CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder

The PAC/CAC JF-17 Thunder, also known as FC-1 Xiaolong, is a Sino-Pakistani single-engine lightweight supersonic multirole combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China. It is a fourth-generation fighter, designed and developed as a replacement for the third-generation A-5C, F-7P/PG, Mirage III, and Mirage 5 combat aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The JF-17 can be used for multiple roles, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance. The Pakistani designation "JF-17" stands for "Joint Fighter-17", with the "Joint Fighter" denoting the joint Pakistani-Chinese development of the aircraft and the "-17" denoting that, in the PAF's vision, it is the successor to the F-16. The Chinese designation "FC-1" stands for "Fighter China-1".

The JF-17 can deploy diverse ordnance, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles; guided and unguided bombs; and a 23-mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel autocannon. Powered by the Chinese Guizhou WS-13 or Russian Klimov RD-93 (JF-17 Blocks 1 and 2) or Klimov RD-93MA (JF-17 Block 3) afterburning turbofan engine, it has a top speed of Mach 1.6. The JF-17 is the backbone and workhorse of the PAF, complementing the F-16 Fighting Falcon at approximately half the cost, with the Block II variant costing $25 million. In 2015, Pakistan produced 16 JF-17s. , PAC has the capacity to produce 20 JF-17s annually. By April 2017, PAC had manufactured 70 Block 1 aircraft and 33 Block 2 aircraft for the PAF. By 2016, PAF JF-17s had accumulated over 19,000 hours of operational flight. In 2017, PAC/CAC began developing a dual-seat variant known as the JF-17B for enhanced operational capability, conversion training, and lead-in fighter training. The JF-17B Block 2 variant went into serial production at PAC in 2018 and 26 aircraft were delivered to the PAF by December 2020. In December 2020, PAC began serial production of a more advanced Block 3 version of the aircraft with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a more powerful Russian Klimov RD-93MA engine, a larger and more advanced wide-angle Head-Up Display (HUD), electronic countermeasures, an additional hardpoint, and enhanced weapons capability.

The PAF JF-17s have seen military action, both air-to-air and air-to-ground, including bombing terrorist positions in North Waziristan near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border during anti-terror operations in 2014 and 2017, using both guided and unguided munitions, in Operation Swift Retort during the 2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes and aerial skirmish between India and Pakistan, and during Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar in 2024 in which Pakistan launched a series of air and artillery strikes inside Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province targeting Baloch separatist groups. In March and December 2024, PAF JF-17s were used in cross-border airstrikes against Pakistani Taliban hideouts inside Afghanistan. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) JF-17s have seen military action in anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations in Nigeria. Myanmar Air Force has also frequently deployed its JF-17 fleet against various insurgent groups. During the May 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, the PAF deployed JF-17s in combat in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

Development

Background

The JF-17 was designed and developed primarily to meet the PAF requirement for an affordable, unsanctionable, fourth-generation, lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft as a replacement for its large fleet of third-generation Nanchang A-5C bombers, Chengdu F-7P/PG interceptors, Mirage III multi-role combat aircraft, and Mirage 5 strike aircraft, with a cost of , divided equally between Pakistan and China. The aircraft was also intended to have export potential as a cost-effective and competitive alternative to more expensive Western fighters. The development of this aircraft was headed by Yang Wei, considered to be China's "ace designer", who also designed the Chengdu J-20.

By 1989, because of economic sanctions by the US, Pakistan had abandoned Project Sabre II, a design study involving US aircraft manufacturer Grumman and China, and had decided to redesign and upgrade the Chengdu F-7. In 1988, China and Grumman carried out a nine-month preliminary design study of the Super 7, an upgrade of the Chengdu F-7. Grumman left the project when sanctions were placed on China following the political fallout from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. After Grumman left the Chengdu Super 7 project, the project was abandoned and, in its place, the Fighter China-1 (FC-1) project was launched in 1991. In 1995, Pakistan and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint design and development of a new fighter, and over the next few years worked out the project details. In June 1995, Mikoyan had joined the project to provide "design support", this also involved the secondment of several engineers by CAC.

