Karachi, Pakistan (Agencies): The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has publicly revealed for the first time a model of the next generation of its Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)/Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighter aircraft.
Known as the JF-17 PFX (Pakistan Fighter Experimental), the model was displayed at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 in Karachi, which concluded on 22 November.
PAF officers at IDEAS 2024 described the JF-17 PFX as a 4.5-plus generation fighter aircraft. They also said that development of the type is expected to be completed before the end of the decade.
Senior Pakistani government officials told Janes that the JF-17 PFX will be equipped with air-to-air missiles (AAMs) that have a longer range than those fitted onto earlier versions of the JF-17, and that Pakistan intends to locally produce the PFX’s radar system.
Long-range AAMs expected to be acquired by Pakistan for integration into the JF-17 PFX include China’s PL-15.
In 2022 Pakistan began receiving PL-15 AAMs for fitting onto the JF-17C Block III, the latest production model of the fighter aircraft, which was rolled out by PAC at its production facility in Kamra, north of Islamabad, in 2023.
The PAF has said the Block III aircraft provides it with several improved capabilities over the earlier Block II version. These include superior manoeuvrability, extended range, and enhanced combat capabilities, according to the PAF.
Other Block III enhancements include a reduction in the aircraft’s radar cross-section, a result of greater use of composites, and improved avionics.