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JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet

JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: PAC - Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4+ Generation
Maximum Speed Mach 1.6
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range 100–150 km (AESA)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	JF-17 Thunder / FC-1 Xiaolong
Manufacturer	Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) & Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG)
Country of Origin	Pakistan / China
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4+ Generation
Status	Active Service
First Flight	August 25, 2003
Introduction / In Service Since	2010
Number Built	150+
Operators	Pakistan, Myanmar, Nigeria

Dimensions & Structure

Length	14.93 m
Wingspan	9.45 m
Height	4.72 m
Wing Area	24.4 m²
Empty Weight	6,586 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	12,700 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	7

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.6
Range	2,037 km
Combat Radius	1,350 km
Service Ceiling	55,000 ft
Rate of Climb	60 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.99
G Limits	+8.5

Powerplant

Engine Type	Klimov RD-93 turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	19,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	2,300 kg (internal)

Armament

Gun	23mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-5E, PL-12, SD-10
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	CM-400AKG, C-802AK, Ra’ad ALCM
Bombs	Laser/GPS-guided, general-purpose
Hardpoints	7
Payload Capacity	3,600 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	KLJ-7A AESA
Radar Range	150 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated RWR/ECM
Targeting System	ASELPOD / WMD-7
Helmet Display	Integrated HMS
Navigation	INS/GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Yes (Basic AI-assisted flight control)
Communication	Data link and secure comms

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~3 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent coatings, blended design
Infrared Signature Reduction	Partial
Sensor Fusion	Yes (Block III)
Networking Capabilities	Data link with AEW&C

Variants

Special Export Versions

JF-17N (Nigeria) – customized avionics and weapon suite; JF-17M (Myanmar) – tailored for local integration; JF-17E (Export) – export-optimized with optional Western avionics and weapon compatibility.

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Pakistan Air Defense, Counterterrorism Operations
Notable Operators	Pakistan, Nigeria, Myanmar
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air defense, strike, patrol, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$25–32 million (variant-dependent)
Development Cost	$500 million (estimated)
Program Name	JF-17 Program
Funding Countries	Pakistan, China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Engine upgrade, new EW suite
Future Replacement	None planned (Block IV in development)
Export Restrictions	Minimal
Notable Achievements	Export success to Africa and Asia
Competitors	Tejas, Gripen C, F-16C Block 30

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Cost-effective multirole fighter
Easy maintenance and operational readiness
AESA radar and BVR capabilities in newer variants
Compatible with both Chinese and Western weapons
Proven operational service with multiple air forces

CONS

Limited range compared to heavy fighters
Lacks true stealth design features
Dependent on Russian engine supply
Smaller payload capacity than Western jets
Limited global maintenance infrastructure

JF-17 Thunder: Pakistan’s Multirole Fighter Powerhouse

The JF-17 Thunder, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong in China, is a 4+ generation lightweight multirole fighter jet co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) of China. Designed to replace aging fighters like the Mirage III and F-7, the JF-17 offers a balance between cost-effectiveness, versatility, and cutting-edge combat capability — making it one of the most popular export-ready fighters in the developing world.

Design and Performance

Built with a single Klimov RD-93 turbofan engine, the JF-17 can reach speeds up to Mach 1.6 and climb rapidly to a service ceiling of 55,000 ft. It features seven external hardpoints capable of carrying a diverse range of weapons including air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles, and guided bombs. With a combat radius of around 1,350 km, the Thunder is ideal for both defensive and offensive missions.

Avionics and Systems

The aircraft is equipped with a Grifo-MG radar or the more advanced KLJ-7A AESA radar (in later variants), offering target tracking beyond 100 km. Its glass cockpit, helmet-mounted display, and electronic warfare suite enhance pilot situational awareness. The Block III variant introduces infrared search and track (IRST), data-link networking, and BVR missile capability, elevating the jet’s combat edge against regional threats.

Operational Service

Since its induction in 2010, the JF-17 Thunder Aircraft has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), replacing older fleets and proving itself in regional air operations. It has also gained export attention from nations like Nigeria and Myanmar, underscoring its value as a reliable, affordable fighter platform.

Variants

Field	Example
JF-17 Block I	Initial production variant
JF-17 Block II	Improved avionics and refueling
JF-17 Block III	AESA radar, BVR missiles, IRST
JF-17B	Twin-seat trainer and strike variant

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