How China’s JF-17 Deal Left Pakistan With A Game-Changing Fighter Jet
&w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "How China’s JF-17 Deal Left Pakistan With A Game-Changing Fighter Jet")
New Delhi: The 4.5 generation fighter jet JF-17 attracts interest from many countries. Pakistan produces the aircraft domestically and uses them in reasonable numbers within its air force. Small countries looking for affordable fighter jets are showing interest in the JF-17. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia may purchase the aircraft from Pakistan on loan.
China’s fighter jet development dates back to the 1970s, when the J-8 made its first flight in 1979. The country modernized its air force in the 1990s by purchasing Russian Sukhoi-27 jets, which formed the basis of the indigenous J-11 program.
The Russian Sukhoi-35, a single-seat, twin-engine multi-role fighter, combines 4.5-generation capabilities with some fifth-generation features. It can reach a speed of 2,400 km/h, detect targets at a distance of up to 400 km, attack up to 30 targets simultaneously and carry 8,000 kg of weapons, including R-37M missiles. The aircraft was widely used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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In 2015, China purchased 24 Sukhoi-35 jets from Russia for $2 billion; experts believe that this move is aimed at preventing India from getting the same platform. China leveraged the technology of these jets to develop the JF-17 and granted production rights to Pakistan.
Today, Pakistan markets the JF-17 to countries including Arab countries and Bangladesh. Russia has expressed concerns about technology transfer but has been cautious against Western powers due to its strategic partnership with China. China’s limited purchasing meant India missed the opportunity to secure similar aircraft for its air force.
India continues its work on its indigenous Tejas fighter jet, a program launched in the 1980s. Despite nearly four decades of development, only two fleets remain in operation. The advanced Tejas-Mk1A has been developed and 180 jets have been ordered, but deliveries have not yet begun. Further work continues on the Tejas-Mk2 and MkA projects, which are expected to take more time to complete.
