Pakistan continues JF-17 Block III sales drive at Bahrain
November 15, 2024
The Block III version of the Sino-Pakistani Pakistan Aeronautical Complex-Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (PAC-CAC) JF-17 Thunder made its first visit to Bahrain this year, after having been publicly unveiled at the Dubai Airshow last November, and then being exhibited at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia in February. The Block II variant made the type’s debut Bahrain air show appearance in 2022.
The example on display in the static at Sakhir belongs to No.8 Squadron, Pakistan Air Force, the ‘Haiders’, based at Masroor air base. The squadron reformed earlier this year, converting from the Mirage 5PA2/3. The unit is now fully operational, and is the second PAF unit to operate the Block III-standard JF-17, after No.16 Squadron. It is not clear as to whether the unit has taken on the maritime strike role of the Mirage 5s.
The JF-17s flew to Bahrain supported by a PAF Ilyushin Il-78 tanker. The journey from Masroor took roughly two hours and 30 minutes.
The first JF-17 Block III prototype (serial 3000) made its maiden flight at Chengdu in December 2019, but with the global COVID 19 pandemic, it was not until January 1, 2022 that the first production Block III completed its first taxi trial at PAC Kamra. Eight Block IIIs were delivered to Pakistan’s Flight Test Centre to continue testing in early 2022, before being delivered to frontline PAF units.
The Block III aircraft has a liquid-cooled X-band Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology KLJ-7A AESA Fire Control Radar, a new frameless, wide-angle diffractive head-up display, a homegrown (and rather cheekily named) Link-17 datalink, a helmet mounted sight allowing an expanded firing envelope for IR-homing AAMs, and some structural and airframe enhancements, as well as a stealthier intake system, incorporating DSI ‘bumps’.
The Block III JF-17 is fitted with an additional hardpoint under the forward/starboard fuselage. This allows the carriage of the Aselsan Aselpod advanced targeting pod or a jamming pod while leaving the centreline hardpoint free for additional weapons or fuel tanks. The aircraft is powered by a new, more frugal and ‘smokeless’ Klimov RD-93MA powerplant providing an extra 5,000 Ibs of thrust, and allowing up to an additional 30 minutes on station.
Pakistan is energetically promoting the JF-17 to potential customers, with the enthusiastic help of its air force. Although the type has not been procured for China’s own PLA Air Force, the JF-17 has picked up some export successes. Some 14 of the 16 aircraft ordered by Myanmar have been delivered, and the Nigerian Air Force operates the three aircraft it ordered. An order for 12 aircraft (including four two-seat trainer variants) has recently been announced by Azerbaijan.
Pakistan reportedly has 123 JF-17 combat aircraft in service, from 70 Block I aircraft, 30 Block IIs, 26 JF-17B two-seaters and with production of the 30 Block III aircraft still ongoing. Once the 30 new JF-17C Block IIIs are delivered, attention is expected to turn to the upgrade of 50 Block IIs with new avionics. Surviving Block Is will not be upgraded.
The JF-17 serves with: 31 (Air Superiority) Wing at Quetta, equipping No.28 ‘Phoenix’ Squadron (flying Block I, II aircraft), 32 (Tactical Attack) Wing at Masroor, equipping No.2 Squadron, the ‘Proud Minhasians’ (Block II) and No.8 Squadron ‘Haiders’ (Block III), 33 (Tactical) Wing at Minhas, equipping No.16 Squadron, the ‘Black Panthers’ (Block I, II, III and JF-17B), 34 (Tactical Attack) Wing at Rafiqi, equipping No.14 Squadron, ‘Tail Choppers’ (Block II), 36 (Tactical Attack) Wing at Peshawar, equipping No.26 Squadron, the ‘Black Spiders’ (Block I, II), 38 (Multi-role) Wing at Mushaf, equipping one squadron of the Combat Commander’s School (Block I), 41 Tactical Wing at Bholari, equipping No.18 (OCU) Squadron, the ‘Sharpshooters’ (flying the JF-17B).
Our thanks go to AGN’s good friend Tim Robinson, editor of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s magazine, ‘Aerospace’ for generously providing photos accompanying this piece. Thanks Tim!
