PAF No.14 'Tail choppers' Squadron re-equipped with JF-17 Thunder jets

E-Paper | October 08, 2026

PAF No.14 'Tail choppers' Squadron re-equipped with JF-17 Thunder jets

Dawn.com Published February 16, 2017

JF-17 Thunder aircraft taxiing out at Al Makhtoum Airport to practice aerobatics at Dubai Air Show-2013.— Online/File

A ceremony held at Kamra Airbase on Thursday saw 16 new JF-17 Thunder fighter jets inducted to the No 14 Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Radio Pakistan reported.

No.14 Squadron is the oldest squadron of the PAF and performs the the role of air superiority.

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif attended the ceremony as the chief guest while Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was also present.

The defence minister inspected the guard of honour followed by an impressive fly-past.

Khawaja Asif observes guard of honour.— DawnNews

The new fighter jets were also displayed at the ceremony and were inspected by Asif.

A total of 16 JF-17 Thunder aircraft have been manufactured jointly by China and Pakistan in the past year, Radio Pakistan reported.

PAF already has over 70 JF-17 Thunder jets in its fleet.

JF-17's operational history

The JF-17 Thunder, a single-engine multi-role fighter jet, and was jointly developed by China and Pakistan. Development on the aircraft started in 1999, and the maiden flight was conducted in 2003.

The initial Block 1 JF-17s were received in 2007, with production of the upgraded Block 2 JF-17s started in 2013. The upgraded models have upgraded avionics, air-to-air refuelling capability, data link, enhanced electronic warfare capability and enhanced load carrying ability.

The JF-17 can be equipped with air-to-air and air-to-ground ordinance. The aircraft mounts both short-range infra-red air to air missiles along with longer ranged radar-guided BVR missiles, an essential capability for a frontline interceptor.

The aircraft can carry 8,000lbs of ordinance on seven external hardpoints, which is an adequate amount of ordinance for any mission profile. The JF-17 enhances the much needed capability of the air force in beyond visual range (BVR) engagements.

The JF-17 is a capable platform, and is on its way to form the backbone of the PAF. It was reported that between 250 and 300 aircraft will be inducted into the air force in order to phase out the ageing fleet of some other aircraft models that are still in operation.

For the Pakistan Air Force, the JF-17 fills the gap that had arisen due to an ageing inventory, which was further impacted by sanctions placed on the country following the nuclear tests in 1998.

Pakistan

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Pakistan's tool of war: PAF's rolling thunder

Fourth JF-17 Thunder squadron complete as PAC rolls out 16th aircraft

PAF wants to upgrade fighter jets for ‘prolonged fight against militants’

Capt. tahir Hussain

Feb 16, 2017 11:44am

Why only 16 aircrafts? 16 is a very small number considering many of these Russian-China aircrafts never return to airbase.

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Paksaf

Feb 16, 2017 11:45am

How many Jf 17 are inducted in Chinese airforce. Why then begging to Americans to get f16.

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Counterpoint

Feb 16, 2017 11:49am

JF Thunder is based on MIG 21's of the Soviet era but with newer avionics. But F-16'S with PAF are the most feared, potent & battle proven fighting machine that Neighbors fear. Maybe, Pakistan should opt for Russian Sukhoi's or the latest MIG's. Even Chinese Airforce doesn't use Thunders and produce it solely for Pakistan.

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amumiya

Feb 16, 2017 11:49am

we require 4 or 5 generation fighters not 3rd gen like this , when will we learn?

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saudagar

Feb 16, 2017 11:52am

while india goes for saab and f18 , neighbour still stuck in CHINESE stuff !

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Mittha Khan

Feb 16, 2017 11:51am

Keep up the good work PAC & PAF, congrats

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air vice-marshal

Feb 16, 2017 11:53am

JF-17 safety standards are a big concern. Life of our brave pilots are very important. Please, let us not be emotional undermining the safety of pilots.

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Ind

Feb 16, 2017 11:51am

Good keep it up. Good defense ensure enemies will not try any adventure.

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JUSTICE

Feb 16, 2017 11:55am

The Chinese claim JF-17 to be as good as F-16 and still PAK wants F-16s, even the used ones.

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Baloch

Feb 16, 2017 11:59am

Why china not using jf17 in their own airforce?

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®POT_BELLY DANCER Ω

Feb 16, 2017 12:01pm

Congrats !!!

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SID

Feb 16, 2017 12:11pm

@JUSTICE Chinese air force don't use JF-17 itself. Forget about F-16 .

