CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder#Variants

The JF-17 was designed and developed primarily to meet the PAF requirement for an affordable,{{cite web|work=Aviation Week |title=Pakistan expands fighter force |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awst/2010/12/20/AW_12_20_2010_p31-277626.xml&headline=Pakistan%20Expands%20Fighter%20Force |date=22 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105212255/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2Fawst%2F2010%2F12%2F20%2FAW_12_20_2010_p31-277626.xml&headline=Pakistan%20Expands%20Fighter%20Force |archive-date=5 November 2011 }} unsanctionable, fourth-generation, lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft as a replacement for its large fleet of Nanchang A-5C bombers, Chengdu F-7P/PG interceptors, and Dassault Mirage III/5 fighters, with a cost of {{US$|500 million|link=yes}}, divided equally between Pakistan and China.{{cite web|url=http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/jf17_thunder.htm|title=Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder|publisher=Fighter Planes|access-date=19 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901205431/http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/jf17_thunder.htm|archive-date=1 September 2009|url-status=live}} The aircraft was also intended to have export potential as a cost-effective and competitive alternative to more expensive Western fighters.{{cite web | work=Sino Defence | title= FC-1/JF-17 Multirole Fighter Aircraft |url=http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/fighter/fc1.asp |access-date=11 December 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204083919/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/fighter/fc1.asp | archive-date=4 December 2013 }}{{citation | last =Ansari | first = Usman | title= Thunder Storm – Pakistan's hopes for the JF-17 Thunder fighter | work=Combat Aircraft magazine | volume = 8 |issue= 4 |url=http://usmanansari.com/id16.html |access-date=11 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907034554/http://usmanansari.com/id16.html | archive-date=7 September 2012}}{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17|title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra – JF-17 Thunder Aircraft|work=pac.org.pk|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101519/http://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17|archive-date=11 January 2016|url-status=live}} The development of this aircraft was headed by Yang Wei, considered to be China's "ace designer",{{cite journal|title=China's Expert Fighter Designer Knows Jets, Avoids America's Mistakes|journal=International Relations and Security Network|url=http://www.css.ethz.ch/content/specialinterest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/en/services/digital-library/articles/article.html/192616|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221005150/http://www.css.ethz.ch/content/specialinterest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/en/services/digital-library/articles/article.html/192616|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}} who also designed the Chengdu J-20.

By 1989, because of economic sanctions by the US, Pakistan had abandoned Project Sabre II, a design study involving US aircraft manufacturer Grumman and China, and had decided to redesign and upgrade the Chengdu F-7.{{cite web|title=Pakistan Considers new Fighter Plan |work=Flight International |date=14–20 March 1990 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%200672.html?search=Sabre%20II |access-date=18 October 2009 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154725/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%200672.html?search=Sabre%20II }} In 1988, China and Grumman carried out a nine-month preliminary design study of the Super 7, an upgrade of the Chengdu F-7.{{cite web|title=Grumman to upgrade Chinese F-7Ms |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%203360.html |date=26 November 1988 |work=Flight International |access-date=15 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021140123/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%203360.html |archive-date=21 October 2014 }} Grumman left the project when sanctions were placed on China following the political fallout from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. After Grumman left the Chengdu Super 7 project, the Fighter China project was launched in 1991.{{cite web |title=CAC FC-1 Xiaolong |work=Jane's All the World's Aircraft |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=10 March 2009 |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/CAC-FC-1-Xiaolong-China.html |access-date=29 July 2009}} In 1995, Pakistan and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint design and development of a new fighter, and over the next few years worked out the project details.{{citation | first = Alan | last = Warnes | title = Pakistan's Vision: Bridging The Capabilities Gap | work = Air Forces Monthly | date = July 2004 | page = 33}} In June 1995, Mikoyan had joined the project to provide "design support", this also involved the secondment of several engineers by CAC.{{citation|title=Mikoyan joins Chengdu on fighter |work=Flight International |date=21 June 1995 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mikoyan-joins-chengdu-on-fighter-25623/ |access-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212115/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mikoyan-joins-chengdu-on-fighter-25623/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}

{{Expand section|1=China's role and contributions in Fighter China-1 (FC-1) project|section=1|date=July 2021}}

File:Pakistan Air Force Pakistan JF-17 Thunder Bidini-1.jpg, Turkey for the 2011 Izmir Air Show]]

In October 1995, Pakistan was reportedly to select a Western company by the end of the year to provide and integrate the FC-1's avionics, which was expected to go into production by 1999. The avionics were said to include radar, Inertial navigation system, Head-up display, and Multi-function displays. Competing bids came from Thomson-CSF with a variant of the Radar Doppler Multitarget (RDY), SAGEM with a similar avionics package to those used in the ROSE upgrade project, and Marconi Electronic Systems with its Blue Hawk radar. FIAR's (now SELEX Galileo) Grifo S7 radar was expected to be selected due to the company's ties with the PAF.{{citation|title=Pakistan nears FC-1 avionics decision |work=Flight International |date=18 October 1995 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pakistan-nears-fc-1-avionics-decision-21419/ |access-date=21 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725044013/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pakistan-nears-fc-1-avionics-decision-21419/ |archive-date=25 July 2014 }} In February 1998, Pakistan and China signed a letter of intent covering airframe development. Russia's Klimov offered a variant of the RD-33 turbofan engine to power the fighter.{{citation |title= China/Pakistan signal intent to resume FC-1 development work | work = Flight International |date= 4 March 1998 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chinapakistan-signal-intent-to-resume-fc-1-development-33894/ |access-date= 28 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725051043/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chinapakistan-signal-intent-to-resume-fc-1-development-33894/ |url-status= live | archive-date=25 July 2014}} In April 1999, South Africa's Denel offered to arm the Super 7 with the T-darter beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM), rather than the previously reported R-Darter.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denel-proposes-advanced-darter-derivatives-50571/ |title=Denel proposes advanced Darter derivatives |last=Lewis |first=Paul |date=28 April 1999 |work=Flight International |access-date=31 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725033628/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denel-proposes-advanced-darter-derivatives-50571/ |archive-date=25 July 2014 }} Previously in 1987, Pratt & Whitney offered the Super-7 project three engine options; PW1212, F404, and PW1216, with local manufacturing in either China or Pakistan. Rolls-Royce offered its RB199-127/128 turbofan engine; this plan was scrapped in 1989.{{cite web|url=http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/fc-1-jf-17-thunder-fighter-china.htm|title=FC-1 JF-17 western engine options|date=15 June 2012|work=Air Force World|access-date=15 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624042701/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/fc-1-jf-17-thunder-fighter-china.htm|archive-date=24 June 2013}}

In June 1999, the contract to jointly develop and produce the Chengdu FC-1/Super 7 was signed. After GEC-Marconi had abandoned the bidding to supply an integrated avionics suite, FIAR and Thomson-CSF proposed a number of avionics suites based on the Grifo S7 and RC400 radars respectively, despite previously hoping to use the PAF's Super 7 to launch its new Blue Hawk radar.{{citation|title=China and Pakistan agree on Super 7 fighter development work |work=Flight International |date=14 July 1999 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-and-pakistan-agree-on-super-7-fighter-development-53912/ |access-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526190707/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-and-pakistan-agree-on-super-7-fighter-development-53912/ |archive-date=26 May 2013 }}{{citation|title=Marconi abandons FC-1 fighter bid |work=Flight International |date=23 July 1999 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/marconi-abandons-fc-1-fighter-bid-53136/ |access-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526184233/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/marconi-abandons-fc-1-fighter-bid-53136/ |archive-date=26 May 2013 }} Because of sanctions placed on Pakistan after the country's 1998 nuclear weapons tests, design work progressed very slowly over the next 18 months, preventing delivery of the Western avionics to the PAF. In early 2001, the PAF decided to decouple the airframe from the avionics, enabling design work on the aircraft to continue. As the airframe was developed, any new avionics requirements by the PAF could be more easily integrated into the airframe.

Prototype production began in September 2002; a full-size mock-up of the FC-1/Super 7 was displayed at Airshow China in November 2002.{{citation |title=Airshow China – FC-1 mock-up revealed |work=Flight International |date= 12 November 2002 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airshow-china-fc-1-mock-up-revealed-157719/ |access-date=21 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021150219/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airshow-china-fc-1-mock-up-revealed-157719/ |url-status=live | archive-date=21 October 2014}} The first batch of Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines that would power the prototypes was also delivered in 2002. According to a China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) official, the JF-17's low cost is due to some of the on-board systems having been adapted from those of the Chengdu J-10. The official said, "This transfer of technology{{mdash}}transposing the aircraft systems from the J-10 to the JF-17{{mdash}}is what makes the JF-17 so cost-effective".{{cite web|title=Chinese Jets Today at Bygone Price |url=http://fr.viadeo.com/fr/groups/detaildiscussion/?containerId=002159fj8yppl5m1&forumId=002n6x9ycdkb9g5&action=messageDetail&messageId=0021ygdepj3uehk1 |date=23 November 2010 |work=AviationWeek.com |publisher=Viadeo |access-date=21 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101518/http://fr.viadeo.com/fr/groups/detaildiscussion/?containerId=002159fj8yppl5m1&forumId=002n6x9ycdkb9g5&action=messageDetail&messageId=0021ygdepj3uehk1 |archive-date=11 January 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/jf-17-and-j-10-21st-century-jets-yesterday-s-price|title=JF-17 and J-10: 21st Century Jets at Yesterday's Price|date=18 November 2010|work=Aviation Week|access-date=24 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101518/http://aviationweek.com/awin/jf-17-and-j-10-21st-century-jets-yesterday-s-price|archive-date=11 January 2016|url-status=live}} The use of computer-aided design software shortened the design phase of the JF-17.{{cite web|last=Fisher |first=Richard Jr.|title=China's Aviation Sector: Building Toward World Class Capabilities|url=http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.226/pub_detail.asp|publisher=International Assessment and Strategy Center|access-date=27 May 2010|date=20 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531214709/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.226/pub_detail.asp|archive-date=31 May 2010|url-status=live}}

