The JF-17 PFX fighter jet is designed to ensure that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) possesses an aircraft capable of competing with, and potentially surpassing, the capabilities of other regional fighter jets such as the Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and Su-30MKI.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – For the first time, Pakistan has unveiled a model of its new-generation fighter jet, the JF-17 PFX (Pakistan Experimental Complex), a joint development between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC).
The 4.5-generation fighter jet, which symbolizes Pakistan’s future airpower, was showcased during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 in Karachi, which concluded on November 22.
The JF-17 PFX fighter jet is designed to ensure that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) possesses an aircraft capable of competing with, and potentially surpassing, the capabilities of other regional fighter jets such as the Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and Su-30MKI.
This advanced fighter jet aims to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to counter India’s effort for aerial dominance in the region.
The JF-17 PFX development program is part of Pakistan’s continuous efforts to modernize its air force, reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, and foster self-reliance in its defense industry.
According to PAF officials at IDEAS 2024, the development of the JF-17 PFX is expected to be completed before the end of the decade.
JF-17 PFX
Senior Pakistani government officials have revealed that the JF-17 PFX will be equipped with more advanced long-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs) than the earlier versions of the JF-17 “Thunder.”
Pakistan also plans to locally manufacture the jet’s radar systems. Among the long-range AAMs expected for the JF-17 PFX is China’s PL-15 missile.
The PL-15 is China’s standard active-radar-guided air-to-air missile (AAM), designed to rival the performance of the U.S.-made AIM-120D AMRAAM.
It features a dual-pulse rocket motor that provides a range of up to 124 miles (200 km). Another key feature is its two-way datalink, which allows the missile to receive guidance updates from the launching aircraft.
The PL-15’s seeker employs Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology with active and passive modes, offering enhanced resistance to enemy countermeasures compared to earlier Chinese AAMs.
In addition to being the primary AAM for China’s fifth-generation J-20 “Mighty Dragon,” the PL-15 is also used by modern Chinese fighter jets such as the J-10C, J-11B, J-15, and J-16.
PL-15 BVRAAM
In 2022, Pakistan began receiving PL-15 missiles for its latest JF-17C Block III variant, which entered production at PAC’s facility in Kamra, north of Islamabad, in 2023.
PAF claims the Block III variant offers significantly improved capabilities over the Block II version.
Recently, Defence Security Asia reported that Pakistan has produced over 20 JF-17 Block III fighter jets, with production nearing the 30-unit order placed by the PAF.
The Block III variant, which made its maiden flight in 2019 and entered serial production in 2022, incorporates key upgrades such as the KLJ-7A AESA radar, Helmet Mounted Display and Sight (HMD/S), and integrated Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) systems.
In terms of weaponry, the Block III variant is capable of deploying the PL-15E long-range AAM, capable of engaging targets beyond 200 km.
It can also launch the PL-10E High-Off-Boresight AAM, which can be guided using the HMD/S for Within Visual Range (WVR) engagements.
JF-17 “Thunder”
Reports also indicate that the latest JF-17 variant can launch the “Taimur” Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) against static and moving targets, including warships, with a range of 280 km.
The JF-17 Block III reportedly shares similarities with China’s J-10C fighter jet, which is also operated by the PAF, and is said to incorporate elements of the fifth-generation J-20 “Mighty Dragon” in its design DNA. – DSA