Launch of FC-1 project

thumb|left|A PAF JF-17 Block 1 in [[İzmir, Turkey for the 2011 Izmir Air Show]]

In October 1995, Pakistan was reportedly to select a Western company by the end of the year to provide and integrate the FC-1's avionics, which was expected to go into production by 1999. The avionics were said to include radar, Inertial navigation system, Head-up display, and Multi-function displays. Competing bids came from Thomson-CSF with a variant of the Radar Doppler Multitarget (RDY), SAGEM with a similar avionics package to those used in the ROSE upgrade project, and Marconi Electronic Systems with its Blue Hawk radar. FIAR's (now SELEX Galileo) Grifo S7 radar was expected to be selected due to the company's ties with the PAF. In February 1998, Pakistan and China signed a letter of intent covering airframe development. Russia's Klimov offered a variant of the RD-33 turbofan engine to power the fighter. In April 1999, South Africa's Denel offered to arm the Super 7 with the T-darter beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM), rather than the previously reported R-Darter. Previously in 1987, Pratt & Whitney offered the Super-7 project three engine options; PW1212, F404, and PW1216, with local manufacturing in either China or Pakistan. Rolls-Royce offered its RB199-127/128 turbofan engine; this plan was scrapped in 1989.

In June 1999, the contract to jointly develop and produce the Chengdu FC-1/Super 7 was signed. After GEC-Marconi had abandoned the bidding to supply an integrated avionics suite, FIAR and Thomson-CSF proposed a number of avionics suites based on the Grifo S7 and RC400 radars respectively, despite previously hoping to use the PAF's Super 7 to launch its new Blue Hawk radar. Because of sanctions placed on Pakistan after the country's 1998 nuclear weapons tests, design work progressed very slowly over the next 18 months, preventing delivery of the Western avionics to the PAF. In early 2001, the PAF decided to decouple the airframe from the avionics, enabling design work on the aircraft to continue. As the airframe was developed, any new avionics requirements by the PAF could be more easily integrated into the airframe. The first batch of Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines that would power the prototypes was also delivered in 2002. The use of computer-aided design software shortened the design phase of the JF-17.

Flight testing and redesigning

The first prototype, PT-01, was rolled out on 31 May 2003 and transferred to the Chengdu Flight Test Centre to be prepared for its maiden flight. Low speed taxiing trials began at Wenjiang Airport, Chengdu, on 27 June 2003. On 7 April 2004, PAF test pilots Rashid Habib and Mohammad Ehsan-ul-Haq flew PT-01 for the first time. The maiden flight of the third prototype, PT-03, took place on 9 April 2004.

thumb|JF-17 Thunder model

Following the third prototype, several design improvements were developed and incorporated into further aircraft. Because of excessive smoke emissions by the RD-93 engine, the air intakes were widened. Reported control problems found in testing resulted in alterations to the wing leading edge root extensions (LERX). The vertical tail fin was enlarged to house an expanded electronic warfare equipment bay in the tip. The redesigned aircraft had a slightly increased maximum take-off weight and incorporated an increased quantity of Chinese-sourced avionics; however PAF had selected Western avionics for their aircraft, postponing PAF deliveries from late 2005 until 2007. Pakistan evaluated British, French, and Italian avionics suites, the winner of which was expected to be finalised in 2006. PT-04, the fourth prototype and the first to incorporate the design changes, was rolled out in April 2006 and made its first flight on 28 April 2006.

thumb|JF-17 and their DSI air intakes.

The modified air intakes replaced conventional intake rampswhose function is to divert turbulent boundary layer airflow away from the inlet and prevent it entering the enginewith a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) design. and is stealthier than a conventional intake. Multiple models underwent wind tunnel tests; it was found that the DSI reduced weight, cost, and complexity while improving performance. The sixth prototype, PT-06, made its maiden flight on 10 September 2006. Following a competition in 2008, Martin-Baker was selected over a Chinese firm for the supply of fifty PK16LE ejection seats.

Production

thumb|A PAF JF-17 Block 1 at the [[Paris–Le Bourget Airport|Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France for the 2015 Paris Air Show ]]

On 2 March 2007, the first consignment of two small-batch-production (SBP) aircraft arrived in a dismantled state in Pakistan. They flew for the first time on 10 March 2007 and took part in a public aerial demonstration during a Pakistan Day parade on 23 March 2007. The PAF intended to induct 200 JF-17 by 2015 to replace all its Chengdu F-7, Nanchang A-5, and Dassault Mirage III/5 aircraft. In preparation for the in-flight refuelling of JF-17s, the PAF has upgraded several Mirage IIIs with IFR probes for training purposes. A dual-seat, combat-capable trainer was originally scheduled to begin flight testing in 2006;