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SID

Feb 16, 2017 12:11pm

No one is bothering about poverty rate in Pakistan now !!!

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Khalistan

Feb 16, 2017 12:12pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain you do realize it takes time. An entire squadron worth of aircraft in that time is actually pretty decent. PAF has done very well, the enemy knows this

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Khalistan

Feb 16, 2017 12:12pm

@amumiya JF17 is not a 3rd gen aircraft it's a 4th gen and will have 4.5 gen features. Do research before making false assumptions

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Rashid

Feb 16, 2017 12:13pm

Tejas still on the drawing board??

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Shah2u

Feb 16, 2017 12:14pm

Alhamdolillah; it's music to my ears & butterflies for my eyes. :)

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Khalistan

Feb 16, 2017 12:11pm

@Baloch because China has the J10 which can do same missions but with longer mission time and more hard points

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Rashid

Feb 16, 2017 12:16pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain since late sixty Pakistan is using Chinese fighters with best safety records.

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Sritam

Feb 16, 2017 12:24pm

JF 17 is not a world class fighter. It's a 4th Generation fighter on par with jets that the United States and the USSR were producing in the 1970's. Its engine for instance produces half the thrust of an F-16.

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R.Khan

Feb 16, 2017 12:29pm

PAF must look at its needs and budget, and jf17 is an important part of its Fleet. It shouldn't think of competing with china/India on like for like basis, with a smaller budget, as some commentators r suggesting.

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Viking Star

Feb 16, 2017 12:33pm

Some people here are criticizing about not going for European or US fighter jets. Yes, I believe JF-17 might not be a match to F-16/F-18 or Rafale or Saab "BUT" one must understand that building the JF-17 in Pakistan, acquiring the technology and with continued upgrade, we will not be needing x4 or x5 expensive European or American jets. Moreover, with US/EU fighters, there will always be a handicap of spares and replacements. Missiles and Navy also play a very important role and I am glad we are modernizing our Navy and successfully working on missile technology.

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Rneggade

Feb 16, 2017 12:38pm

People who are leaving comments here are either naïve or outright ignorant. Pak Air force is not stupid it is one of the best trained air force in the world. Pakistan fighter pilots can beat any country if the fighter jets are at par but unfortunately that is not in present situation. Now that out of the way lets talk facts. Two reason for creating the JF 17 fighter line. 1. To start their own in house fighter program. So Pakistan do not have to be at mercy of others (thanks to China). It has to start somewhere, and why folks believe that Pakistan will all of a sudden compete and produce at 4++ and 5 gen level. Anyhow Pak has done pretty well in last 10 yrs. And as they progress it will only get better and better. 2. JF 17 block 1 & 2 were not inducted to replace F 16's, it were to replace the lower level of inventory f7 mirages etc. Maybe JF 17 block 3 & 4 for sure will start replacing F 16. Front end will be other jets in short and medium term. I hope this helps for nay Sayers.

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renegade

Feb 16, 2017 12:41pm

congrats to Pakistan Air Force! and a slap to the haters!

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valentino46

Feb 16, 2017 12:42pm

jf-17 is a 3rd gen aircraft, currently nations are upgrading to 5th gen from their 4th gen fighters. it has half of the thrust of the f-16 engine. it can only engage 2 enemies simultaneously (old radar technology). The aircraft is not jointly developed by china and Pakistan. the design and manufacturing was done by china and its assembled in pakistan(i seriously doubt Pakistan can put it together cheaper than China). this is an obsolete aircraft, its not even close to capabilities compared to a US F-16. China doesnt use jf-17 in its air force. pakistan wants parity with its neighbor but it cannot afford latest aircrafts so jf-17 makes perfect sense. you can project numbers to say "we too have lots of aircraft". but in a war if an f-16(pretty old aircraft itself) meets an jf-17, its game over for jf-17.

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ABOOD

Feb 16, 2017 12:44pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain .what you consider dont matter.the facts are quite different its more than enough we need schools so these are more than enough.

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Georgio

Feb 16, 2017 12:49pm

Junk Fighter 17 is basically just a reengineered Mig 21.

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Bored

Feb 16, 2017 12:50pm

PAF should have waited for a better deal on eBay

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Abdulla Hussain

Feb 16, 2017 12:58pm

Great going, Pakistan should move forward with arming itself, today only muscles are respected.