The first prototype, PT-01, was rolled out on 31 May 2003{{citation|first=Brendan |last=Sobie |title=Chengdu puts back Super-7 flight tests |work=Flight International |date=29 July 2003 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chengdu-puts-back-super-7-flight-tests-169377/ |access-date=28 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714203308/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chengdu-puts-back-super-7-flight-tests-169377/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }} and transferred to the Chengdu Flight Test Centre to be prepared for its maiden flight. This was initially planned to take place in June, but was delayed due to concerns about the SARS outbreak. The designation Super-7 was replaced by "JF-17" (Joint Fighter-17) around this point.{{citation|title=Sino-Pakistani fighter flies |work=Flight International |date=9 September 2003 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sino-pakistani-fighter-flies-170984/ |access-date=28 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143119/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sino-pakistani-fighter-flies-170984/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }} Low speed taxiing trials began at Wenjiang Airport, Chengdu, on 27 June 2003. The maiden flight was made in late August 2003; an official maiden flight of the prototype took place in early September. The prototype was marked with the new PAF designation JF-17. By March 2004, CAC had made around 20 test flights of the first prototype.{{citation|title=Flight testing the FC-1/JF-17 |work=Flight International |date=23 March 2004 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-testing-the-fc-1jf-17-179194/ |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102181806/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-testing-the-fc-1jf-17-179194/ |archive-date=2 January 2015 }} On 7 April 2004, PAF test pilots Rashid Habib and Mohammad Ehsan-ul-Haq flew PT-01 for the first time. The maiden flight of the third prototype, PT-03, took place on 9 April 2004. In March 2004, Pakistan was planning to induct around 200 aircraft.{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%200138.html?search=Pakistan%20JF-17 |title=PAC readies for assembly ramp up |work=Flight International |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514003434/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%200138.html?search=Pakistan%20JF-17 |archive-date=14 May 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:Model of JF-17 on display with two SD-10 and four PL-5E missiles mounted on wings.jpg

Following the third prototype, several design improvements were developed and incorporated into further aircraft. Because of excessive smoke emissions by the RD-93 engine, the air intakes were widened. Reported control problems found in testing resulted in alterations to the wing leading edge root extensions (LERX). The vertical tail fin was enlarged to house an expanded electronic warfare equipment bay in the tip.{{citation |first=Robert |last=Hewson |title=Sino-Pakistani fighter improved |work=Jane's Information Group |url=http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jdw/jdw051205_1_n.shtml |access-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228002942/http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jdw/jdw051205_1_n.shtml |archive-date = 28 February 2007}} The redesigned aircraft had a slightly increased maximum take-off weight and incorporated an increased quantity of Chinese-sourced avionics; however PAF had selected Western avionics for their aircraft, postponing PAF deliveries from late 2005 until 2007. Pakistan evaluated British, French, and Italian avionics suites, the winner of which was expected to be finalised in 2006.{{citation |first=Brendan |last=Sobie |title=Test flaws prompt rethink on China's FC-1 light fighter look |work=Flight International |date=27 September 2005 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/09/27/201773/test-flaws-prompt-rethink-on-chinas-fc-1-light-fighter.html |access-date=21 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624173043/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/09/27/201773/test-flaws-prompt-rethink-on-chinas-fc-1-light-fighter.html |archive-date=24 June 2008 |url-status=live }} PT-04, the fourth prototype and the first to incorporate the design changes, was rolled out in April 2006 and made its first flight on 28 April 2006.{{citation |first=Graham |last=Warwick |title= Pictures: China's Chengdu FC-1 fighter performs first flight with JSF-style engine inlets |work=Flight International|date=8 May 2006 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-china39s-chengdu-fc-1-fighter-performs-first-flight-with-jsf-style-engine-206499/ |access-date=28 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222204945/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-china39s-chengdu-fc-1-fighter-performs-first-flight-with-jsf-style-engine-206499/ |url-status=live | archive-date=22 February 2014}}{{citation |title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao's press conference on May 16, 2006 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China |date=17 May 2006 |url=http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t252967.htm |access-date=25 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102091409/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t252967.htm | archive-date=2 November 2013}}

File:JF-17 Thunder (4826622681).jpg

The modified air intakes replaced conventional intake ramps{{mdash}}whose function is to divert turbulent boundary layer airflow away from the inlet and prevent it entering the engine{{mdash}}with a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) design. The DSI uses a combination of forward-swept inlet cowls and a three-dimensional compression surface to divert the boundary layer airflow at high sub-sonic and supersonic speeds. According to Lockheed Martin, the DSI design prevents most of the boundary layer air from entering the engine at speeds up to two times the speed of sound, reduces weight by removing the need for complex mechanical intake mechanisms,{{citation |first=Eric |last=Hehs |title=JSF Diverterless Supersonic Inlet |work=Code One magazine |date=July 2000 |url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2000/articles/july_00/divertless_1.html |access-date=28 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124032509/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2000/articles/july_00/divertless_1.html | archive-date=24 November 2009 }} and is stealthier than a conventional intake. In 1999, developmental work on the DSI with the aim of improving aircraft performance commenced. The JF-17 design was finalised in 2001.{{cite news|url=http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=255649&Itemid=2 |title=50th indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder rolls-out at PAC Kamra |work=Associated Press of Pakistan |date=18 December 2013 |access-date=26 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006115146/http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=255649&Itemid=2 |archive-date=6 October 2014 }} Multiple models underwent wind tunnel tests; it was found that the DSI reduced weight, cost, and complexity while improving performance.

For the avionics and weapons qualification phase of the flight testing, PT-04 was fitted with a fourth-generation avionics suite that incorporates sensor fusion, an electronic warfare suite, enhanced man-machine interface, Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) for the RD-93 turbofan engine, FBW flight controls, day/night precision surface attack capability, and multi-mode, pulse-Doppler radar for BVR air-to-air attack capability.{{citation|title=4th Prototype JF-17 'Thunder' aircraft successfully completed inaugural flight |work=PakTribune (Pakistani news website) |url=http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?143355 |access-date=23 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624150009/http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?143355 |archive-date=24 June 2009 }} The sixth prototype, PT-06, made its maiden flight on 10 September 2006.{{citation |first=Hui |last=Tong |title=FC-1/JF-17 Thunder Dragon/Thunder |url=http://cnair.top81.cn/J-10_J-11_FC-1.htm |access-date=2 August 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615002254/http://cnair.top81.cn/J-10_J-11_FC-1.htm | archive-date=15 June 2012}} Following a competition in 2008, Martin-Baker was selected over a Chinese firm for the supply of fifty PK16LE ejection seats.{{cite web|url=http://www.martin-baker.co.uk/getdoc/62678197-340b-46f4-84b5-2d801b21a11a/MB_Escape_20.aspx|title=JF-17 Signing|date=September 2008|work=Escape (newsletter)|publisher=Martin-Baker|page=1|access-date=9 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403190614/http://www.martin-baker.co.uk/getdoc/62678197-340b-46f4-84b5-2d801b21a11a/MB_Escape_20.aspx | archive-date=3 April 2012}}

File:13-143 JF-17 PAKISTAN AIR FORCE LBG (18888092161).jpg, Paris, France for the 2015 Paris Air Show ]]

On 2 March 2007, the first consignment of two small-batch-production (SBP) aircraft arrived in a dismantled state in Pakistan. They flew for the first time on 10 March 2007 and took part in a public aerial demonstration during a Pakistan Day parade on 23 March 2007. The PAF intended to induct 200 JF-17 by 2015 to replace all its Chengdu F-7, Nanchang A-5, and Dassault Mirage III/5 aircraft. In preparation for the in-flight refuelling of JF-17s, the PAF has upgraded several Mirage IIIs with IFR probes for training purposes.{{citation |first=Mayed |last=Ali |title = JF-17 engine row resolved: Air chief | newspaper = The News International|date= 31 March 2007 | place = PK |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=6854 | access-date =23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901221604/http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=6854 |archive-date = 1 September 2007}} A dual-seat, combat-capable trainer was originally scheduled to begin flight testing in 2006; in 2009 Pakistan reportedly decided to develop the training model into a specialised attack variant.{{citation |first= Richard Jr. |last= Fisher |title= Chinese Dimensions of the 2007 Dubai Airshow |publisher= International Assessment and Strategy Center (IASC) |date= 20 January 2008 |url= http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.179/pub_detail.asp |access-date= 6 August 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090715131717/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.179/pub_detail.asp |archive-date= 15 July 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/avic-pakistan-working-jf-17-two-seater |title=Avic, Pakistan Working on JF-17 Two-Seater |last=Perrett |first=Bradley |date=15 February 2012 |access-date=15 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007185528/http://aviationweek.com/defense/avic-pakistan-working-jf-17-two-seater |archive-date=7 October 2015 }}