In November 2007, the PAF and PAC conducted flight evaluations of aircraft fitted with a variant of the NRIET KLJ-10 radar developed by China's Nanjing Research Institute for Electronics Technology (NRIET), and the LETRI SD-10 active radar homing AAM. In 2005, PAC began manufacturing JF-17 components; production of sub-assemblies commenced on 22 January 2008. The PAF was to receive a further six pre-production aircraft in 2005, for a total of 8 out of an initial production run of 16 aircraft. Initial operating capability was to be achieved by the end of 2008. Final assembly of the JF-17 in Pakistan began on 30 June 2009; PAC expected to complete production of four to six aircraft that year. They planned to produce twelve aircraft in 2010 and fifteen to sixteen aircraft per year from 2011; this could increase to twenty-five aircraft per year. On 29 December 2015, PAC announced the rollout of the 16th JF-17 Thunder fighter manufactured in the calendar year 2015, taking total number of manufactured aircraft to more than 66. Later, a PAF spokesperson said that in light of the interest shown by various countries, it has been decided that production capacity of JF-17 Thunder at PAC Kamra will be expanded. In 2008, the PAF reported it was not fully satisfied with the RD-93 engine and that it would only power the first 50 aircraft; it was alleged that arrangements for a new engine, reportedly the Snecma M53-P2, may have been made. Mikhail Pogosyan, head of the MiG and Sukhoi design bureaus, recommended the Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport block RD-93 engine sales to China to prevent export competition from the JF-17 against the MiG-29. At the 2010 Farnborough Airshow, the JF-17 was displayed internationally for the first time; aerial displays at the show were intended but were cancelled due to a late attendance decision as well as licence and insurance costs. According to a Rosoboronexport official at the Airshow China 2010, held on 16–21 November 2005 in Zhuhai, China, Russia and China had signed a contract worth $238 million for 100 RD-93 engines with options for another 400 engines developed for the FC-1.

According to media reports, Pakistan planned to increase production of JF-17s by 25% in 2016.

Further development

thumb|JF 17 Thunder in [[Flag of Pakistan|Pakistan Flag Livery at Paris Air Show ]]

Pakistan negotiated with British and Italian defence firms regarding avionics and radars for the JF-17 development. Radar options include the Italian Galileo Avionica's Grifo S7, the French Thomson-CSF's RC400 (a variant of the RDY-2),

In April 2010, after eighteen months of negotiations, the deal was reportedly suspended; reports cited French concerns about Pakistan's financial situation, the protection of sensitive French technology, and by Indian lobbying, which operates many French-built aircraft. France wanted the PAF to purchase several Mirage 2000-9 fighters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force, which would overlap with the upgraded JF-17. In July 2010, the PAF's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, said such reports were false, stating: "I have had discussions with French Government officials who have assured me that this is not the position of their government...someone was trying to cause mischiefto put pressure on France not to supply the avionics we want".

On 18 December 2013, production of Block 2 JF-17s began at PAC's Kamra facility. These have an air-to-air refuelling capability, improved avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, data link, and electronic warfare capabilities. In December 2015, it was announced that the 16th Block II aircraft had been handed over resulting in standing up of the 4th squadron.

On 17 June 2015, Jane's Defence Weekly confirmed that JF-17 Block III will have an AESA radar, a helmet-mounted display (HMD) and possibly an internal infrared search and tracking (IRST) system. A two-seat version was also reportedly to be produced in Block III. Unconfirmed reports claim that Block III will also have a better flight management system. Selex ES has promoted its next-generation cockpit as a possible upgrade of JF-17 Block III; this cockpit includes a new mission computer, an enhanced head-up display and contemporary multi-function displays, plus the capability for the pilot to use a single, large-area display instead.

In July 2020, despite Indian protests, Russian state-owned United Engine Corporation developed a new engine designated RD-93MA for the JF-17 fighter being built by Pakistan.

Design

upright|thumb|Front View

Airframe

The airframe is of semi-monocoque structure constructed primarily of aluminium alloys. High-strength steel and titanium alloys are partially adopted in some critical areas. The airframe is designed for a service life of 4,000 flight hours or 25 years, the first overhaul being due at 1,200 flight hours. The aircraft also includes a health and usage monitoring system, and automatic test equipment.