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maverik

Feb 16, 2017 12:58pm

Congratulations Pakistan. Self reliance is the best solution. Don't bother about the haters here. Everyone knows who they really are.

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Ilias from NL

Feb 16, 2017 12:59pm

@Georgio Still nothing to loose for us, haters can just criticism and we Pakistani don't care about you anymore !

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Viking Star

Feb 16, 2017 12:58pm

@Rneggade ..... very well said and that was exactly my view. It is our own and there is continued advancement. We wont be begging for replacement or spares if we go for US or European jets. And the price IS RIGHT!

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Dev

Feb 16, 2017 01:00pm

Whats the use of 3rd gen fighters when world is already on 4th or 5th.Even indias su30 mki is 4.4

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Feb 16, 2017 01:14pm

SO many JF-17. But India has Air Superiority class aircrafts. Only one of such aircraft can beat a squadron of JF-17. PAF should think about that.

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Karachits

Feb 16, 2017 01:24pm

JF 17 is basically to fight less threat enemies/countries. For bigger threat countries we will not use any fighter plane.

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Sameer

Feb 16, 2017 01:28pm

@PM It will be determined once the rubber meets the road. Tall claims from the keyboard warriors will not win you anything.

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Rakesh Jain

Feb 16, 2017 01:34pm

JF-17 can e compared to MIG 21 .... and China has not included a single JF 17 in their air force.

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John bosco

Feb 16, 2017 01:39pm

JF17 is based on the Soviet Mig 21. In spite of advanced avionics, it stands no chance in a dogfight with any modern Western fighter. A single Indian Sukhoi 30 or Rafale fighter plane can down at least 15 JF17 before it is shot down itself.

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M. Emad

Feb 16, 2017 01:39pm

Safety record of Chinese designed JF-17 Thunder jets ??

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Govardan

Feb 16, 2017 01:41pm

India have Dassault rafael which surely give a definite edge over Chinese over next 30 years with transfer of technology.It can fire cruise missiles of range 100 km and scalp missiles of range 300 km .It can detect and destroy incoming missiles at range of 300 km.Even Afghanistan and Iran have better fighter planes than Pakistan.pakistan won't stand a chance against afganistan in a war.

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Murlidhar Nair

Feb 16, 2017 01:43pm

These are nothing but MIG-21. MiG 21 is an outdated version of Russian planes. Over and above, when it is manufactured in China one can imagine its capabilities. All the best.

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Aik tha majnoon

Feb 16, 2017 01:45pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain Are you serious?

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Aik tha majnoon

Feb 16, 2017 01:47pm

@saudagar you are stuck in Tejas as well, which is your backbone. Its a low standard aircraft. Also you are not paying your soldiers on time, soldiers complaining on social media. So how does your military doctrine works?

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imtiaz syed

Feb 16, 2017 01:48pm

@saudagar While India is only in negotiating phase, neigbhour already has, over 80 indiginous JF 17s

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imtiaz syed

Feb 16, 2017 01:52pm

I hear so many talks of folks about "generation" I bet not even single will have the capability to define what this term means in term of aircraft. This term is so misleading even country like austraila is deceived by this term. This term is introduced by American aircraft companies, to attract customers, nothing else. Just improve a little avionics and name it 6th generation. There is no crystal clear difference between 5th gen and 4th gen..

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imtiaz syed

Feb 16, 2017 01:57pm

@M. Emad China has but the name is different there

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Harun al shEikh

Feb 16, 2017 02:02pm

Add couple of passenger air craft too...

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Ismail

Feb 16, 2017 02:09pm

Tejas will be included in Indian Airforce in 2099. They are better than Jf-17 thunder. India will be super power in 3018

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Black Diesel

Feb 16, 2017 02:17pm

@PM India never had superior air crafts fleet than Pakistan. Most of the times it's their numbers about which Indians keeps banging their chest

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akram

Feb 16, 2017 02:19pm

@valentino46 you are factually wrong on a number of points, JF-17 is a 4.5 generation aircraft, in western nomenclature the capability of Fly by Wire makes it a 4th generation aircraft, JF-17 does have fly by wire. You are confusing Chinese nomenclature with western, in Chinese nomenclature it is third generation. points aside if JF-17 is such a poor aircraft Why has Myanmar and Nigeria ordered it? Why are Myanmar and the Saudis seeking to build the JF-17 production lines? Why is there a long queue of other countries interested in buying it? Don't worry JF-17 will be here for years to ruin your sleep.

