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JF-17C Block III Fighter Jet

JF-17C Block III Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: PAC - Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4+
Maximum Speed Mach 1.6–1.8
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range ~170 km (KLJ-7A AESA, target-dependent)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	JF-17C Block III
Manufacturer	Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
Country of Origin	Pakistan, China
Type / Role	Lightweight multirole fighter
Generation	4.5
Status	In service / production
First Flight	December 15, 2019 (Block III prototype)
Introduction / In Service Since	2023
Number Built	50+ (PAF orders; exports ongoing)
Operators	Pakistan Air Force, Azerbaijan Air Force

Dimensions & Structure

Length	14.93 m
Wingspan	9.45 m
Height	4.77 m
Wing Area	24.4 sq m
Empty Weight	6,586 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	12,700 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	8

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.6–1.8 (~1,910 km/h)
Range	~1,800 km (ferry internal); 3,482 km with tanks
Combat Radius	~1,200–1,300 km
Service Ceiling	16,916 m (55,500 ft)
Rate of Climb	300 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~0.95–1.07
G Limits	+8 / -3

Powerplant

Engine Type	Klimov RD-93MA afterburning turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	91.2 kN (with afterburner)
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Internal + drop tanks (up to 10,000 lb total)

Armament

Gun	1 × 23 mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-5E, PL-10, PL-12, PL-15
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Ra’ad cruise missile, CM-400AKG
Bombs	Laser-guided, GPS-guided, unguide
Hardpoints	8
Payload Capacity	3,600 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	KLJ-7A AESA
Radar Range	160–170 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated digital EW, RWR
Targeting System	External targeting pod supported
Helmet Display	Helmet Mounted Display and Sight
Navigation	INS + GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital fly-by-wire
Communication	Secure data link and encrypted radio

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Reduced compared to earlier blocks
Stealth Features	RCS reduction shaping and materials
Infrared Signature Reduction	Limited
Sensor Fusion	Partial sensor fusion
Networking Capabilities	Data link enabled

Variants

Special Export Versions

JF-17A, JF-17B, JF-17C, Custom avionics for export clients

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	May 2025 India-Pakistan tensions (air-to-air/strike roles)
Notable Operators	Pakistan Air Force, Azerbaijan
Combat Proven?	Limited operational exposure
Mission Types	Air superiority, ground attack, SEAD

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$25–55 million (estimated)
Development Cost	Joint program (not publicly detailed)
Program Name	JF-17 Thunder Program
Funding Countries	Pakistan, China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Potential Block 4/OCU with further avionics/AI
Future Replacement	Next-generation indigenous fighter
Export Restrictions	Subject to Chinese approval
Notable Achievements	First AESA-equipped JF-17
Competitors	F-16V, Tejas Mk1A, FA-50

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

Modern AESA radar for improved detection and tracking
Lower acquisition and operating cost than Western fighters
Multirole capability with diverse weapon options
Advanced cockpit with helmet mounted display
Designed for rapid maintenance and high sortie rates

CONS

Limited combat radius compared to heavier fighters
Single engine design reduces redundancy
Lower payload than twin engine aircraft
Smaller radar aperture than large fighters
Limited stealth characteristics

JF-17C Block III Multirole Fighter Jet

The JF-17C Block III represents the most advanced version of the Thunder fighter family, designed to deliver modern combat capability at a controlled cost. Developed to meet the needs of air forces seeking credible air defense and strike power without relying on high end Western platforms, the aircraft brings fourth plus generation features into a lightweight multirole design.

Overview and Capabilities

Jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the JF-17C Block III is intended for air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike missions. The aircraft introduces a modern AESA radar, wide area cockpit display, helmet mounted sight, and an upgraded electronic warfare suite. These upgrades significantly improve situational awareness, tracking range, and survivability in contested airspace.

Powered by a single turbofan engine, the jet reaches supersonic speed and supports both beyond visual range and within visual range combat. Its open architecture avionics allow integration of Chinese and Pakistani weapons, making it flexible for export customers with diverse operational needs.

Operational Role

The Block III is designed to replace aging third generation fighters while operating alongside more advanced platforms. It is optimized for air policing, quick reaction alert, precision strike, and networked operations. For U.S. defense observers, the aircraft highlights how China and Pakistan are offering an affordable alternative to Western light fighters in the global market.

JF-17C Block III Fighter Jet Price

The estimated unit cost ranges between 30 and 35 million US dollars, depending on avionics configuration, weapons package, and support agreements.

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