The JF-17 has a defensive aids system (DAS) composed of various integrated sub-systems. A radar warning receiver (RWR) provides data such as direction and proximity of enemy radars, and an electronic warfare (EW) suite housed in a fairing at the tip of the tail fin interferes with enemy radars. The EW suite is also linked to a Missile Approach Warning (MAW) system to defend against radar-guided missiles. The MAW system uses several optical sensors across the airframe to detect the rocket motors of missiles across a 360-degree coverage. a variant of the KLJ-10 radar developed by China's Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET) and also used on the Chengdu J-10. Multiple modes can manage the surveillance and engagement of up to forty air, ground, and sea targets; the track-while-scan mode can track up to ten targets at BVR and can engage two simultaneously with radar-homing AAMs. The operation range for targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of is stated to be ≥ in look-up mode and ≥ in look-down mode. A forward looking infrared (FLIR) pod for low-level navigation and infra-red search and track (IRST) system for passive targeting can also be integrated; In 2017, Aselsans ASELPOD was tested and successfully integrated with the JF-17 and Pakistan has subsequently purchased at least eight targeting pods from Aselsan. This integration has significantly enhanced the JF-17 platform's ability to launch precision strikes.

A helmet-mounted sight (HMS) developed by Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre of AVIC was developed in parallel with the JF-17; it was first tested on Prototype 04 in 2006. It was dubbed as EO HMS, (Electro-Optical Helmet Mounted Sight) and was first revealed to the public in 2008 at the 7th Zhuhai Airshow, where a partial mock-up was on display. The HMS tracks the pilot's head and eye movements to guide missiles towards the pilot's visual target. The aircraft uses RLGs along with GPS for navigation. The aircraft is equipped with an IFF Transponder which allows it to differentiate between friendly aircraft and enemy aircraft. The ACMI aids in aerial combat for manoeuvring.

Engine

The first two blocks of JF-17 is powered by a single Russian RD-93 turbofan engine, which is a variant of the Klimov RD-33 engine used on the MiG-29 fighter. The engine gives more thrust and significantly lower specific fuel consumption than turbojet engines fitted to older combat aircraft being replaced by the JF-17. The advantages of using a single engine are a reduction in maintenance time and cost when compared to twin-engined fighters. A thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.99 can be achieved with full internal fuel tanks and no external payload. The engine's air supply is provided by two bifurcated air inlets (see airframe section).

The RD-93 is known to produce smoke trails. During the 2015 Paris Air Show, it was announced that flight testing of a JF-17 equipped with the WS-13 engine had begun. In 2015, a representative of PAC said that Pakistan would continue to use the RD-93 engine on their fighters. Local media reports in January 2016 said that Russia was planning to sell engines for JF-17 directly to Pakistan. According to a PAC representative, Pakistan is looking to collaborate with Russia in developing and repairing engines.

Fuel system

The fuel system comprises internal fuel tanks located in the wings and fuselage with a capacity of ; they are refuelled through a single point pressure refuelling system (see turbine fuel systems). Internal fuel storage can be supplemented by external fuel tanks. One drop tank can be mounted on the aircraft's centerline hard point under the fuselage and two 800-litre or drop tanks can be mounted on the two inboard under-wing hardpoints.

thumb|JF-17 Thunder with its weapons

thumb|Thunder with weapons

Armaments

The JF-17 can be armed with up to of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, and other equipment mounted externally on the aircraft's seven hardpoints. Internal armament comprises one GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon mounted under the port side air intake, which can be replaced with a GSh-30-2 twin-barrel cannon.

The wing-tip hard-points are typically occupied by short range infra-red homing AAMs. Many combinations of ordnance and equipment such as targeting pods can be carried on the under-wing and under-fuselage hard-points. Underwing hard-points can be fitted with multiple ejector racks, allowing each hard-point to carry two unguided bombs or LGBsMk.82 or GBU-12.

Unguided air-to-ground weaponry includes rocket pods, gravity bombs and Matra Durandal anti-runway munitions. Precision-guided munitions such as LGBs and satellite-guided bombs are also compatible with the JF-17, as are other guided weapons such as anti-ship missiles and anti-radiation missiles.

Operational history

Pakistan

thumb|Pakistan Air Force JF-17 flies in front of the 26,660 ft high [[Nanga Parbat]]

Small batch production of the single-seat, single-engine JF-17s began in China in June 2006. The first two small-batch-produced aircraft were delivered on 2 March 2007 and first flew in Pakistan on 10 March. They took part in an aerial display on 23 March 2007 as part of the Pakistan Day Joint Services Parade in Islamabad. Another six small-batch-produced aircraft were delivered by March 2008. These were extensively flight-tested and evaluated by the PAF. Two serial production aircraft were delivered from China in 2009 and the first Pakistani-manufactured aircraft was delivered to the PAF in a ceremony on 23 November 2009.