In November 2007, the PAF and PAC conducted flight evaluations of aircraft fitted with a variant of the NRIET KLJ-10 radar developed by China's Nanjing Research Institute for Electronic Technology (NRIET), and the LETRI SD-10 active radar homing AAM.{{citation |first=Reuben F. |last=Johnson |title=Pakistan considers mix of Chinese, French weapons for its JF-17s |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=29 November 2007 |url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw071129_1_n.shtml |access-date=28 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225164219/http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw071129_1_n.shtml |archive-date=25 February 2008 |url-status=live }} In 2005, PAC began manufacturing JF-17 components; production of sub-assemblies commenced on 22 January 2008.{{citation |title=Manufacturing of JF-17 Thunder Sub-Assemblies Commence at PAC, Kamra |publisher=Pakistan Air Force }}{{citation|first=Yaqoob |last=Malik |title=Sub-assembly of Thunder aircraft begins at Kamra |publisher=Dawn News |date=23 January 2008 |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/286032/sub-assembly-of-thunder-aircraft-begins-at-kamra |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154912/http://www.dawn.com/news/286032/sub-assembly-of-thunder-aircraft-begins-at-kamra |archive-date=14 July 2014 }} The PAF was to receive a further six pre-production aircraft in 2005, for a total of 8 out of an initial production run of 16 aircraft. Initial operating capability was to be achieved by the end of 2008.{{citation |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |title=JF-17 production commences |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=24 January 2008 |url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/air/jdw/jdw080124_2_n.shtml |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606051629/http://www.janes.com/news/defence/air/jdw/jdw080124_2_n.shtml |archive-date=6 June 2009 |url-status=live }} Final assembly of the JF-17 in Pakistan began on 30 June 2009; PAC expected to complete production of four to six aircraft that year. They planned to produce twelve aircraft in 2010 and fifteen to sixteen aircraft per year from 2011; this could increase to twenty-five aircraft per year.{{citation |first=Siva | last = Govindasamy | title= Pakistan begins domestic final assembly of JF-17 |work= Flight International | date = 1 July 2009 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pakistan-begins-domestic-final-assembly-of-jf-17-329056/ |access-date=23 August 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103224634/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pakistan-begins-domestic-final-assembly-of-jf-17-329056/ |url-status=live | archive-date=3 January 2015}} On 29 December 2015, PAC announced the rollout of the 16th JF-17 Thunder fighter manufactured in the calendar year 2015, taking total number of manufactured aircraft to more than 66. Later, a PAF spokesperson said that in light of the interest shown by various countries, it has been decided that production capacity of JF-17 Thunder at PAC Kamra will be expanded.

Russia signed an agreement in August 2007 for re-export of 150 RD-93 engines from China to Pakistan for the JF-17.{{cite news|title=Russian engines will fly to Pakistan|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/792862|newspaper=Kommersant|access-date=27 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154851/http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/792862|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=live}} In 2008, the PAF reported it was not fully satisfied with the RD-93 engine and that it would only power the first 50 aircraft; it was alleged that arrangements for a new engine, reportedly the Snecma M53-P2, may have been made.{{cite news|title=100 Countries Expected To Attend IDEAS 2008 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=22 November 2008 |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/print_news.php?nid=64342 |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102172647/http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/print_news.php?nid=64342 }} Mikhail Pogosyan, head of the MiG and Sukhoi design bureaus, recommended the Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport block RD-93 engine sales to China to prevent export competition from the JF-17 against the MiG-29.{{cite news|location=RU |url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20100705/159699935.html |title=Russian combat aircraft makers fear competition with China |agency=RIA Novosti |access-date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727082025/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20100705/159699935.html |archive-date=27 July 2014 }}{{citation |url=http://english.pravda.ru/russia/economics/06-07-2010/114138-russian_fighter_jets-0 |title=Russia's Iconic MiG and Sukhoi Fighters Enter Competition with Chinese Clones |work=Pravda |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=6 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709180639/http://english.pravda.ru/russia/economics/06-07-2010/114138-russian_fighter_jets-0 |archive-date=9 July 2010 |url-status=live }} At the 2010 Farnborough Airshow, the JF-17 was displayed internationally for the first time; aerial displays at the show were intended but were cancelled due to a late attendance decision as well as license and insurance costs.{{cite web|url=http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20100719/DEFFEAT06/7190326/Farnborough-Debut-Heralds-JF-17-Export-Drive |title=Farnborough Debut Heralds JF-17 Export Drive |last=Ansari |first=Usman |date=19 July 2010 |work=Defence News |access-date=25 May 2011 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150103041128/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20100719/DEFFEAT06/7190326/Farnborough-Debut-Heralds-JF-17-Export-Drive }} According to a Rosoboronexport official at the Airshow China 2010, held on 16–21 November 2005 in Zhuhai, China, Russia and China had signed a contract worth $238 million for 100 RD-93 engines with options for another 400 engines developed for the FC-1.{{cite web|title=Russia to sell additional RD-93 jet engines to China |url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20101116/161360534.html |date=16 November 2010 |publisher=Rianovosti |access-date=21 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021164151/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20101116/161360534.html |archive-date=21 October 2014 }}

According to media reports, Pakistan planned to increase production of JF-17s by 25% in 2016.{{cite web|title=Pakistan to boost JF-17 production by 25% in '16|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/dubai-airshow-2015/pakistan-to-boost-jf-17-production-by-25-in-16|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918010628/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/dubai-airshow-2015/pakistan-to-boost-jf-17-production-by-25-in-16|archive-date=18 September 2016|url-status=live}}

File:PAK Kamra JF-17 Thunder at PAris Air Show, June 2019 (2).jpg at Paris Air Show ]]

Pakistan negotiated with British and Italian defence firms regarding avionics and radars for the JF-17 development. Radar options include the Italian Galileo Avionica's Grifo S7,{{Citation |url=http://www.selex-sas.com/datasheets_ga/Grifofamily.pdf | type = datasheet | title = Selex | contribution = Italian Grifo family | publisher = Sensors and Airborne Systems| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325204544/http://www.selex-sas.com/datasheets_ga/Grifofamily.pdf | archive-date=25 March 2007}} the French Thomson-CSF's RC400 (a variant of the RDY-2), and the British company SELEX Galileo's Vixen 500E AESA radar.{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}} In 2010, the PAF had reportedly selected ATE Aerospace Group to integrate French-built avionics and weapons systems over rival bids from Astrac, Finmeccanica and a Thales-Sagem joint venture. Fifty JF-17s were to be upgraded and an optional fifty from 2013 onwards, at a cost of up to {{USD|1.36 billion}}. The RC-400 radar, MICA AAMs, and several air-to-surface weapons are believed to be in the contract. The PAF also held talks with South Africa for the supply of Denel A-darter AAMs.{{cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/awin/french-led-jf-17-upgrade-likely-raise-eyebrows |title= French-Led JF-17 Upgrade Likely To Raise Eyebrows |work= Aviation Week |access-date= 2 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101518/http://aviationweek.com/awin/french-led-jf-17-upgrade-likely-raise-eyebrows |archive-date= 11 January 2016 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/awin/will-westernized-jf-17-thunder-attract-new-delhi-s-ire |title= Will Westernized JF-17 Thunder Attract New Delhi's Ire? |work= Aviation Week |access-date= 2 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101518/http://aviationweek.com/awin/will-westernized-jf-17-thunder-attract-new-delhi-s-ire |archive-date= 11 January 2016 |url-status= live }}

In April 2010, after eighteen months of negotiations, the deal was reportedly suspended; reports cited French concerns about Pakistan's financial situation, the protection of sensitive French technology, and by Indian lobbying, which operates many French-built aircraft.{{cite news |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2010/04/02/paris-bloque-un-contrat-d-equipement-francais-d-avions-de-chasse-pakistanais_1327919_3216.html |title=Paris bloque un contrat d'équipement français d'avions de chasse pakistanais |trans-title=Paris blocks a contract of French equipment for Pakistani fighter aircraft |last=Follorou |first=Jacques |date=2 April 2010 |work=Le Monde |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406012337/http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2010/04/02/paris-bloque-un-contrat-d-equipement-francais-d-avions-de-chasse-pakistanais_1327919_3216.html |archive-date=6 April 2010 |url-status=live }} [https://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemonde.fr%2Fasie-pacifique%2Farticle%2F2010%2F04%2F02%2Fparis-bloque-un-contrat-d-equipement-francais-d-avions-de-chasse-pakistanais_1327919_3216.html&sl=fr&tl=en Google English translation.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313032215/http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemonde.fr%2Fasie-pacifique%2Farticle%2F2010%2F04%2F02%2Fparis-bloque-un-contrat-d-equipement-francais-d-avions-de-chasse-pakistanais_1327919_3216.html&sl=fr&tl=en |date=13 March 2017 }}{{citation|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/850170/planned-french-arms-sale-to-pakistan-held-up |title=France says arms sale to Pakistan held up |newspaper=Dawn |date=2 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215070013/http://www.dawn.com/news/850170/planned-french-arms-sale-to-pakistan-held-up |archive-date=15 February 2015 }} France wanted the PAF to purchase several Mirage 2000-9 fighters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force, which would overlap with the upgraded JF-17.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/contenu/20100403-contrat-militaire-le-pakistan-bloque-paris|title=Un contrat militaire avec le Pakistan bloqué par Paris |trans-title=A contract with the Pakistan military blocked by Paris | date= 3 April 2010 | publisher = Radio France Internationale | language= fr| access-date= 5 April 2010|location= France|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514191726/http://www.rfi.fr/contenu/20100403-contrat-militaire-le-pakistan-bloque-paris |archive-date=14 May 2013}} In July 2010, the PAF's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, said such reports were false, stating: "I have had discussions with French Government officials who have assured me that this is not the position of their government...someone was trying to cause mischief{{mdash}}to put pressure on France not to supply the avionics we want".{{cite journal| last= Warnes| first= Alan|date=July 2010 |title=On the edge – JF-17s, Tankers and AWACS|journal=Air Forces Monthly | type = magazine |location= United Kingdom |issue=July 2010|page= 54|quote=Reports in late March that the French Government was refusing to allow the sale of a Thales avionics system was denied by the CAS: 'I saw the report quoting unnamed sources or any French government official. I have had discussions with French Government officials who have assured me that this is not the position of their government. I think someone is trying to cause mischief – to put pressure on France not to supply the avionics we want.'}}

