From Southeast Asia to the Middle East: Fighter Jet Deals in Islamabad (and Beijing)

In recent months, Pakistan has expanded its defense deals, from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, passing through Sudan and Libya, aiming to sell JF-17 fighter jets. These jointly produced fighter jets with China demonstrated their versatility in the India-Pakistan conflict in May last year. These affordable aircraft are increasingly taking center stage in the military and diplomatic strategies of Beijing and Islamabad.

Islamabad (Asia News) – According to Reuters, Indonesia is preparing to reach an agreement with Pakistan, which also includes the sale of drones and fighter jets. Specifically, it is reported that Jakarta is considering purchasing up to 40 China-made JF-17 "Thunder" fighter jets. These jets demonstrated their versatility (and lethality) in the brief India-Pakistan conflict that erupted in May last year. According to Pakistani media and Chinese sources, in this conflict, Chinese-made fighter jets at least shot down an Indian Air Force "Rafale" fighter jet, but Delhi has never confirmed this claim.

Since then, several other countries have also shown interest in purchasing this type of fighter jet, in addition to Nigeria and Azerbaijan, which have already purchased JF-17 jets. Reuters also reported that a 1.5 billion euro deal between Pakistan and the Sudanese military is about to be completed. The Sudanese military is currently engaged in a civil war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary organization, which receives military support from the UAE.

Lately, Islamabad has also finalized a defense agreement with Morocco. In December last year, the Pakistan Air Force signed a 400 million dollar agreement with the Libyan National Army, including 16 fighter jets. Despite a UN ban on arms sales to this North African country, the Libyan National Army still controls eastern parts of the country. In a message released by the Pakistan Air Force in the past month, it was mentioned that Iraq and Bangladesh are also interested in this light fighter jet.

The joint defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September has also attracted attention. This month, there were reports that Pakistan's 2 billion dollar debt might be converted into a deal to supply JF-17 fighter jets to Riyadh. Some analysts believe that if this agreement is finally confirmed, it will mark a "major victory" for Beijing, especially considering that former US President Trump had previously authorized the sale of several F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and Israel are both major US allies in the Middle East. However, Israel's attack on Hamas leadership in Doha (and the possibility of Congress overturning Trump's authorization) has prompted Gulf countries to seek more reliable alternatives.

The popularity of the JF-17 fighter jet is closely related to its versatility and lower cost compared to Western-produced fighter jets (such as France's "Rafale" or "Eurofighter"). It is a simple and streamlined aircraft: it uses a single-engine design, so despite lower power, it is more fuel-efficient and easier to handle than larger twin-engine fighter jets. However, the JF-17 was not originally designed for intercontinental warfare, but rather to deal with increasingly frequent regional conflicts, where defending national airspace is crucial.

In addition, the aircraft's "brain," the avionics system, including onboard electronic systems, has been upgraded using China's cutting-edge technology. The latest version, the Block III model, is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, which can detect and track multiple targets even under complex conditions. Pilots also have digital displays and helmets that project information directly onto their field of view, thereby reducing workload and enhancing electronic assistance capabilities.

In terms of weapons, the JF-17 can use missiles to attack other aircraft, guided weapons to attack ground targets, and can launch anti-ship missiles, giving it considerable operational flexibility, although its performance is not as advanced as the most advanced fighter jets. However, its biggest advantage lies in its cost, with a unit price of approximately 25 to 30 million dollars, while the cost of Rafale or F-35 is three to four times higher. Easier maintenance, lower spare parts costs, and the possibility of local assembly further enhance its advantages.

The JF-17 "Thunder" fighter jet is the result of the industrial and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China. The aircraft is produced at a state-owned factory in Kamra, Pakistan, while the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group is responsible for the basic design and provides technical support and key components. From the beginning, the design philosophy of this fighter jet was to be easy to produce, maintain, and upgrade, without requiring a complete redesign of the entire aircraft. This design philosophy contrasts sharply with Western projects, which are subject to stricter regulations and require broader export licenses. In contrast, Beijing and Islamabad are not particularly concerned about this.

Sources: Asia News

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855520872141835/

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