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Usman

Feb 16, 2017 02:23pm

@valentino46 but it's better than Tejas

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sameer

Feb 16, 2017 02:23pm

why can't we make railway engines then?

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akram

Feb 16, 2017 02:24pm

@Rakesh Jain that is because JF-17 was designed for the Pakistan Air Force!

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akram

Feb 16, 2017 02:29pm

@M. Emad The record of Chinese aircraft in the PAF has been good even before the induction of JF-17, so your fears are misplaced. The F6, F7, F7 PG all had good flight safety records.

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Faisal

Feb 16, 2017 02:30pm

Hail Pakistan & PAF as in a short time they developed and flew JF17 while our neighbor making such high claims is still import bound as Tejas was and will always remain a junk.

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Aslum shaikh

Feb 16, 2017 02:30pm

@Ismail Please get your facts right. Couple of Tejas are already in IAF, others are in Production

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atif khan

Feb 16, 2017 02:40pm

@saudagar Its not the machine Its man behind the machine..I know you know that just wanted to remind.

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Ali Kazmi

Feb 16, 2017 02:43pm

@saudagar: All the a-class stuff and its parts are being manufactured in China nowadays, kindly shed your some sort of heard mentality of past or maybe inferiority complex

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N.Sid

Feb 16, 2017 02:41pm

@Rakesh Jain JF-17 can e compared to MIG 21 .... and China has not included a single JF 17 in their air force. US airforce has not a single F-16 aircraft, meant for exports . Also JF-17(JF is for joint fighter), is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China.

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N.Sid

Feb 16, 2017 02:44pm

@Paksaf @CAPT. TAHIR HUSSAIN No use pretending to be someone with such names.

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Frankenstein

Feb 16, 2017 02:50pm

@saudagar PAF still has SAAB in its arsenal and keeping in mind our defense budget we dont have that much advantage. And as you pointed about f-18 I think rather than banking on others its good if we start manufacturing our own jets. For better technology we need more money and thats where JF17 commercial aspect comes into play. People have shown interest in JF17 and I think if we commercialize it then it will usher a new era and that would be the real incentive.

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The end is near

Feb 16, 2017 03:05pm

A friend of mine Squadron leader Mohammad hussain died in 2011 in Attock when his JF-17 thunder plane crashed due to technical fault. I was told it was not the first time JF-17 crashed due to technical issues. Please PAF invest more time and money on this fighter jet and make it fit and more safe. I lost a friend who was a great pilot, a real gem for the PAF, he was a winner of sword of honour and his two little kids were only 6 months (baby boy) and two years old (daughter) at that time when his JF17 crashed.

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k k tiwari

Feb 16, 2017 03:07pm

@Paksaf See comment of Capt, Tahir Hussain

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S.khan

Feb 16, 2017 03:07pm

@Paksaf actually Chinese procurements are mostly directed at tackling the threats posed by USAF , the US Navy and other US allies. For that role the jf-17 is not an answer to F-22, F-35, F-18 and F15. The second answer about F-16s is quite simple. Who would deny cheap F-16s? The summary is that Jf-17 is poised to replace PAF's older jets like f-7s, and for me jf-17 is a big improvement over the jets it is replacing.

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Muhammad Arshad

Feb 16, 2017 03:08pm

Good News indeed.

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asad

Feb 16, 2017 03:37pm

In apple to apple comparison Pakistan will lag behind, so Pakistan should work on hidden surprises rather than open secrets only in that way Pakistan will come victorious over enemy.

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taimoor khan

Feb 16, 2017 03:41pm

Reading comments of Indian trolls is funny yet satisfying. When your enemy nation is clearly feeling the heat, that means you are doing something right. Its good to see that PAF is phasing out older F7 and replacing them with JF17s, and while we are at it, the Indian Tejas is still reeling under failures after failures.

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saif zulfiqaR

Feb 16, 2017 03:48pm

@taimoor khan, Indian MIGs were known as Flying Coffins because Iindian pilots were unable to handle it and crushing it.

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goon from the moon

Feb 16, 2017 03:53pm

Every dollar precious for the country called Pakistan. This aircraft has given us the greatest flexibility that no other nation can have a parallel to this project in terms of independence in equipping it with most modern avionics beyond US threat of "sanctions." JF-17 Thunder is continuously evolving and will soon be a force to reckon with the most advanced fighters against any aircraft fielded by our tradition rivals.

