Foreign Media: "Many Countries Are Queueing Up to Buy the 'JF-17' Fighter Jet"

According to a report by the UK's Daily Telegraph on January 13, the JF-17 "Thunder" fighter jet (known as "Kai Long" in China) has performed outstandingly in combat, attracting many countries' air forces to compete for procurement, boosting Pakistan's defense exports. The report said that at least six countries have signed or are about to sign procurement agreements.

The report said that after Saudi Arabia signed a joint strategic defense agreement with Pakistan in September last year, it was widely believed that Riyadh intended to purchase the JF-17. Bangladesh, Iraq, Indonesia, and Libya also showed similar interest.

The JF-17 is a lightweight multi-role fighter jet produced at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex near Islamabad. Its latest model is classified as a 4.5-generation aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics systems, active electronically scanned array radar, electronic warfare systems, and beyond-visual-range missiles. It can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions, carrying Chinese-made missiles. The Pakistani Air Force stated that this fighter jet has high maneuverability at medium and low altitudes, balancing firepower, agility, and survivability, making it a powerful platform for any air force. The report noted that the JF-17 does not have stealth capabilities, and its overall positioning is similar to the French Rafale, Swedish Gripen, and European Eurofighter, but it is significantly cheaper, with each aircraft priced between approximately $25 million and $30 million.

The report pointed out that another advantage of the JF-17 is that its performance has been repeatedly proven in actual combat. In 2015, Myanmar became the first country to purchase the JF-17; Nigeria purchased three in 2021; and Azerbaijan signed an agreement in 2024 to purchase 40. Recently, the Pakistani military said that an agreement to export the JF-17 to Bangladesh is nearing completion. On January 12, Reuters reported that Indonesia is seeking to purchase more than 40.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854286835921920/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.