On 18 December 2013, production of Block 2 JF-17s began at PAC's Kamra facility.{{cite news|title=JF-17 Thunder Block 2 Will be Ready till June 2014 |url=http://pakarmedforces.com/2013/12/jf-17-thunder-block-2-will-be-ready-till-june-2014.html |date=19 December 2013 |publisher=Pakistan Armed Forces News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134056/http://pakarmedforces.com/2013/12/jf-17-thunder-block-2-will-be-ready-till-june-2014.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 }} These have an air-to-air refuelling capability, improved avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, data link, and electronic warfare capabilities. Block 2 construction is planned to run until 2016, after which the manufacturing of further developed Block III aircraft is planned.{{cite news|title=Production of improved version of JF-17 aircraft launched |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1075055 |date=19 December 2013 |work=Dawn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605015123/http://www.dawn.com/news/1075055 |archive-date=5 June 2014 }} In December 2015, it was announced that the 16th Block II aircraft had been handed over resulting in standing up of the 4th squadron.{{cite news|title=Fourth JF-17 Thunder squadron complete as PAC rolls out 16th aircraft|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1229177/|work=Dawn|date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406230211/https://www.dawn.com/news/1229177|archive-date=6 April 2017|url-status=live}}

On 17 June 2015, Jane's Defence Weekly confirmed{{Cite web|date=2011-11-15|title=Bogey: JF-17 'Thunder' crash jolts plans to sell aircraft|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/291604/paf-aircraft-crashes-in-attock|access-date=2020-09-15|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705115509/https://tribune.com.pk/story/291604/paf-aircraft-crashes-in-attock|url-status=live}} that JF-17 Block III will have an AESA radar, a helmet-mounted display (HMD) and possibly an internal infrared search and tracking (IRST) system.{{cite web | url = http://www.janes.com/article/52308/paris-air-show-2015-jf-17-fighter-flying-with-indigenous-chinese-turbofan | title = Paris Air Show 2015: JF-17 fighter flying with indigenous Chinese turbofan | last=Fisher |first=Richard Jr. | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160421064512/http://www.janes.com/article/52308/paris-air-show-2015-jf-17-fighter-flying-with-indigenous-chinese-turbofan | archivedate=21 April 2016 | work = Jane's Defence Weekly | date = 17 June 2015 }} A two-seat version was also reportedly to be produced in Block III.{{cite news|title=PAF to induct JF17 Thunder Block III in 2016|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/5411-paf-to-induct-jf17-thunder-block-iii-in-2016|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513171122/http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/5411-paf-to-induct-jf17-thunder-block-iii-in-2016|archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=live}} Unconfirmed reports claim that Block III will also have a better flight management system.{{cite news|title=Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet impresses at Paris Air Show|url=http://techgenmag.com/2015/06/pakistans-jf-17-thunder-fighter-plane/|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503022238/http://techgenmag.com/2015/06/pakistans-jf-17-thunder-fighter-plane/|archive-date=3 May 2016|url-status=live}} Selex ES has promoted its next-generation cockpit as a possible upgrade of JF-17 Block III; this cockpit includes a new mission computer, an enhanced head-up display and contemporary multi-function displays, plus the capability for the pilot to use a single, large-area display instead.{{cite news|title=Selex advances M-345 cockpit development|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/selex-advances-m-345-cockpit-development-417972/|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530175651/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/selex-advances-m-345-cockpit-development-417972/|archive-date=30 May 2016|url-status=live}}

In July 2020, despite Indian protests, Russian state-owned United Engine Corporation developed a new engine designated RD-93MA for the JF-17 fighter being built by Pakistan.{{cite news |author= |date=9 July 2020 |title=Russia confirms progress on new jet engine. Is it for Pak JF-17 fighter? |url=http://www.theweek.in/news/world/2020/07/09/russia-confirms-progress-on-new-jet-engine-is-it-for-pak-jf-17-fighter.html|url-status=live |work= TheWeek Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127072811/https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2020/07/09/russia-confirms-progress-on-new-jet-engine-is-it-for-pak-jf-17-fighter.html |archive-date= 27 January 2021}}

File:JF-17 block 1 front view.jpg

The airframe is of semi-monocoque structure constructed primarily of aluminum alloys. High-strength steel and titanium alloys are partially adopted in some critical areas. The airframe is designed for a service life of 4,000 flight hours or 25 years, the first overhaul being due at 1,200 flight hours. Block 2 JF-17s incorporate greater use of composite materials in the airframe to reduce weight.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} The retractable undercarriage has a tricycle arrangement with a single steerable nose-wheel and two main undercarriages. The hydraulic brakes have an automatic anti-skid system. The position and shape of the inlets is designed to give the required airflow to the jet engine during maneuvers involving high angles of attack.

The mid-mounted wings are of cropped-delta configuration. Near the wing root are the LERX, which generate a vortex that provides extra lift to the wing at high angles of attack encountered during combat maneuvers. A conventional tri-plane empennage arrangement is incorporated, with all-moving stabilators, single vertical stabiliser, rudder, and twin ventral fins. The flight control system (FCS) comprises conventional controls with stability augmentation in the yaw and roll axis and a digital fly-by-wire (FBW) system in the pitch axis. The leading-edge slats/flaps and Trailing edge flaps are automatically adjusted during manoeuvring to increase turning performance. The FCS of serial production aircraft reportedly have a digital quadruplex (quad-redundant) FBW system in the pitch axis and a duplex (dual-redundant) FBW system in the roll and yaw axis.

Up to {{convert|3400|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of ordnance, equipment, and fuel can be mounted under the hardpoints, two of which are on the wing-tips, four are under the wings and one is under the fuselage.

File:JF-17 Block 1 cockpit.jpg

The aircraft has three large Multifunction Colour Displays (MFD) and smart Heads-Up Display (HUD) with built-in symbol generation capability. A centre stick is used for pitch and roll control while rudder pedals control yaw. A throttle is located to the left of the pilot. The cockpit incorporates hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls. The pilot sits on a Martin-Baker Mk-16LE zero-zero ejection seat. The cockpit incorporates an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) and a wide-angle, holographic head-up display (HUD), which has a minimum total field of view of 25 degrees. The EFIS comprises three colour multi-function displays, providing basic flight information, tactical information, and information on the engine, fuel, electrical, hydraulics, flight control, and environment control systems. The HUD and MFD can be configured to show any available information. Each MFD is {{cvt|20.3|cm|inch|1}} wide and {{cvt|30.5|cm|inch|1}} tall and is arranged side by side in portrait orientation. The central MFD is placed lowest to accommodate a control panel between it and the HUD.

File:JF-17 cockpit.webp

The avionics software incorporates the concept of open architecture. Instead of the military-optimised Ada programming language, the software is written using the popular C++ programming language, enabling the use of the numerous civilian programmers available.{{citation|title=Stuck in Sichuan: Pakistani JF-17 Program Grounded? No|date=January 2007|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/stuck-in-sichuan-pakistani-jf17-program-grounded-02984/|work=Defense Industry Daily|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020051016/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/stuck-in-sichuan-pakistani-jf17-program-grounded-02984/|archive-date=20 October 2013|url-status=live}} The aircraft also includes a health and usage monitoring system, and automatic test equipment.{{cite web|url=http://www.teradyne.com/atd/resource/docs/spectrum/spectrum_9100-series/ds_S9100_090905.pdf |title=8011-Ai760Datasheet.qxd |access-date=21 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407021927/http://www.teradyne.com/atd/resource/docs/spectrum/spectrum_9100-series/ds_S9100_090905.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2012}}{{Dubious|date=May 2021}}

The JF-17 has a defensive aids system (DAS) composed of various integrated sub-systems. A radar warning receiver (RWR) provides data such as direction and proximity of enemy radars, and an electronic warfare (EW) suite housed in a fairing at the tip of the tail fin interferes with enemy radars. The EW suite is also linked to a Missile Approach Warning (MAW) system to defend against radar-guided missiles. The MAW system uses several optical sensors across the airframe to detect the rocket motors of missiles across a 360-degree coverage.{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}} Data from the MAW system, such as direction of inbound missiles and the time to impact, is shown on cockpit displays and the HUD. A countermeasures dispensing system releases decoy flares and chaff to help evade hostile radar and missiles. The DAS systems will also be enhanced by integration of a self-protection radar-jamming pod that will be carried externally on a hardpoint.

The first forty-two PAF production aircraft are equipped with the NRIET KLJ-7 radar,{{citation |date=23 March 2007 |title=JF-17 Arrived in Pakistan |work=Air Forces Monthly |publisher=MILAVIA.net |url=http://www.milavia.net/news/2007/jf-17-arrived-in-pakistan.html |access-date=31 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218082338/http://www.milavia.net/news/2007/jf-17-arrived-in-pakistan.html |archive-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=live }}{{citation |title=KLJ-7/10 Fire Control Radar (FCR) (China), Airborne radar systems |work=Jane's Avionics |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=19 January 2009 |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/KLJ-710-Fire-Control-Radar-FCR-China.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002180132/http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/KLJ-710-Fire-Control-Radar-FCR-China.html | archive-date=2 October 2010}} a variant of the KLJ-10 radar developed by China's Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET) and also used on the Chengdu J-10. Multiple modes can manage the surveillance and engagement of up to forty air, ground, and sea targets; the track-while-scan mode can track up to ten targets at BVR and can engage two simultaneously with radar-homing AAMs. The operation range for targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of {{Convert|5|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} is stated to be ≥ {{Convert|105|km|miles|abbr=on}} in look-up mode and ≥ {{Convert|85|km|miles|abbr=on}} in look-down mode.{{citation |title=China's NRIET outlines fighter radar improvements |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-2008/China-s-NRIET-outlines-fighter-radar-improvements.html |access-date=6 August 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820152019/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-2008/China-s-NRIET-outlines-fighter-radar-improvements.html | archive-date=20 August 2012 }} A forward looking infrared (FLIR) pod for low-level navigation and infra-red search and track (IRST) system for passive targeting can also be integrated; the JF-17 Block 2 is believed to incorporate an IRST.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} In April 2016, Air Marshal Muhammad Ashfaque Arain said that, "JF-17 needs a targeting pod, as the jets' usefulness in current operations was limited due to lack of precision targeting. To fulfill this gap the Air Force was interested in buying the Thales-made Damocles, a third-generation targeting pod; which was a priority."{{cite news|date=7 April 2016|title=Interview: Pakistan wants air force upgrade for prolonged militant fight|newspaper=Reuters|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/pakistan-airforce-militants-idINKCN0X418O|url-status=dead|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420160318/http://in.reuters.com/article/pakistan-airforce-militants-idINKCN0X418O|archive-date=20 April 2016}} In 2017, Aselsans ASELPOD was tested and successfully integrated with the JF-17 and Pakistan has subsequently purchased at least eight targeting pods from Aselsan.{{cite web|title=JF-17 Tests Turkish Targeting Pod|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/195015/pakistan-tests-aselsan-targeting-pod-on-jf_17-fighter.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235159/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/195015/pakistan-tests-aselsan-targeting-pod-on-jf_17-fighter.html|archive-date=6 December 2018|access-date=6 December 2018|website=defense-aerospace.com}} This integration has significantly enhanced the JF-17 platform's ability to launch precision strikes.