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the end is near

Feb 16, 2017 03:52pm

I am fully aware that the Pakistan Air Force ranks today as one of the best air forces in the world. Pakistani Pilots are the only ones in the world who have a superior kill ratio against the Israelis. PAF has justifiable reasons to claim that it is the pride of the nation and one of the best Air force in the world.

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glitch

Feb 16, 2017 03:59pm

@Murlidhar Nair Yes Mig 21 is outdated a great majority of which is flown by India. This jet is also known as "flying coffins" in Indian air force. JF-17 can never be considered a modified Mig-21. It has no resemblance in terms of technology and role with JF-17 Thunder. Yes, one can equate it with F-16. Pakistan has immense experience and expertise in operating and maintaining F-16s. In fact, PAF adores this potent jet ever produced in the history of fighter jet manufacturing. During the design phase, it was this experience of F-16 operations in Pakistan, one can see the input of PAF in designing and building JF-17 Thunder. The aircraft was designed keeping PAF's (and for that matter other third world air forces) not China in mind. That's the reason why China didn't induct it since Chinese doctrine of air defense is different from Pakistan.

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Reader

Feb 16, 2017 04:00pm

JF-17 is a reliable machine and is successfully replacing Mirage-III/V, A-5C Fantan and F-7 (Mig-21) . JF-17 should not be compared with 5th Generation fighters because it is designed for basic interceptor and air support role in 4th Generation capacity. PAF is yet to have any 5th Generation fighter

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Sympathiser

Feb 16, 2017 04:07pm

@Paksaf sensible point to be considered..

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bingo

Feb 16, 2017 04:10pm

@taimoor khan Absolutely correct brother. Anything that irks Indian friends about the success of Pakistan is the sign of success for us. And I am quite sure, Indian war planners will never underestimate the threat from JF-17 Thunder, which is continuously evolving. The block III variant will have the high-tech component such as HMSD helmet for off-bore missile firing, air to air refueling capability, use of composite material, better sensors, powerful radar warning receivers, latest targeting pods, and last but not the least AESA radar.

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Sympathiser

Feb 16, 2017 04:15pm

@R.Khan rational comments...

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Wounder of the thunder

Feb 16, 2017 04:17pm

Every JF-17 Thunder is equal to four F-7s or three Mirages in terms of performance output. Similarly, two JF-17 thunder jets are equal to one F-16 jet in our air force. Besides, this machine is morphing into a potent platform capable of challenging 4++ generations fighters due to continuous improvement in avionics and weapons systems. Good for Pakistan, bad for our foes.

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Shahid

Feb 16, 2017 04:20pm

@air vice-marshal Please do some research before posting comments. We have lost only JF 17 since it has been inducted in PAF. We lost 8 F 16s, Indians have lost 5 SU 30 MKI, the so called 4 + gen aircraft

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Pakistani

Feb 16, 2017 04:23pm

@Ismail . I believe you are being very optimistic. I thought surely India will become a Superpower in the year 5050. But maybe you know something I don't know.

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Waqas Ahmed

Feb 16, 2017 04:26pm

@saudagar What good are those machines when your Pilots are useless. It's not so much about the machine but the man behind the machine and the world knows PAF Pilots are second to none.

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Naveed

Feb 16, 2017 04:35pm

This is really great news! Congratulations to PAF on this achievement.

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Bay Adab

Feb 16, 2017 04:42pm

Indians are so worried about Pak not getting the best aircrafts. We understand your concerns, keep worrying for our safety......

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Akbar minhas

Feb 16, 2017 04:51pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain Don't worry dear! It is just beginning and I am proud that we are manufacturing it at home. I am sure that the share of F-17 shall increase in our fleet with the passage of time. Always keep on positive things instead of finding faults in everything.

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Akbar minhas

Feb 16, 2017 04:54pm

@Rneggade Well said!

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Satya

Feb 16, 2017 04:59pm

Good for Pakistan, getting strong in all aspects. Being Indian, I am happy to see Pakistani brothers prosper.

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HD USA

Feb 16, 2017 05:05pm

@Pakistani @ Ismail AD 2050 is surely very longway to go.....But 16 Aircraft is a very small number considering these are China aircrafts which never return to airbase. So think over ! Pakistan should think of manufacturing modern and better machinery and equipment etc with the assistance of India instead of China. Technology transfer should be considered / insisted too.This way relationship between the two countries will improve.