On 18 February 2010, the first JF-17 squadron, No. 26 Black Spiders, was officially inducted into the PAF with an initial strength of 14 fighter planes. These aircraft first saw service in the anti-terrorist operation in South Waziristan, during which various types of weapons were evaluated. They took part in the PAF's High Mark 2010 exercise from 29 April, where they were used by the Blue Force to attack Red Land surface targets with precision air-to-surface weapons.

On 11 April 2011, a re-equipment ceremony for No. 26 Black Spiders Squadron took place, during which it was stated that the JF-17 had "revolutionized the PAF's operational concepts". Then Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman reported the re-equipping of No. 26 squadron and the addition of the JF-17 Thunder to the No. 16 Squadron. He also thanked the contribution and support of the Chinese in helping to acquire a technological breakthrough in the shape of the aircraft.

During Operation Zarb-e-Azb 2014–2016, JF-17 were deployed frequently to carry out airstrikes against TTP hideouts, killing hundreds of terrorists.

In September 2015, the No. 2 Squadron tasked with sea strikes was re-equipped with JF-17s replacing the F7s. The No. 16 Squadron "Black Panthers" has also been equipped with the JF-17.

On 19 June 2017, it was reported that a JF-17 shot down an Iranian UAV operating in Pakistan's Pangjur District.

In February 2019, PAF JF-17s took part in Pakistan's retaliatory airstrikes against India during which two Thunders of the No. 16 Squadron struck Indian ground targets with Mk. 83 REKs. as of March 2021, JF-17s are operational in seven fighter squadrons based at five airbases.

In March 2023, the first batch of JF-17 Block 3 aircraft were inducted into the PAF.

During the May 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, the PAF publicly showcased, for the first time, a JF-17 Block 3 fighter aircraft equipped with PL-15E long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs). During the conflict, the PAF deployed JF-17s and J-10CEs in combat in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. On 11 May, the PAF, in a press briefing said that it had targeted the 96L6E Cheese Board radar of the S-400 system, one of the units of the combined air defence system. India's Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the claim, stating that all Indian S-400 squadrons are still functional. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Force Station on 13 May 2025, and posed in front of an S-400 Launcher, which the Indian media claimed to be fully operational. According to Indian media, his visit served as a rebuttal to Pakistan's claims, reinforcing that the missile system was intact and operational.

Following the 2026 Iran war ceasefire in April 2026, Indian media sources reported that the Pakistan Air Force had mobilised its JF-17 and F-16 fighters, as well as Il-78 tankers and C-130 cargo planes. The fighters are expected to fly an escort mission for the Iranian representatives and the PAF set up a protective shield over Iran and the Persian Gulf for the Iranian delegation to travel to Islamabad for further negotiations with the United States. Reuters also confirmed the escort mission, and reported it involved around 20 aircraft including the J-10 and unspecified AEWACS but made no mention of the JF-17.

During 2026 Iran war between US, Israel and Iran and heightened tensions in Middle East, Pakistan deployed squadron of JF-17 consisted of 16 jets at King Abdul Aziz Base to ensure defence of Saudi Arabia under Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement under which both states Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are mutually obliged to defend each other.

thumb|Pakistan Air Force JF-17 at [[Paris Air Show 2015]]

Exercises

The PAF has deployed the JF-17 Thunder in a number of bilateral and multinational air exercises since the 2010s. PAF JF-17s have participated in joint air exercises with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) under the Shaheen exercise series since at least 2014, focusing on air combat training and interoperability. In 2019 and again in 2021, PAF JF-17s took part in the Turkish Air Force–hosted multinational exercise Anatolian Eagle, operating alongside aircraft from several participating air forces. In 2022, PAF JF-17s participated in the Saudi-led multinational air exercise Spears of Victory at King Abdulaziz Air Base, flying alongside Royal Saudi Air Force Tornados, Typhoons and F-15s, as well as allied aircraft. JF-17s continued participation in subsequent editions of Spears of Victory, including 2023 and 2025, with later deployments featuring the Block-III variant. In 2025, PAF JF-17 Block-III fighters were also deployed to Azerbaijan for the bilateral air exercise Indus Shield Alpha, marking one of the type's longest overseas deployments.

