Pakistan’s Indigenous JF-17 Fighter Won’t Save It from India

Topic: AircraftBlog Brand: The BuzzRegion: AsiaTags: India, India-Pakistan War, JF-17, Pakistan, and Pakistan Air ForcePakistan’s Indigenous JF-17 Fighter Won’t Save It from India April 26, 2025By: Brandon J. WeichertShareShare this link on FacebookShare this page on X (Twitter)Share this link on LinkedInEmail a link to this pageThese planes may be good for Pakistan during peacetime. But during a war with neighboring India, the JF-17s stand no match to India’s more advanced European and Russian warplanes.

Pakistan and India, two nuclear-armed powers living uncomfortably side-by-side together on the Indian subcontinent, are hurtling toward war. Following a devastating terror attack by jihadists in India’s disputed Kashmir territory that killed 26 Indian citizens—an attack almost certainly abetted to some extent by Pakistan’s government—New Delhi has ratcheted up the pressure on Islamabad. Now, Indian and Pakistani warplanes dance around each other in a dangerous interplay, as the situation on the subcontinent spirals out of control.



It’s important to understand what the primary capabilities of each side are. For the Pakistani Air Force, their main warplane is the JF-17 Thunder. This is a lightweight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft that was jointly produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC).

All About Pakistan’s JF-17 FighterKnown as the FC-1 Xiaolong in China, the JF-17 can trace its roots to the 1990s when Pakistan sought a cost-effective replacement for its fleet of third-generation Mirage III/V F-7 and A-5 aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force required a modern, affordable fighter capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions while reducing dependence on expensive Western platforms.By 1999, the Sino-Pakistani partnership was formalized.

This partnership co-developed the aircraft, with both nations sharing their technical expertise to move the program along. The project built on China’s earlier Super-7 program, an attempt to upgrade the J-7 (a derivative of the Soviet MiG-21), but evolved into a new design tailored to modern warfare requirements.The development process was a significant milestone for Pakistan’s defense industry.

The Pakistan Air Force, based in Kamra, played a pivotal role in assembling and later manufacturing the aircraft, achieving a high degree of indigenization. In 2003, the first prototype flew and, after rigorous testing, the JF-17 entered serial production by 2007.Over the years, the aircraft has seen multiple upgrades, with the latest Block III variant incorporating advanced avionics, radar, and weapon systems.

The collaboration with China not only bolstered Pakistani’s aerospace capabilities but it also strengthened bilateral base ties, aligning Pakistan’s strategy to diversify its military partnerships beyond traditional Western suppliers.Powered by a Russian-designed Klimov RD-93 turbofan engine (a derivative of the RD-33 is used in the MiG-29), the JF-17 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a combat range of around 746 miles.

Its airframe, featuring a cropped delta-wing configuration, ensures maneuverability and stability, making it suitable for both air superiority and ground attack roles.JF-17’s avionics suite is a key strength, particularly in its later variants. The Block III, for instance, is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which enhances target detection and tracking capabilities.

The aircraft features a glass cockpit with a Heads-Up Display (HUD), multifunction displays, And a helmet-mounted display system, providing pilots with superior situational awareness. Its electronic warfare (EW) suite includes radar warning receivers, missile approach warning system, and countermeasures like chaff and flares, enhancing survivability in contested environments.JF-17’s weapon systems provide for a payload capacity of 8,818 pounds.

This bird can carry a mix of air-to-air missiles (such as the PL-5 or PL-12), air-to-ground munitions (think precision-guided bombs), and anti-ship missiles (C-802). The aircraft is compatible with stand-off weapons and laser-guided munitions, enabling it to engage targets with precision of long ranges. Additionally, the JF-17 can be refueled in midair, extending its operational reach for extended missions.

Pakistan has positioned the JF-17 as the backbone of their warplane fleet, far outnumbering (and augmenting) U.S.-provided F-16 warplanes.

Indeed, there are over 140 JF-17s in Pakistan’s fleet, compared to roughly 75 F-16s.Pakistan’s JF-17 Is an Affordable WeaponOne of its most important features of the JF-17 is its affordability. When compared to Western fighters like the F-16, the JF-17 is significantly cheaper to procure and maintain, making it an ideal choice for routinely cash-strapped Pakistan.

One additional advantage to operating the JF-17 is its very high level of indigenization. More than 60 percent of the aircraft’s components are locally sourced, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and mitigating risks associated with sanctions or supply chain disruptions. This self-reliance aligns with Pakistan’s broader goal of achieving strategic autonomy in defense production.

This bird is also emerging as a popular export vehicle; its competitive price, modern capabilities, and lack of political strings make it attractive to developing nations seeking affordable airpower. Myanmar and Nigeria have already inducted the JF-17 into their air forces, with Myanmar operating the Block II variant. However, the JF-17 has one major drawback: it relies on Russian engines, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities.

This is doubly the case considering the ongoing India-Pakistan crisis, given that India and Russia are historic partners. Efforts to develop an indigenous or alternative engine for the JF-17 have so far failed to materialize, though China’s WS-13 engine is being evaluated as a potential replacement. And the JF-17 faces stiff competition from advanced fighters like India’s Rafale or Russia’s Su-30, which boast superior technology and firepower.

These planes may be good for Pakistan during peacetime. But during a war with neighboring India, the JF-17s stand no match to India’s more advanced European and Russian warplanes. Ultimately, the JF-17 Thunder has become a symbol of Pakistan’s determination to achieve self-reliance in defense and assert its place in the global aerospace industry.

But given the kind of beating India is readying to open up on Pakistan, it stands to reason that much business for the JF-17 will dry up if the plane’s weaknesses become apparent during an air war with India. Beyond that, there is simply no way that the Pakistanis can defeat the Indians in a conventional fight—even with weapons like this plane.About the Author: Brandon J.

WeichertBrandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others.

His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

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