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Samurai

Feb 16, 2017 05:09pm

@Aik tha majnoon Are you serious? You know anything about Tejas? Even chineese media reported, it is a good FA in LCA class. Tejas is 4.5 generation, it's thrust is better than Mig29/35 or F15. JF17 is no where nearer to its thrust nor radars nor weapons. Tejas is light and short with visual stealth.

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Birendra rathore

Feb 16, 2017 05:20pm

Jf -17 is a good replacement for f-7

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Bored

Feb 16, 2017 05:20pm

@taimoor khan Pls provide uninterrupted running Electricity first before making tall technological claims

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Abdulla Hussain

Feb 16, 2017 05:22pm

While debating about the machine our Indian friends should keep in mind 5 indian jet fighters were shot down within a minute by a PAF jewel Capt. MM Alam flying F-86. It is the man behind the gun that is more more powerful. The world has already acknowledged PAF pilots occupying high position in world ranking.

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Feb 16, 2017 05:33pm

@Aik tha majnoon (A) for a 4+ fighter, it should have Atleast 3 level redundant comm buses (any one from Control system field can understand) like what Large scale Refineries have(often Channel level H Redundancy o JF-17 lacks all above 3 parameters, while Tejas have all three mandatory parameters. JF-17 is a best fighter for present (in its category) but Tejas is for Future. They are class apart. Just a pragmatic answer, No nation pride in it.ver Profibus DP/PA or Canbus) (B) Digital Fly By Wire capability. (c) Atlease 67% FFE Radio wave reflection for 160 degree of cone ( laymen term a Good signal absorption & diversion, Composite material also plays a part in it).

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Zealot

Feb 16, 2017 05:41pm

@Samurai Tejas is Tin box with an empty vessle that only make noise in air. Jf 17 Has BVR,Tejas hasnot JF17 HAS DSI intake Tejas Hasnot JF17 combat radius and Range is greater than Tejas Jf 17 can carry Tactical Nukes like RAAD and Babur,Anti Aircraft carrier Missle,Even Your Sukhoi su 30 too has been equiped with Brahmos but not fired yet, forget Tejas Jf 17 Block iii Would be equiped with AESA Radar,HMD capable to Shoot HOBS Missle WITHOUT MANEOVERING MUCH.

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Hyder

Feb 16, 2017 05:47pm

Sir The skills of Indian airforce is very poor than their Pakistani airforce counterparts and it will always be the same. Flying the latest French or Swiss fighter jets or F16 will be very difficult for the mediocre Indian pilots as it will require a lot to switch over from third class Russian Sukhoi or MiG jets they are used to flying. Presently highly skilled Pakistan Air Force pilots can wipe out the entire Indian airforce fleet with the JF thunder latest block 2 and F16 fighters!!! Thanks

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imran ali

Feb 16, 2017 05:48pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain Dravidian, most important factor is that Pakistan does not need to relay of any country for parts and etc. Built in Pakistan, it is a start. Pakistan can not build a fighter jet to compete with american or Russians but at least it has become self reliant. Usually 100's billions of dollar are spent on research to build fighter jets. What is also extremely important that the pilot fly the jet is competent and a top gun. You can have a f35 fighter jet, but the pilot is inexperience then you will lose the dog fight. Jf-17 is not the best fighter in the world. Pakistan has never said that, but price is good value for money. If the pilot is a top gun, then this fighter can compete with the best. Most importantly it is the pilot that makes a difference.

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SuLEMAN

Feb 16, 2017 05:51pm

@Faisal Not Pakistan, Pakistan + China developed JF-17 now you can understand the reality behind it.

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Shahzad

Feb 16, 2017 05:54pm

The JF-17 is a good aircraft. It will replace F-7, A-5, Mirage III/Vs of the PAF. That is a good 30 year jump in terms of technology. So that would markedly improve PAF's capabilities.

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tayyabriaz

Feb 16, 2017 05:59pm

@amumiya At least it is better than second generation F-7PG's and upto 40 year old Mirages. Please also look at the specs of JF-17 Block 3. It is a formidable platform...

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tayyabriaz

Feb 16, 2017 06:01pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain Apart from 1 known JF-17 accident, can you please relate to anything else.

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Amra

Feb 16, 2017 06:08pm

@Baloch It's a failed project of Russian MIG-33.