Airshows

The JF-17 Thunder has participated in international airshows since 2010 as part of export promotion and military diplomacy efforts by the PAF. Early public appearances took place at airshows in Pakistan and China, followed by displays at major international aerospace exhibitions, including the Paris Air Show in 2011 and 2015, the Dubai Airshow in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025 and the Farnborough International Airshow in 2014 and 2016, primarily as static displays. The aircraft has also featured at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, including static and flying displays, with later editions showcasing the Block III variant. In 2019, 2022, and 2025, PAF JF-17s participated in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), in static and air displays. The aircraft was also displayed at the World Defense Show in 2024.

Myanmar

In July 2015, Myanmar ordered 16 Block 2 JF-17s from Pakistan and China for approximately $560 million. In late 2015, Myanmar ordered 16 RD-93 spare engines from Russia, which were received in 2018 and 2019. On 17 December 2018, Jane's disclosed that the Myanmar Air Force had received the first batch of JF-17s. An official Myanmar Air Force video released on Air Force day showcased a number of JF-17s, both on static display and in the air. As per reports, the Myanmar Air Force is in possession 11 JF-17 Block 2s.[https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2023/09/myanmar-raises-issue-of-grounded-jf-17.html]

In May 2022, a PAF cargo plane supplied spare parts for the JF-17s of the Myanmar Air Force. In June 2022, it was reported that a team of 15 PAF personnel were scheduled to visit Meiktila Air Base in Myanmar to provide technical support for the Myanmar Air Force JF-17s, including setting up of a JF-17 simulator at Meiktila Air Base to train pilots of the Myanmar Air Force and to address technical issues relating to JF-17s that Myanmar Air Force was facing.

In November 2022, the Myanmar anti-junta news website The Irrawaddy claimed that most of the aircraft had been grounded due to technical malfunctions, citing unnamed analysts and Myanmar Air Force pilots. The article specified that the sources reported that the aircraft have structural cracks, and poor perceived performance of the KLJ-7 radar. The grounding was exacerbated by post-2021 military coup sanctions, which restricted access to spare parts for Western-sourced components in the avionics and electronics. Myanmar lacked the local expertise to maintain or repair the complex systems, and initial attempts by Pakistani technicians in September 2022 to set up a simulator at Pathein air base and resolve issues were only partially successful.

In 2023, Pakistan had reportedly sent a team of engineers and technicians to Myanmar to help repair and maintain its JF-17s. Nigeria became the second customer in 2016 by placing an order for three planes. However, as the news reports value the deal at US$25 million, it is not clear if the item is misreported. A June 2016 article in Jane's re-affirmed NAF budget for 3 JF-17, 10 Super Mushshak, and 2 Mi-35M aircraft in 2016. With a confirmation from the Nigerian Air Force shortly after.

In October 2018 Pakistan approved of the sale and local Nigerian production of three JF-17s for US$184.3 million. The aircraft are rumoured to be of a later version than the initially agreed sale, providing more advanced systems.

On 30 December 2020 the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex rolled out the three JF-17A Block 2s for Nigeria. They were delivered to Makurdi Air Base in March 2021 aboard Pakistan Air Force Ilyushin Il-78MP freighters and were formally inducted into the Nigerian Air Force on 21 May 2021. In January 2023 the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, confirmed that the JF-17s had been used in anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations inside Nigeria.

Azerbaijan

In January 2008, Azerbaijan engaged in talks with Pakistan over JF-17's possible sale to Azerbaijan. In 2015, the Azerbaijani Air Forces negotiated with China for several dozen JF-17s worth approximately each. In 2018, Pakistani Armed Forces actively discussed military and defence cooperation with Azerbaijan, culminating in the latter expressing an interest in purchasing the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.

On 22 February 2024, Azerbaijan had signed a contract worth US$1.6 billion with Pakistan for the purchase of an unspecified number of JF-17 Block 3 multi-role combat aircraft for the Azerbaijani Air Forces including aircraft, training, and ordnance. On 25 September 2024, the JF-17 Block 3 was showcased to the President of Azerbaijan on the sidelines of 2024 Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (AIDEX).

On 6 June 2025, the Government of Pakistan announced that it had secured a contract for the supply of 40 JF-17 Block 3 aircraft from Azerbaijan for $4.6 billion, which builds on an initial agreement signed between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in February 2024, valued at $1.6 billion, for an unspecified number of JF-17 Block 3 fighter jets, alongside training and armaments.