A helmet-mounted sight (HMS) developed by Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre of AVIC was developed in parallel with the JF-17; it was first tested on Prototype 04 in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://jczs.news.sina.com.cn/p/2006-09-01/1123394592.html|title=图文：枭龙04飞行员新头盔_新浪军事_新浪网|work=sina.com.cn|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101520/http://jczs.news.sina.com.cn/p/2006-09-01/1123394592.html|archive-date=11 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.219/pub_detail.asp |title=International Assessment and Strategy Center > Research > October Surprises in Chinese Aerospace |publisher=Strategycenter.net |date=30 December 2009 |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813161423/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.219/pub_detail.asp |archive-date=13 August 2015 }} It was dubbed as EO HMS, (Electro-Optical Helmet Mounted Sight) and was first revealed to the public in 2008 at the 7th Zhuhai Airshow, where a partial mock-up was on display.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}} The HMS tracks the pilot's head and eye movements to guide missiles towards the pilot's visual target.{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}} An externally carried day/night laser designator targeting pod may be integrated with the avionics to guide laser-guided bombs (LGBs). An extra hardpoint may be added under the starboard air intake, opposite the cannon, for such pods. To reduce the numbers of targeting pods required, the aircraft's tactical data link can transmit target data to other aircraft not equipped with targeting pods.{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}} The communication systems comprise two VHF/UHF radios; the VHF radio has the capacity for data linking for communication with ground control centers, airborne early warning and control aircraft and combat aircraft with compatible data links for network-centric warfare, and improved situation awareness.{{cite web|title=VHF air-ground Digital Link |url=http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/301800_301899/30184101/01.03.01_40/en_30184101v010301o.pdf |publisher=etsi.org |access-date=5 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206100741/http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/301800_301899/30184101/01.03.01_40/en_30184101v010301o.pdf |archive-date=6 December 2013 }} The aircraft uses RLGs along with GPS for navigation. The aircraft is equipped with an IFF Transponder which allows it to differentiate between friendly aircraft and enemy aircraft. The ACMI aids in aerial combat for maneuvering.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

The first two blocks of JF-17 is powered by a single Russian RD-93 turbofan engine, which is a variant of the Klimov RD-33 engine used on the MiG-29 fighter. The engine gives more thrust and significantly lower specific fuel consumption than turbojet engines fitted to older combat aircraft being replaced by the JF-17. The advantages of using a single engine are a reduction in maintenance time and cost when compared to twin-engined fighters. A thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.99 can be achieved with full internal fuel tanks and no external payload. The engine's air supply is provided by two bifurcated air inlets (see airframe section).[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/stuck-in-sichuan-pakistani-jf17-program-grounded-02984/ "Pakistan & China's JF-17 Fighter Program."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020051016/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/stuck-in-sichuan-pakistani-jf17-program-grounded-02984/ |date=20 October 2013 }} Defense Industry Daily, 14 November 2011

The RD-93 is known to produce smoke trails. The Guizhou Aero Engine Group has been developing a new turbofan engine, the WS-13 Taishan, since 2000 to replace the RD-93. It is based on the RD-33 and incorporates new technologies to boost performance and reliability. A thrust output of {{Convert|80 to 86.36|kN|lb-f|abbr=on}}, a lifespan of 2,200 hours, and a thrust-to-weight ratio of 8.7 are expected. An improved version of the WS-13, developing a thrust of around {{Convert|100|kN|lb-f|abbr=on}} (22,450 lb), is also reportedly under development.{{cite web|url=http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.219/pub_detail.asp |title=October Surprises in Chinese Aerospace |publisher=International Assessment and Strategy Center |date=30 December 2009 |first=Richard Jr. |last=Fisher |access-date=25 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813161423/http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.219/pub_detail.asp |archive-date=13 August 2015 }} During the 2015 Paris Air Show, it was announced that flight testing of a JF-17 equipped with the WS-13 engine had begun.{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/52308/paris-air-show-2015-jf-17-fighter-flying-with-indigenous-chinese-turbofan|title=Paris Air Show 2015: JF-17 fighter flying with indigenous Chinese turbofan|work=Jane's|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421064512/http://www.janes.com/article/52308/paris-air-show-2015-jf-17-fighter-flying-with-indigenous-chinese-turbofan|archive-date=21 April 2016|url-status=live}} In 2015, a representative of PAC said that Pakistan would continue to use the RD-93 engine on their fighters.{{cite news |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/11/pakistan-to-stick-with-russian-engine-for-jf-17-fighter-jet/ |title=Pakistan to Stick With Russian Engine for JF-17 Fighter Jet |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |date=25 November 2015 |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=IHS |access-date=24 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125095855/https://thediplomat.com/2015/11/pakistan-to-stick-with-russian-engine-for-jf-17-fighter-jet/ |archive-date=25 November 2015 |url-status=live }} Local media reports in January 2016 said that Russia was planning to sell engines for JF-17 directly to Pakistan.{{citation|title=Moscow makes a move when US loosens the noose|date=25 January 2016|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1033922/moscow-makes-a-move-when-us-loosens-the-noose/|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204051408/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1033922/moscow-makes-a-move-when-us-loosens-the-noose/|archive-date=4 February 2016|url-status=live}} According to a PAC representative, Pakistan is looking to collaborate with Russia in developing and repairing engines.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

The fuel system comprises internal fuel tanks located in the wings and fuselage with a capacity of {{Convert|2330|kg|lb|abbr=on}}; they are refuelled through a single point pressure refuelling system (see turbine fuel systems). Internal fuel storage can be supplemented by external fuel tanks. One {{convert|800|litre|impgal|adj=on}} drop tank can be mounted on the aircraft's centerline hard point under the fuselage and two 800-litre or {{convert|1110|litre|impgal|adj=on}} drop tanks can be mounted on the two inboard under-wing hardpoints. The fuel system is compatible with in-flight refueling (IFR), allowing tanker aircraft to refuel inflight, and increasing its range and loitering time significantly. All production aircraft for the PAF are to be fitted with IFR probes.{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}} In June 2013, PAF Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt said ground tests on the JF-17's refueling probes had been successfully completed and the first mid-air refuelling operations would commence that summer.{{cite journal|last=Bokhari|first=Farhan|title=Pakistani JF-17 to start mid-air refuelling by end of summer|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=10 June 2013|url=http://www.janes.com/article/13613/pakistani-jf-17-to-start-mid-air-refuelling-by-end-of-summer|access-date=21 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107021555/http://www.janes.com/article/13613/pakistani-jf-17-to-start-mid-air-refuelling-by-end-of-summer | archive-date=7 November 2013 }}

File:JF-17 Thunder (4826622777).jpg

File:Pakistan Air Force, 12-139, Chengdu JF-17 Thunder (49579395248).jpg

The JF-17 can be armed with up to {{convert|3400|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, and other equipment mounted externally on the aircraft's seven hardpoints. One hardpoint is located under the fuselage between the main landing gear, two are underneath each wing, and one is at each wing-tip. All seven hardpoints communicate via a MIL-STD-1760 data-bus architecture with the Stores Management System, which is stated to be capable of integration with weaponry of any origin.{{citation|first=Usman |last=Ansari |title=Pakistan Surmounts Sanctions To Revive Airpower |work=Defense News |date=9 February 2009 |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3938427 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230020953/http://theasiandefence.blogspot.com/2009/02/pakistan-surmounts-western-sanctions-to.html |archive-date=30 December 2014 }} Internal armament comprises one {{Convert|23|mm|inch|abbr=on}} GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon mounted under the port side air intake, which can be replaced with a {{Convert|30|mm|inch|abbr=on}} GSh-30-2 twin-barrel cannon.{{cite web|url=http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/fc-1/fc-1_specs.htm|title=MILAVIA Aircraft – Chengdu FC-1/JF-17 Thunder Specifications|first=Niels | last = Hillebrand|work=milavia.net|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031225/http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/fc-1/fc-1_specs.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}

The wing-tip hard-points are typically occupied by short range infra-red homing AAMs. Many combinations of ordnance and equipment such as targeting pods can be carried on the under-wing and under-fuselage hard-points. Underwing hard-points can be fitted with multiple ejector racks, allowing each hard-point to carry two {{Convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} unguided bombs or LGBs{{mdash}}Mk.82 or GBU-12.{{Self-published inline|certain=y|date=July 2021}} Active radar homing BVR AAMs can be integrated with the radar and data-link for mid-course updates. The aircraft can carry the PL-12/SD-10 along with the PL-5E and PL-9C Short range, infra-red homing missiles. The more advanced PL-10E High-Off Bore Sight missiles were integrated into the aircraft in April 2021, operated Within Visual Range using the HMD/S. With the Block 3 variant of the JF-17, the ability to fit and operate the PL-15E, the most advanced BVR missile developed by China for export with a claimed operating range of 145 km, is also integrated.{{cite web |title=Pakistan's Production of Latest JF-17 Block 3 Variant Reaches 30 Units |url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistans-production-of-latest-jf-17-block-3-fighter-jets-nears-30-units-2/ |publisher=Defence Security Asia |date=19 October 2024}}