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akram

Feb 16, 2017 06:13pm

@Aslum shaikh and are you aware the indian air force did not want tejas, they described it as 'obsolete'. It was indian politicians that forced the indian air force to accept tejas. If even the indians are all calling it a lemon after 33 years of 'development', at some point you will need to accept the reality. This is why the indian government has just embarked on a potential deal for the same type of single engine fighter with Saab/Lockheed Martin. This is because they don't have any faith in tejas. If tejas was even a reasonable plane why would the indian airforce seek to import? Its a lemon my friend.

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akram

Feb 16, 2017 06:16pm

@Sritam if Jf-17 is not world class, why is Myanmar and Nigeria buying it? why is there a long list of countries wanting to import it? Why did Sri Lanka want to import it before india tried to stop it? One thing is clear, the world regards JF-17 as world class, even though indians continue to live in denial. That much is crystal clear.

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S.khan

Feb 16, 2017 06:19pm

@PM great sarcasm!!

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Ali

Feb 16, 2017 06:28pm

@Sritam Majority of the jets that were produced in 70s are still in function such as f15.f14 f18 ... but upgraded versions .. so if u comparing jf17 which cost a fraction of those jets its a compliment for jf17

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Mujahid

Feb 16, 2017 06:27pm

@amumiya You should help in manufacturing modern aircrafts.

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Mujahid

Feb 16, 2017 06:28pm

@Counterpoint Great progress by Pakistan. With time technology will keep on improving.

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Pakistani

Feb 16, 2017 06:39pm

@HD USA . So just like Tejas was manufactured by India in record time of 33 years. and still having an American engine and some other parts imported. You want us to take India's assistance. So what would be the end date this time 50 years.

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Samurai

Feb 16, 2017 06:46pm

@Zealot May I request you to google it before you comment? BVR 70 KM is mandatory operation clearance in IAF. Tejas is proven with BVRAAM. Moreover It is designed for air superiority, not for interceptor. Its maneuverability is world class, so JF17 can't win Tejas in dogfight. JF17's Speed is 1.8K, Tejas' speed is 2.2K. If you call Tejas a tin, what you call Joint fighter 17 which has low power,no maneuverability, lower in many parameters? Don't comment bad just because it is coming from your foe's den.

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Khalistan

Feb 16, 2017 06:56pm

@Samurai Tejas is a 35 year old failed project IAF refuses to induct them in volume

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ahmed

Feb 16, 2017 07:12pm

@air vice-marshal "JF-17 safety standards are a big concern" Name aircrash where JF-17 was involved? In the Indian air force which has an average one crash/ month, PAF is far superior in air safety standards. it's on the record.

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Alam

Feb 16, 2017 07:18pm

Those who cannot even produce 2nd generation aircraft are raising fingers.

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Ali

Feb 16, 2017 07:28pm

The JF-17 Thunder has evolved to be the "best" multi-role fighter jet in its class. It has advanced avionics required for operational needs of any air force. Its fully operational with the PAF and has excellent combat record. The JF-17B dual-seat jet is ready for induction, to help pilot training. These jets are ideal for air forces with funding constraints, as they cost a fraction of the extremely expensive US and European aircraft.

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Alam

Feb 16, 2017 07:34pm

@Dev .....oh India's SU30....since when India started manufacturing SU30?

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Mohammad Hassan

Feb 16, 2017 07:35pm

Best of the best

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saleem hatoum

Feb 16, 2017 07:58pm

@air vice-marshal PAF flight safety record is 100% better than your MiG-21 Bharati AF

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Risks

Feb 16, 2017 08:02pm

@R.Khan You are correct.

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BUR BAK

Feb 16, 2017 08:14pm

@Khalistan : yes it fail might be but they know now how to produce a jet from zero. this knowledge will help them in future invention like rocket .

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mojazze

Feb 16, 2017 09:09pm

One day at time, Pakistan is at least trying to become self sufficient in defense needs

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Malik

Feb 16, 2017 09:34pm

Congrats to pak from india ! But it could not stood infront of sukhoi,rafale or mig29 ,even tejas is much superior to it !

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omveer

Feb 16, 2017 09:35pm

@Counterpoint You may opt for the moon for that matter, but can't get it. Russia and USA will never give you their F16s and Sukhois as long as you continue to covet China in all your dealings. Till then it's made in China all the way in all your endeavors.

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Raja farhat abbas

Feb 16, 2017 09:36pm

@Paksaf ...Show some respect if you are a Pakistani,our air force knows what they are doing unlike you.

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Sameer

Feb 16, 2017 09:34pm

Our pilots deserve better tools.