Deliveries of the initial tranche began in October 2025, with the aircraft arriving at Nasosnaya Air Base and undergoing familiarization before formal induction. On 8 November 2025, five JF-17s (four single-seat and one twin-seat), flown by Azeri fighter pilots, participated in Azerbaijan's Victory Day parade in Baku, marking their first public appearance in Azerbaijani service. In addition, open-source images circulated showing a total of nine JF-17 Block III aircraft present in Azerbaijan around the same period without any national markings, consistent with jets observed during early post-delivery handling and marking transitions.

Potential customers

Bangladesh

In January 2025, Bangladesh announced an interest in purchasing the JF-17C Block 3. In January 2026, it was reported that Bangladesh was in formal talks with Pakistan for the purchase of an unspecified number of JF-17C Block 3 fighters.

Indonesia

Reuters reported that Pakistan is in discussion with Indonesia on selling the JF-17s to the latter. In January 2026, Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin held talks in Islamabad with PAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, during which a potential defence cooperation package—including the possible acquisition of around 40 JF-17 fighter aircraft, armed drones, and associated training—was discussed, though no binding agreement was announced at the time.

Iraq

Iraq has expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17C Thunder multirole combat aircraft from Pakistan as part of efforts to modernise the Iraqi Air Force. During an official visit to Baghdad on 10 January 2026, Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met with Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, where discussions covered bilateral air force cooperation. During the meeting, the Iraqi Air Force Commander indicated interest in the JF-17C fighter aircraft and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft in the context of training, capacity building, and defence cooperation.

Libya

It was reported on 22 December 2025 that Pakistan reached a $4–4.6 billion deal with the Libyan National Army, commanded by Khalifa Haftar, which controls eastern Libya, for the supply of 16 JF-17s and other military equipment.

Morocco

Morocco has shown interest in the JF-17, having invited a sales team to showcase it in the Marrakech Air Show 2016. According to a local analyst, a potential acquisition by Morocco may be complicated by incompatible technologies; the JF-17 Block I and Block II have broadly different electronics suites and air-to-air & air-to-surface munitions than its current Western-sourced aircraft, such as the Mirage F-1 (MF2000), F-5E/F Tiger II and Alpha Jet.

Morocco has been engaged with Pakistan in January 2026 on the JF-17.

Saudi Arabia

In January 2014, the Royal Saudi Air Force was reportedly examining potential technology transfer and co-production opportunities for the JF-17. Saudi Deputy Minister of Defence Prince Salman bin Sultan toured the JF-17 project during a visit to Pakistan. However, by 2023, this interest seems to have fallen through, with Saudi Arabia now interested in joining the Anglo-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme. Reuters reported in January 2026 that Pakistan are in discussion with Saudi Arabia to convert around US$2 billion of Saudi loans to Pakistan into a provision of JF-17s. However It is reported that the US government has discouraged Saudi Arabia from acquisition of both JF-17's and TF Kaan's, instead proposing sale of F-35's to the Saudi Arabian Air Force. Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, and Venezuela have shown interest in the JF-17.

In February 2026, reports appeared that the Somali Air Force was in talks to acquire 24 Block III JF-17s. Somalia's air force has been inactive for many years.

Former interests

Argentina

At the 2013 Paris Air Show, officials from Argentine aerospace conglomerate Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) revealed that the firm had held multiple discussions with Chinese officials over a potential co-production of the FC-1/JF-17, for the Argentine Air Force (FAA); this was regarded as the first formal effort by Argentina to possibly procure, or co-produce the aircraft. FAdeA officials said that the co-produced FC-1 could be classified as the "Pulqui-III", with regard to FAdeA's Pulqui-II fighter.

In 2015, following a three-day visit by Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to China, Argentina announced that it would consider purchasing around 20 JF-17s from CAIG; however the deal did not materialise.

The primary reason for Argentine interest was reportedly the aircraft's lesser requirement for parts of British origin, as the United Kingdom had barred any sale of military equipment consisting of British-manufactured parts to Argentina since the 1982 Falklands War. Likewise, Argentina's earlier efforts to procure other aircraft, namely, the Mirage F1M, the IAI Kfir, the JAS 39 Gripen and the KAI FA-50 were scuttled due to diplomatic pressure from the United Kingdom, given the aforementioned aircraft were found to contain British-origin parts. However, multiple media outlets misinterpreted this action, erroneously reporting that the request for funds were for acquiring the JF-17 Block-III. Argentina's Ministry of Defense (Ministerio de Defensa) later clarified that the JF-17 had not been selected, asserting that the FAA was still evaluating five other aircraft as possible options.

