PESHAWAR (Khyber Mail): The JF-17 Thunder, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s aerial defense, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 has become a symbol of Pakistan’s growing aerospace capabilities since its first flight on August 25, 2003.
Marking this milestone, Iraq has placed an order for additional JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, further solidifying the aircraft’s reputation on the international stage. This new order follows a landmark defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Iraq earlier this year, under which Iraq will receive 12 JF-17 Block III fighters.
The JF-17 Thunder, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong in China, is a lightweight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft. It is designed for various missions, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance. The aircraft’s Block III variant features advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S) system, and enhanced weapons capabilities.
The new order from Iraq underscores the JF-17’s growing appeal in the global defense market. Brigadier General Michael Krah, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at Allied Air Command, remarked, “The JF-17’s advanced features and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for countries looking to enhance their aerial capabilities.”
As Pakistan celebrates two decades of the JF-17, the aircraft’s future looks promising with ongoing upgrades and increasing international interest. This milestone not only reflects the success of the JF-17 program but also highlights Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its defense technology.