PAF Veteran reveals Pakistani contribution to JF-17 program at just over 10%

SOURCE: API

According to Air Commodore (retd) Jamal Hussein, Pakistan’s contribution to the JF-17 program ranges from 10 to 40 percent, depending on the cost of the fighter jet. However, the latest Block-3 version of the JF-17 costs around $50 million per unit. This contradicts the Pakistani narrative that the JF-17 is a cheaper alternative to other fighter jets, such as the Tejas Mk1A, which has an estimated cost of around $42 million per aircraft.

Air Commodore (retd) Jamal Hussein suggests that the JF-17 is a capable air defence fighter and suitable for countries that are short on cash. However, he also notes that the JF-17 is not ideal for offensive operations.

Regarding the JF-17 Block 3’s armament, Hussein claims that it can be armed with the PL-15 missile, which has a longer range than the US-made AMRAAM and French MICA missiles. However, this claim is dubious since integrating the AMRAAM and MICA missiles with the Chinese AESA Radar would require clearance from the US and France, respectively.