However, in October 2023, the United States approved the transfer of 24 second-hand F-16 Block-15 MLU fighters previously owned by the Royal Danish Air Force to Argentina, countering the Chinese offer; reportedly, the deal did not necessitate an approval from the United Kingdom. Following the inauguration of the Javier Milei administration in Argentina in 2023, the decision to select the F-16 had reportedly materialised, leaving the JF-17 out of the contest.

Bolivia

The JF-17 was a candidate for the replacement of retired Lockheed T-33 aircraft of the Bolivian Air Force.

Congo

In March 2023, it was reported that China was pitching the JF-17 to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Malaysia

Malaysia had periodically indicated that it may be interested in purchasing the JF-17 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), as part of its efforts to replace its MIG-29 fleet; reports of Malaysian interest in the JF-17 emerged in 2015, although this was later denied.

In March 2019, then-visiting Malaysian PM Mahathir bin Mohammad was accorded an aerial-display of the JF-17's at the 2019 Pakistan Day Parade; he was also briefed about the fighter by the PAF.

In June 2021, the RMAF formally released a tender for the supply of 18 light combat-aircraft — dubbed as the "Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft" (FLIT/LCA), in an effort to supplant its ageing BAE Hawk 108/208 light-combat aircraft and its MB-339CM trainer-aircraft. The RMAF later issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to nine different aircraft-manufacturing conglomerates in July, with a submission-deadline of September 2021 (this would later be extended to October 2021). The JF-17 was widely regarded to be a leading contender in the FLIT/LCA procurement initiative, along with the HAL Tejas and the KAI FA-50.

However, in October 2021, the JF-17 was revealed to have abstained from participating in the FLIT/LCA tender; later reports confirmed that only six companies had responded to the RFP issued by the RMAF - the KAI FA-50 (Korea Aerospace Industries), the HAL Tejas (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), the HAIC L-15 (China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation), the Aermacchi M-346 (Leonardo S.p.A.), the TAI Hürjet (Turkish Aerospace Industries) and the Mikoyan MiG-35 (Rosoboronexport).

In December 2021, the JF-17 was reportedly re-offered to the RMAF, with an estimated price-discount of about 30%; however, these reports remain unconfirmed. The RMAF eventually declined to purchase the JF-17 and proceeded instead to order 18 FA-50 Block 20 jets in March 2023.

Qatar

Qatar has shown interest in the JF-17 since 2016. In December 2019, at Qatar's invitation, PAF JF-17s participated in Qatar's National Day Flypast in Doha alongside Qatar Air Force Rafales and Mirage 2000-5s. However, the offer seems to have fallen through, with Qatar ordering a mix of Eurofighter Typhoons and F15Es.

Sri Lanka

In June 2015, Pakistani media suggested that an export order had been confirmed with the Sri Lanka Air Force; claims were made that the JF-17's first sales contract had been signed with the Sri Lanka Air Force at the 51st Paris Air Show. Other sources claimed that Myanmar is the first buyer of Pakistani JF-17s. Reportedly, the order would cover around 18–24 aircraft and deliveries set to begin in 2017. During a state visit by Nawaz Sharif in January 2016, Sri Lanka reportedly signed an agreement to buy eight JF-17s from Pakistan; however, the Sri Lankan government has issued denials. The alleged deal was said to involve 10–12 aircraft, each valued at US$35 million, for a total of US$400 million Reportedly, any such sale was scuppered by Indian diplomatic pressure. However, in 2021, the Sri Lankan government decided to overhaul their Kfirs instead rather than buying new aircraft, which would cost around $40 million per unit compared to $49 million in total for overhauling all five Kfirs.

Zimbabwe

The Air Force of Zimbabwe reportedly planned to purchase twelve JF-17s in 2004, as part of a $240 million deal with China. No such sales have materialised. In 2010, China was reportedly in talks about the JF-17 with five or six countries, some of which had sent pilots to China to undergo test flights.

Variants

Prototypes

In chronological production order:

PT-01 First airframe configuration prototype with splitter plates on intakes. Rolled out on 31 May 2003. First flight on 25 August 2003.
PT-05 Second airframe configuration prototype with DSI and modified vertical stabiliser.
PT-06 Second airframe configuration prototype with DSI and modified vertical stabiliser.

Production variants