Unguided air-to-ground weaponry includes rocket pods, gravity bombs and Matra Durandal anti-runway munitions. Precision-guided munitions such as LGBs and satellite-guided bombs are also compatible with the JF-17, as are other guided weapons such as anti-ship missiles and anti-radiation missiles. Pakistan planned to bring the Brazilian MAR-1 anti-radiation missile into service on its JF-17 fleet in 2014.{{cite journal|last=Hewson|first=Robert|date=17 April 2013|title=Mectron's MAR-1 to be operational in Pakistan next year|url=http://www.janes.com/article/12017/mectron-s-mar-1-to-be-operational-in-pakistan-next-year|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928072717/http://www.janes.com/article/12017/mectron-s-mar-1-to-be-operational-in-pakistan-next-year|archive-date=28 September 2013|access-date=26 September 2013}}

Small batch production of the single-seat, single-engine JF-17s began in China in June 2006. The first two small-batch-produced aircraft were delivered on 2 March 2007 and first flew in Pakistan on 10 March.{{cite web|url=http://archive.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=6854&Cat=13&dt=3/21/2007 |title=JF-17 engine row resolved: Air chief |work=The News International |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901221604/http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=6854 |archive-date = 1 September 2007}} They took part in an aerial display on 23 March 2007 as part of the Pakistan Day Joint Services Parade in Islamabad.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=6815 |title=PAF to seek more Chinese aircraft, says air chief |work=The News International |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509043607/http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=6815 |archive-date = 9 May 2008}}[http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?172945 JF-17 Thunder main focus of attention at Pak Day fly-past] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200857/http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?172945 |date=27 September 2007 }}. Pak Tribune, 24 March 2007. Another six small-batch-produced aircraft were delivered by March 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\03\15\story_15-3-2008_pg7_6 |title=Six more JF-17 Thunder fighter jets inducted into PAF |date=15 March 2008 |work=Daily Times |access-date=21 March 2010

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118100559/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C03%5C15%5Cstory_15-3-2008_pg7_6 | archive-date=18 January 2012 }} These were extensively flight-tested and evaluated by the PAF.{{cite web |url=http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70263&Itemid=1 |title=PAF to start serial production of JF-17 fighter aircraft soon |publisher=App.com.pk |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330212502/http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70263&Itemid=1 |archive-date=30 March 2010}} Two serial production aircraft were delivered from China in 2009 and the first Pakistani-manufactured aircraft was delivered to the PAF in a ceremony on 23 November 2009.{{cite web |url=http://news.rediff.com/interview/2009/nov/23/pak-china-unveil-first-combat-jet.htm |title=Pak, China unveil first JF-17 combat jet |work=Rediff.com |date=23 November 2009 |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301092221/http://news.rediff.com/interview/2009/nov/23/pak-china-unveil-first-combat-jet.htm |archive-date=1 March 2010 |url-status=live }}

On 18 February 2010, the first JF-17 squadron, No. 26 Black Spiders, was officially inducted into the PAF with an initial strength of 14 fighter planes.{{cite web|url=http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96657&Itemid=2 |title=First Squadron of JF-17 Thunder inducted in PAF |publisher=App.com.pk |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222163116/http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96657&Itemid=2 |archive-date=22 December 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/international/2010/February/international_February910.xml§ion=international |title=PAF Inducts First Squadron of JF-17 Thunder Jet |publisher=Khaleejtimes.com |date=19 February 2010 |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513110350/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data%2Finternational%2F2010%2FFebruary%2Finternational_February910.xml§ion=international |archive-date=13 May 2011}} These aircraft first saw service in the anti-terrorist operation in South Waziristan, during which various types of weapons were evaluated.{{cite news|first=Zia |last=Tanouli |language=Urdu |work=Daily Express (Pakistan) |title=جے ایف-١٧ میں باقاعدہ طور پر شامل پی اے ایف |url=http://www.express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20100218/Sub_Images/1100859721-1.gif |access-date=20 February 2010 |quote=(Translated) No.26 Squadron established in Kamra with 14 aircraft initially inducted. According to top PAF sources, fourteen aircraft were evaluated thoroughly with different kinds of weapons during the anti-terror operation in Waziristan. First squadron established in Kamra due to security concerns, will be transferred to Peshawar later. With induction of first JF-17 squadron, the two A-5 squadrons will be grounded today. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924005230/http://www.express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20100218/Sub_Images/1100859721-1.gif |archive-date=24 September 2015 }} They took part in the PAF's High Mark 2010 exercise from 29 April, where they were used by the Blue Force to attack Red Land surface targets with precision air-to-surface weapons.{{cite web|url=http://www.awaztoday.com/News_JF-17-Thunder-comes-of-age-at-High-Mark-drill_1_4855_Political-News.aspx |title=JF-17 Thunder comes of age at High Mark drill |date=29 March 2010 |work=Newspaper article |publisher=Awaz Today |access-date=3 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184851/http://www.awaztoday.com/News_JF-17-Thunder-comes-of-age-at-High-Mark-drill_1_4855_Political-News.aspx |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}{{cite web |url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/feb/18/pak-inducts-jf17-jet-developed-with-china.htm |title=Pakistan inducts JF-17 jets developed with China |work=Rediff.com |date=18 February 2010 |access-date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528235257/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/feb/18/pak-inducts-jf17-jet-developed-with-china.htm |archive-date=28 May 2010 |url-status=live }}

On 11 April 2011, a re-equipment ceremony for No. 26 Black Spiders Squadron took place, during which it was stated that the JF-17 had "revolutionized the PAF's operational concepts". Then Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman reported the re-equipping of No. 26 squadron and the addition of the JF-17 Thunder to the No. 16 Squadron. He also thanked the contribution and support of the Chinese in helping to acquire a technological breakthrough in the shape of the aircraft.{{cite news|url=http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/12-Apr-2011/paf-re-equips-no-26-squadron-with-jf-17-thunder-aircraft |title=PAF re-equips No 26 Squadron with JF-17 thunder aircraft |date=12 April 2011 |newspaper=Daily Times (Pakistan) |access-date=12 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174246/http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/12-Apr-2011/paf-re-equips-no-26-squadron-with-jf-17-thunder-aircraft |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}

During Operation Zarb-e-Azb 2014–2016, JF-17 was deployed frequently to carry out airstrikes against TTP hideouts, killing hundreds of terrorists.{{Cite web |last=AFP |first=Dawn com {{!}} |date=2014-12-19 |title=Top Uzbek commander among 17 terrorists killed in Khyber air strikes |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1151682 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}{{Cite web |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/245286-Operation-ZarbeAzb-30-militants-killed-in-fresh |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=dunyanews.tv |title=Operation Zarb-e-Azb: 30 militants killed in fresh airstrikes in Dattakhel |date=14 February 2008 }}

In September 2015, the No. 2 Squadron tasked with sea strikes was re-equipped with JF-17s replacing the F7s.{{cite web|title=JF-17 Thunder inducted in Multi Role Squadron|url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/pakistan/12-Apr-16/jf-17-thunder-inducted-in-multi-role-squadron|access-date=12 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414020258/http://dailytimes.com.pk/pakistan/12-Apr-16/jf-17-thunder-inducted-in-multi-role-squadron|archive-date=14 April 2016|url-status=live|date=12 April 2016}} The No. 16 Squadron "Black Panthers" has also been equipped with the JF-17.{{cite web|title=JF-17 Block-2 Update from "The Thunder City|url=http://pafwallpapers.com/blog/2015/06/jf-17-block-2-update/|access-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220185954/http://pafwallpapers.com/blog/2015/06/jf-17-block-2-update/|archive-date=20 February 2016|url-status=live}}

On 19 June 2017, it was reported that a JF-17 shot down an Iranian UAV operating in Pakistan's Pangjur District.{{Cite news|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/21-Jun-2017/jf-17-shoots-down-iran-s-spy-drone|title=JF-17 shoots down Iran's spy drone|work=The Nation|access-date=21 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621032625/http://nation.com.pk/national/21-Jun-2017/jf-17-shoots-down-iran-s-spy-drone|archive-date=21 June 2017|url-status=live}}

In February 2019, PAF JF-17s took part in Pakistan's retaliatory airstrikes against India during which two Thunders of the No. 16 Squadron struck Indian ground targets with Mk. 83 REKs.{{cite web|url=https://pakistanpolitico.com/pulwama-two-years-on/|website=PakistanPolitico.com|first= Kaiser | last = Tufail | author-link= Kaiser Tufail |title=Pulwama: Two years on|date=18 February 2021|access-date=3 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208104607/https://pakistanpolitico.com/pulwama-two-years-on/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://defencejournal.com/2019/07/10/pulwama-from-bluster-to-a-whimper/|website=DefenceJournal.com|first= Kaiser | last = Tufail | author-link= Kaiser Tufail |title=Pulwama-From bluster to whimper|date=10 July 2019|access-date=3 December 2022|archive-date=28 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028163732/https://defencejournal.com/2019/07/10/pulwama-from-bluster-to-a-whimper/|url-status=live}} According to reports,{{Cite web |last=Lennon |first=Brad |date=2019-03-04 |title=Crisis may be easing, but nuclear threat still hangs over India and Pakistan |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/01/asia/india-pakistan-military-balance-intl/index.html |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=CNN |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519161150/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/01/asia/india-pakistan-military-balance-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |title=Has Pakistan's JF-17 'Thunder' Block II Fighter Jet Engaged in its First Dogfight? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/02/has-pakistans-jf-17-thunder-block-ii-fighter-jet-engaged-in-its-first-dogfight/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516080001/https://thediplomat.com/2019/02/has-pakistans-jf-17-thunder-block-ii-fighter-jet-engaged-in-its-first-dogfight |url-status=live }}

