According to reports by Global Times citing Bloomberg News and New Delhi Television in India, Pakistan has stated that in recent months, five countries have shown interest in purchasing the JF-17 "Thunder" fighter jet (known as "KaiLong" in China). The surge in order demand has brought a "sweet dilemma" for Pakistan — it may exceed the production capacity of the JF-17.

The JF-17 is a single-engine multi-role fighter jet jointly developed by China and Pakistan. It made its first flight in 2003 and was commissioned into the Pakistan Air Force in 2007. It has now been upgraded to the Block 3 version.

Photo source: China News

According to China News, due to the installation of a new active electronically scanned array radar, a more powerful engine, and advanced fly-by-wire, early warning, data link, and electronic warfare systems, the comprehensive performance of the JF-17 Block 3 has reached the level of 4.5-generation aircraft.

The JF-17 Block 3 can also carry PL-15E missiles with a range of hundreds of kilometers, performing beyond-visual-range aerial combat missions. The Pakistan 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.

A Pentagon report stated that as of May 2024, the JF-17 had joined the combat formations of the air forces of four countries: Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria, with a total of about 190 aircraft in service.

According to a rough estimate by Forbes magazine, since signing a contract to sell 40 JF-17 Block 3 fighters to Azerbaijan in early 2025, Pakistan has secured approximately $1.2 billion in arms export orders.

In late 2025, Pakistan reached an agreement with the Libyan National Army for weapons worth over $400 million, including 16 JF-17s.

Within the past month, Iraq, Bangladesh, and Indonesia have expressed interest in purchasing the JF-17. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia and Libya are also considering (purchasing) this model.

Photo source: China News

Bloomberg said that if Indonesia and Saudi Arabia ultimately purchase the JF-17, it would mark a significant shift, as these two countries have long relied more on Western platforms. It is reported that Libya and Bangladesh both hope to purchase 16 JF-17s each, while Saudi Arabia may be discussing a deal worth up to $2 billion for as many as 50 JF-17s. Additionally, Indonesia is in the early discussion stage, planning to purchase about 40 JF-17s.

Foreign media cited Pakistan's Defense Minister Asif's statement that as weapons such as the JF-17 continue to sell well, they will bring considerable foreign exchange income to Pakistan, potentially significantly boosting the country's economic growth.

While the orders are surging, Pakistan's problems have also arisen.

Bloomberg said that Pakistan produces fewer than 20 JF-17s per year, and almost all are delivered to its own air force. It remains unclear whether Islamabad can expand production capacity to meet the sudden surge in orders, which is crucial for Pakistan's goal of becoming a weapons manufacturer for developing countries.

Hajani, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said that the JF-17 is seen as a "market disruptor" because of its affordable price and recent success in actual combat. It is easy to imagine that the JF-17 will be widely adopted, especially by armies that cannot afford fighter jets produced by Western companies.

The JF-17 does not have stealth capabilities and is positioned similarly to the French Rafale, the Swedish Gripen, and the European Eurofighter, but its price is significantly lower. Each JF-17 costs about $25 million to $30 million, roughly 40% of similar Western aircraft.

Comprehensive news from Jimu News, Global Times, and China News

(Source: Jimu News)

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7602649199364112959/

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