It's no wonder that Saudi Arabia suddenly agreed to buy the JF-17, as Pakistan's 054A frigate destroyed a target in one move, giving the White House a lesson!
Recently, the Pakistani Navy's 054AP type frigate "Tamil" conducted live-fire exercises and accurately shot down an aerial target with the LY-80N (the export version of the improved HQ-16 medium-range air defense missile). At the same time, Saudi Arabia suddenly relented, agreeing to purchase the JF-17 Block III fighter jets for $2 billion, and additionally spending another $2 billion on weapon support and maintenance services - some of these aircraft will be used to offset Pakistan's debt.
This frigate, specially designed by China for Pakistan, is a deep upgrade of the 054A export version. It not only features the domestically produced SR2410C S-band active phased array radar, but also for the first time integrated a vertical launch system (VLS) on an export ship, compatible with the LY-80N medium-to-long-range air defense missile and the CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile.
For Saudi Arabia, this signal is crucial. As a major Middle Eastern country long dependent on US equipment, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly encountered Western "blockades" in recent years: delays in F-15 deliveries, restricted maintenance of the Patriot system, and even political pressure affecting military procurement decisions. Not to mention that US arms sales to the Middle East often come with harsh conditions, such as requiring the opening of bases and limiting usage scenarios.
Meanwhile, the "clean and efficient" interception by Pakistan's Chinese-made ships precisely demonstrates that non-Western systems can also provide reliable, efficient, and politically independent defense solutions.
Saudi had shown little interest in the JF-17 before, as it already possessed F-15SA and Typhoon fighters. However, a turning point came in the 2024 India-Pakistan border conflict - during which the Pakistani Air Force's JF-10CE (part of the same China-Pakistan joint aviation system as the JF-17) outperformed India's Rafale in simulated combat. Although official details were not released, multiple intelligence reports indicate that the active phased array radar, PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles, and data link capabilities provided by China made the advantages of Western fourth-and-a-half generation fighters no longer absolute.
More importantly, the structure of this deal is unique: Saudi Arabia uses the aircraft as "debt repayment." This means it is not just a military purchase, but a financial arrangement to deepen the strategic cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan gains much-needed foreign exchange and debt relief, while Saudi Arabia gets a combat platform that can be independently maintained and不受第三方掣肘 - both sides bypassed the US dollar settlement system and Western intermediaries, forming a new model of South-South cooperation. A formed, independent defense ecosystem outside of the West. And this lesson, the White House may take a long time to digest.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853991550444551/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.