As of March 2021, JF-17s are operational in seven fighter squadrons based at five airbases.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/pakistan/pakistan-air-force|title=Orbats|website=www.scramble.nl|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202214748/https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/pakistan/pakistan-air-force|url-status=live}}

File:Pakistan Air Force JF-17 at Paris Air Show 2015.jpg 2015]]

JF-17 has performed at airshows since 2010.{{Cite web |last=Donald |first=David |title=Pakistan's JF-17 thunders onto the Farnborough stage |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2010-07-18/pakistans-jf-17-thunders-farnborough-stage |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Aviation International News |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409062133/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2010-07-18/pakistans-jf-17-thunders-farnborough-stage |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=APP |date=2019-06-24 |title=JF-17 becomes star attraction at Paris Air Show |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1490069 |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516073906/https://www.dawn.com/news/1490069 |url-status=live }} PAF JF-17s have taken part in joint exercises with the Chinese air force since at least 2014.{{Cite web |last=Haider |first=Mateen |date=2014-05-24 |title=Pakistan, China air forces begin joint drills "Shaheen-III" |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1108361 |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516073911/https://www.dawn.com/news/1108361 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2017-09-25 |title=Pak-China joint air force drills continue at China's Korla Air Base |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/159752-pak-china-joint-air-force-drills-continue-at-chinas-korla-air-base |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Geo News |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516073906/https://www.geo.tv/latest/159752-pak-china-joint-air-force-drills-continue-at-chinas-korla-air-base |url-status=live }} In 2021, PAF JF-17s exercised in Anatolian Eagle (alongside Azerbaijani MiG-29s and Su-25s, Qatari Rafales, and Turkish F-16s).{{Cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=2021-07-14 |title=Azerbaijan, Pakistan And Qatar Emiri Air Force Combat Aircraft Stole The Scene At Anatolian Eagle 2021 in Turkey |url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/07/14/anatolian-eagle-2021/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626194057/https://theaviationist.com/2021/07/14/anatolian-eagle-2021/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, PAF JF-17s exercised at "Spears of Victory" at King Abdulaziz Air Base, Saudi Arabia (alongside Saudi Tornados, Typhoons and F-15s, and USAF F-16s).{{Cite web |last=Herk |first=Hans van |title=Spears of Victory 2022 |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/spears-of-victory-2022 |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=www.scramble.nl |date=20 February 2022 |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220162020/https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/spears-of-victory-2022 |url-status=live }}

In March 2023, the first batch of JF-17 Block 3 aircraft were inducted into the PAF.

In January 2024, JF-17s participated in Pakistan's retaliatory airstrikes against Iran during which 9 terrorists of BLA and BLF were killed while inflicting heavy damage to the terror infrastructure present in the Saravan city of Iran.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Ritu |date=2024-01-18 |title=Pakistan's JF-17, J-10C Fighters Conduct Retaliatory Strikes On Iran; Tehran Confirms 7 Killed |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/pakistans-jf-17-j-10c-fighters-conduct-retaliatory-attacks/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}}

During the May 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, the PAF publicly showcased, for the first time, a JF-17 Block 3 fighter aircraft equipped with PL-15 long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs).{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Update: Pakistan shows JF-17 Block III fitted with PL-15 missiles for first time |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/update-pakistan-shows-jf-17-block-iii-fitted-with-pl-15-missiles-for-first-time |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Jane |language=en}} During the conflict, the PAF deployed JF-17s in combat in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/did-pakistan-shoot-down-five-indian-fighter-jets-what-we-know | title=Did Pakistan shoot down five Indian fighter jets? What we know }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1w3dln352vo | title=Kashmir: How China benefited from India-Pakistan hostilities }}{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/09/china/china-military-tech-pakistan-india-conflict-intl-hnk | title=China has spent billions developing military tech. Conflict between India and Pakistan could be its first major test | date=9 May 2025 }} Pakistan claimed that its JF-17 successfully targeted and destroyed an Indian S-400 missile defence system at Adampur Air Force Station on 10 May 2025 using two CM-400AKG long-range supersonic air-to-surface missiles.{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1310766-how-paf-destroyed-india-s-2-s400-air-defence-systems | title=How PAF destroyed India's 2 S400 air defence systems }}{{cite web | url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/first-strike-in-the-hypersonic-era-pakistan-claims-jf-17-launched-cm-400akg-took-out-indias-s-400/ | title=(VIDEO) First Strike in the Hypersonic Era: Pakistan Claims JF-17-Launched CM-400AKG Took Out India's S-400 | date=11 May 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/883212-pak-jf17-thunder-strike-destroys-indian-s400-air-defence-system | title=Pak JF-17 Thunder strike destroys Indian S400 air defence system | date=10 May 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://arynews.tv/jf-17-thunder-destroys-indias-s-400-defence-system-10-05-2025/ | title=Watch: JF-17 Thunder taking off to destroy India's S-400 defence system | date=10 May 2025 }}

However, India's Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the claim, stating that all Indian S-400 squadrons are still functional.{{Cite web |title='Claims of damaging S-400 & BrahMoS missile base false': MEA exposes Pakistan's misinformation campaign|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/claims-of-damaging-s-400-brahmos-missile-base-false-mea-exposes-pakistans-misinformation-campaign/articleshow/121059120.cms|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Times of India|language=en}}

{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's claim of destroying India's S-400 missile systems false: Indian military|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistans-claim-of-destroying-indias-s-400-missile-systems-false-indian-military/article69560019.ece|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Hindu|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=MEA rejects Pakistan's claim of damage to S-400 defence system: 'Malicious misinformation campaign'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-rejects-pakistans-claim-of-damage-to-s-400-defence-system-malicious-misinformation-campaign-101746855611996.html|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=No strike on S-400, airfields or airports; attack on Nankana Sahib: India busts Pakistan's fake machine with facts and firepower|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/operation-sindoor-no-strike-on-s-400-airfields-or-airports-attack-on-nankana-sahib-india-busts-pakistans-fake-machine-with-facts-and-firepower-475713-2025-05-10|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Business Today|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Fact-check: No, Pakistan didn't capture woman IAF pilot or destroy S-400 defence system|url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/fake-news-social-media-pakistan-india-tensions-operation-sindoor-13887234.html|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=First Post|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Defence officials bust fake claims of damage to S400 defence system|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/defence-officials-bust-fake-claims-of-damage-to-s400-defence-system20250510093732/|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=ANI|language=en}} Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab on May 13, 2025, and posed in front of the fully operational S-400 system. His visit served as a clear rebuttal to Pakistan's claims, reinforcing that the missile system was intact and operational.{{Cite news |date=2025-05-13 |title=PM Modi poses in front of S-400 missile system at Adampur Air Base days after Pakistan claimed it was destroyed |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-poses-in-front-of-s-400-missile-system-at-adampur-air-base-days-after-pakistan-claimed-it-was-destroyed/articleshow/121134748.cms |access-date=2025-05-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

{{Cite news |date=2025-05-13 |title=Modi fact-checks Pakistan, visits Adampur, releases video & photo with S-400 in background|url=https://theprint.in/defence/modi-fact-checks-pakistan-visits-adampur-releases-video-photo-with-s-400-in-background/2624167/|access-date=2025-05-13 |work=The Print|language=en}} Indian media, citing satellite imagery shortly after the attack and visuals from PM's visit to the base, refuted Pakistani claims of any damage to the S-400.{{cite news |last1=De |first1=Abhishek |title=With S-400 in backdrop, how PM Modi fact-checked Pakistan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-adampur-airbase-visit-message-importance-pakistan-s400-operation-sindoor-2724041-2025-05-13 |access-date=14 May 2025 |work=India Today |date=13 May 2025 |language=en}} Pakistani media, which initially claimed that the S-400 was destroyed,{{cite news |title=Pakistan destroys India's S-400 air defence system in Adampur |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2545068/pakistan-destroys-indias-s-400-air-defence-system-in-adampur |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Express Tribune |date=10 May 2025 |language=en}} later revised their account and claimed that the PAF had instead targeted the 96L6E Cheese Board radar, one of the units of the combined air defense system.{{Cite web |title=Did Modi inadvertently confirm Pakistan’s S-400 claim? |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2545624/did-modi-inadvertently-confirm-pakistans-s-400-claim |last=Ahmad |first=Zeeshan |date=2025-05-13 |website=The Express Tribune}}

In July 2015, Myanmar ordered 16 Block 2 JF-17s from Pakistan and China for approximately $560 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-06-15/jf-17-myanmar-seen-flying-china|title=JF-17 for Myanmar Seen Flying in China|first=Chen|last=Chuanren|website=Aviation International News}} In late 2015, Myanmar ordered 16 RD-93 spare engines from Russia, which were received in 2018 and 2019.{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=SIPRI Trade Register|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=14 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=live}} On 17 December 2018, Jane's disclosed that the Myanmar Air Force had received the first batch of JF-17s.{{Cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85253/myanmar-shows-off-thunder-fighters |title=Myanmar shows off Thunder fighters |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |access-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217202527/https://www.janes.com/article/85253/myanmar-shows-off-thunder-fighters/ |archive-date=17 December 2018 |url-status=live}} An official Myanmar Air Force video released on Air Force day showcased a number of JF-17s, both on static display and in the air.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRdQ0ctfkHE|title=YouTube|website=YouTube|access-date=21 December 2018|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030023536/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRdQ0ctfkHE|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source?|date=July 2021}} Till date, the Myanmar Air Force has taken delivery of 7 JF-17 Block 2s, including 5 JF-17As and 2 JF-17Bs.{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|title= World Air Forces 2020|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2020|access-date= 16 January 2020|url-access= registration|archive-date= 23 January 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200123170157/https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|url-status= live}}

