critical areas. Later Block 2 variants incorporated composite materials to reduce weight, improving performance. The Block 3 variant, the most advanced iteration, features upgraded avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and improved fly-by-wire (FBW) systems. However, older Block 1 and Block 2 aircraft suffer from outdated FBW systems and less advanced avionics, prompting efforts to upgrade these to the Block 3 standard.
Despite these upgrades, the slow pace of Block 3 procurement and the limited integration of advanced technologies have raised concerns about the program’s viability. The JF-17 was designed as a cost-effective, lightweight fighter to meet Pakistan’s operational needs, but its reliance on older technologies in earlier blocks and the high costs of modernization may be limiting its appeal compared to alternatives like the J-10CE.
China’s reported disinterest in further JF-17 development reflects its broader shift toward more advanced platforms. The J-10CE, a modernized export variant of the Chengdu J-10, offers superior performance with advanced avionics, AESA radar, and compatibility with modern weaponry, making it a more attractive option for export markets. Meanwhile, the Chengdu J-36, a sixth-generation stealth fighter under development for the PLAAF, represents China’s ambition to compete with global powers in cutting-edge aerospace technology. This focus on high-end platforms suggests that the JF-17, a relatively modest fighter, may no longer align with China’s strategic priorities.
The PAF’s pivot toward the J-10CE and the slow progress of the JF-17 program have significant implications. While the J-10CE offers enhanced capabilities, its higher costs and reliance on Chinese supply chains could strain Pakistan’s defence budget and logistics. The JF-17, with its indigenous production at PAC Kamra, provided Pakistan with a degree of self-reliance, but the limited order of Block 3 jets and the lack of a clear roadmap for further development raise questions about the program’s long-term sustainability.
Moreover, the PAF’s operational readiness could be impacted if upgrades to older Block 1 and Block 2 aircraft are not completed swiftly. With only 23 Block 3 jets in service as of July 2024, the PAF’s ability to maintain a robust and modern fleet remains under pressure, especially in light of recent regional tensions and the need for a credible deterrent.
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