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mike

Feb 16, 2017 09:54pm

@Baloch the same way Russia not using SU 30 MKI :)

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John

Feb 16, 2017 10:52pm

@mike but atleast it was used by Russia.

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John

Feb 16, 2017 11:20pm

@Rashid may be.

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Faraz

Feb 16, 2017 11:22pm

@Rneggade well said.

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Faraz

Feb 16, 2017 11:31pm

@Aslum shaikh yeah 2 gay couple Tejas are in IAF..

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Faraz

Feb 16, 2017 11:36pm

@Satya thanks and thats the positive side of Indian. Respect.

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imran ali

Feb 17, 2017 04:02am

@Samurai Dravidian - simpleton, no understanding of warfare or military tactics. The plane provides 30% advantage, the rest is the pilot.

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Karthik

Feb 17, 2017 12:00pm

@mike lol, just look at Russian Aircraft. MKI is made specifically for India using Israel Radar and other critical components from few other countries. Which Russia can't get for itself. So they operate Russian made version which is su 30. By the way it's quite popular with Malaysia and free other countries. Even China has those. Feel pity of you.

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mfk

Feb 17, 2017 04:07pm

@Paksaf @JUSTICE get your facts correct US offered Pak did not asked for it @SAUDAGAR For the aging fleet these jets are not bad choice, and we don't need to worry about India. The way Indian bureaucracy works it will take about a decade for them to actually induct air crafts under recent deals, balance would have moved far more in our favor by then.

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Sheharyar

Feb 17, 2017 04:07pm

@Capt. tahir Hussain 16 is a unit establishment of a squadron. Fighter aircraft arr expensibe machines not G3 rifles.plus u have no idea about the capability of Jf17 so y dony you seek more info about its flight safety record.I can help

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Feb 17, 2017 08:57pm

@Paksaf : Read wiki atleast. There are over 86 of them in use. Also, these aircrafts cost huge amount of money. Stand behind your forces. Public opinion in these matters can affect their morale. They have the best interest of the nation at heart and make very educated decisions when it comes to buying such expensive machinery.

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truth

Feb 18, 2017 01:36am

junk fighter 17 :p

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Saleem

Feb 18, 2017 04:09am

Yes but its still not stealth aircraft, Good to have another squardon 14. On earth everything is a sitting duck, fly's or not - it's still metal and have a localization from point A to pint B. Try Spacial Genetic kinetic science for a change.

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CRICKET LOVER

Feb 18, 2017 08:00am

@saudagar We are not here to compare the two mights. Pakistan has to go with its own pace, emerging surely.

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SAM

Feb 19, 2017 08:06am

@Paksaf "How many jf 17 are inducted in Chinese Air force. Why then begging to Americans to get f16." Pakistan never begged for F-16 . F-16s can still be bought but on a full price, Pakistan wanted US to pay a Part of the cost which US refused. JF-17 is a very capable aircraft, with room for many advancement in future. JF-17 were developed purely for the needs for PAF. China is inducting J-10s which are as good as JF-17s.

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SAM

Feb 19, 2017 08:14am

@Counterpoint "JF Thunder is based on MIG 21's of the Soviet era " You are comparing a Mig-21s which is 50s technology with JF-17s. First of all JF-17s are equipped with Mig 29 engines, JF-17 was developed keeping F-16 and F-18 in mind. IAF still fly Mig-21 which are nicked name by IAF pilots as a "Widow Maker" this on the record .

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SAM

Feb 19, 2017 08:22am

@JUSTICE "The Chinese claim JF-17 to be as good as F-16 and still PAK wants F-16s, even the used ones." If you know how Air force operations works then you wont be asking this question. Any Air Force will always prefer to add on more aircrafts of the same kind which are already in its Inventory , for number of reasons like training cost, repair cost, logistics and supply of spares. I takes years for any Air Force and its pilots to get to expert level if a new aircraft is added. And that is why PAF prefer F-16s but is not desperate for F-16s, because JF-17s are performing pretty well.

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SAM

Feb 19, 2017 09:44am

@truth "junk fighter 17 :p" prove it if you think it is a junk.

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SAM

Feb 19, 2017 09:53am

@air vice-marshal "JF-17 safety standards are a big concern" Only two crashed since its induction in PAF in 2007 with one loss of life. This is better then IAF ace fighter Su-30 mki which was grounded many times after many fatal crashes.

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SAM

Feb 19, 2017 11:06am

@Sameer "Our pilots deserve better tools." you are right IAF pilots deserve better tools.

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