In May 2022, a Pakistan Air Force cargo plane supplied spare parts for the JF-17s of the Myanmar Air Force. In June 2022, it was reported that a team of 15 Pakistan Air Force personnel were scheduled to visit Meiktila Air Force Base in Myanmar to provide technical support for the Myanmar Air Force JF-17s, including setting up of a JF-17 simulator at Meiktila Air Base to train pilots of the Myanmar Air Force and to address technical issues relating to JF-17s that Myanmar Air Force was facing. It was also reported that Myanmar was in talks with Pakistan for the supply of air-to-ground missiles for its JF-17s.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-provides-key-support-to-boost-myanmar-air-force/articleshow/91993510.cms?from=mdr|title=Pakistan provides key support to boost Myanmar Air Force|first=Dipanjan Roy|last=Chaudhury|newspaper=The Economic Times |date=4 June 2022}}

File:Nigerian JF-17 fighter aircraft.png JF-17A Block 2]]

In December 2014, during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi, Nigeria was reportedly buying between 25 and 40 JF-17s from Pakistan. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) chief Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu had visited Pakistan earlier in October 2014.{{cite web|title=IDEAS 2014: Nigeria 'close to signing up' for JF-17 |url=http://www.janes.com/article/46579/ideas-2014-nigeria-close-to-signing-up-for-jf-17 |date=2 December 2014 |work=Farhan Bokhari |publisher=Janes |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226110403/http://www.janes.com/article/46579/ideas-2014-nigeria-close-to-signing-up-for-jf-17 |archive-date=26 December 2014 }} Nigeria became the second customer in 2016 by placing an order for three planes. However, as the news reports value the deal at US$25 million, it is not clear if the item is misreported.{{cite news|title=Nigeria to become first JF-17 export operator|url=http://www.janes.com/article/57080/nigeria-to-become-first-jf-17-export-operator|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128011517/http://www.janes.com/article/57080/nigeria-to-become-first-jf-17-export-operator|archive-date=28 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=FG to spend N65bn on warplanes, weapons, others|url=http://www.punchng.com/fg-to-spend-n65bn-on-warplanes-weapons-others/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106072634/http://www.punchng.com/fg-to-spend-n65bn-on-warplanes-weapons-others/|archive-date=6 January 2016}} A June 2016 article in Jane's re-affirmed NAF budget for 3 JF-17, 10 Super Mushshak, and 2 Mi-35M aircraft in 2016.{{cite news|title=Nigeria waiting for US to approve Super Tucano sale|url=http://www.janes.com/article/61029/nigeria-waiting-for-us-to-approve-super-tucano-sale|access-date=8 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608130937/http://www.janes.com/article/61029/nigeria-waiting-for-us-to-approve-super-tucano-sale|archive-date=8 June 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Nigeria to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan; Turkey to buy Super|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/nigeria-buy-jf-17-thunder-fighter-aircraft-pakistan-turkey-buy-super-mushshak-694030|date=17 September 2016|access-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105094423/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/nigeria-buy-jf-17-thunder-fighter-aircraft-pakistan-turkey-buy-super-mushshak-694030|archive-date=5 November 2016|url-status=live}} With a confirmation from the Nigerian Air Force shortly after.{{cite news|url=http://quwa.org/2017/01/04/official-2016-nigerian-budget-confirms-jf-17-order/|title=Official 2016 Nigerian Budget Confirms JF-17 Order|last1=Khan|first1=Bilal|date=4 January 2017|work=quwa.org|access-date=30 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510134827/http://quwa.org/2017/01/04/official-2016-nigerian-budget-confirms-jf-17-order/|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=live}}

In October 2018 Pakistan approved of the sale and local Nigerian production of three JF-17s for US$184.3 million. The aircraft are rumored to be of a later version than the initially agreed sale, providing more advanced systems.{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |title=Pakistan approves Nigerian JF-17 production |url=https://www.janes.com/article/84043/pakistan-approves-nigerian-jf-17-production |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025144735/https://www.janes.com/article/84043/pakistan-approves-nigerian-jf-17-production |archive-date=25 October 2018 |location=London |date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Jamal |first1=Sana |title=Pakistan to sell three JF-17s to Nigeria for $184.3m |url=https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/pakistan-to-sell-three-jf-17s-to-nigeria-for-184-3m-1.2294035 |website=Gulf News |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026143150/https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/pakistan-to-sell-three-jf-17s-to-nigeria-for-184-3m-1.2294035 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |location=Islamabad |date=26 October 2018 |url-status=live}}

On 30 December 2020, the PAC rolled out three JF-17A Block 2s for NAF,{{Cite web |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28266/JF_17_Thunder_Jets_Spotted_in_Nigerian_AF_Colors__Ready_for_Delivery |title=JF-17 Thunder Jets Spotted in Nigerian AF Colors, Ready for Delivery |work=defenceworld.net |date=7 November 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204082056/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28266/JF_17_Thunder_Jets_Spotted_in_Nigerian_AF_Colors__Ready_for_Delivery |url-status=live }} which were delivered to Makurdi Air Base in Nigeria in March 2021 aboard PAF Ilyushin Il-78MP freighters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29198/First_of_3_Pakistani_JF_17_Jets_Arrive_in_Nigeria#.YFxkX68zaUk|title=First of 3 Pakistani JF-17 Jets Arrive in Nigeria|website=www.defenseworld.net|date=24 March 2021|access-date=25 March 2021|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325024056/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29198/First_of_3_Pakistani_JF_17_Jets_Arrive_in_Nigeria#.YFxkX68zaUk|url-status=live}} Nigeria formally inducted the three JF-17s into its air force on 21 May 2021.

NAF may order 35-40 more JF-17s if the aircraft meets its requirements.{{Cite web|title=JF-17 Thunder Jets Spotted in Nigerian AF Colors, Ready for Delivery|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28266/JF_17_Thunder_Jets_Spotted_in_Nigerian_AF_Colors__Ready_for_Delivery|access-date=2021-03-22|website=www.defenseworld.net|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204082056/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28266/JF_17_Thunder_Jets_Spotted_in_Nigerian_AF_Colors__Ready_for_Delivery|url-status=live}}

In January 2023, the NAF Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, confirmed that NAF JF-17s have seen military action in anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations in Nigeria.

In January 2008, Azerbaijan engaged in talks with Pakistan over JF-17's possible sale to Azerbaijan.{{Cite web |url=https://apa.az/en/azerbaijan-army-azerbaijani-armed-forces/-43234 |title=Azerbaijan to buy JF-17 {{sic|aircra|fts|nolink=y}} from Pakistan |date=29 January 2008 |access-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210111145843/https://apa.az/en/azerbaijan-army-azerbaijani-armed-forces/-43234 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |work=Azeri Press Agency |language=en |url-status=live }} In 2015, the Azerbaijani Air Forces negotiated with China for several dozen JF-17s worth approximately {{USD|16 to 18 million}} each.{{Citation|title=China supplies FC-1 multipurpose fighters to Azerbaijan|url=http://news.am/eng/news/8954.html|newspaper=News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402124131/http://news.am/eng/news/8954.html|place=AM|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}} In 2018, Pakistani Armed Forces actively discussed military and defence cooperation with Azerbaijan, culminating in the latter expressing an interest in purchasing the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.{{Cite web |first=Shahid |last=Hussain |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/pakistan-and-azerbaijan-deepening-a-mutually-beneficial-relationship/ |title=Pakistan and Azerbaijan: Deepening a Mutually Beneficial Relationship |date=19 May 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200519204003/https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/pakistan-and-azerbaijan-deepening-a-mutually-beneficial-relationship/ |archive-date=19 May 2020 |work=The Diplomat |language=en |url-status=live }} In December 2018, Turan, an independent Azerbaijani news agency, reported that the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan on the purchase of JF-17 Block 2 combat aircraft was coming to the end.{{Cite web |url=https://www.turan.az/ext/news/2018/12/free/politics%20news/en/77072.htm |title=Azerbaijan to buy JF-17 Blok II combat aircraft from Pakistan |date=1 December 2018 |access-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200930213442/http://www.turan.az/ext/news/2018/12/free/politics%20news/en/77072.htm |archive-date=30 September 2020 |work=Turan Information Agency |language=en |url-status=live }} In December 2019, Azerbaijan, eyeing military cooperation with Pakistan, expressed its interest in purchasing JF-17 Thunder fighter bomber aircraft.{{Cite web |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/159334.html |title=Azerbaijan, Pakistan eye military cooperation |date=10 December 2019 |access-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210111151150/https://www.azernews.az/nation/159334.html |archive-date=11 January 2021 |work=AzerNews |language=en |url-status=live }}

On 22 February 2024, it was reported that Azerbaijan had signed a contract worth US$1.6 billion with Pakistan for the purchase of an unspecified number of JF-17 Block 3 multi-role combat aircraft for the Azerbaijani Air Forces including aircraft, training, and ordnance.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Pakistan signs largest ever fighter jet sale deal with Azerbaijan |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/222206.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Azernews.Az |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=AzeMedia |date=2024-02-22 |title=Pakistan has signed the largest deal in history with Azerbaijan for the sale of fighter jets |url=https://aze.media/pakistan-has-signed-the-largest-deal-in-history-with-azerbaijan-for-the-sale-of-fighter-jets/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Aze.Media |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=https://pakobserver.net/pakistan-seals-1-6-billion-deal-with-azerbaijan-to-sell-jf-17-fighter-jets/|title=Pakistan seals $1.6 billion deal with Azerbaijan to sell JF-17 fighter jets|date=22 February 2024}}

On 25 September 2024, Azerbaijani state media reported that the JF-17 Block 3 was showcased to the President of Azerbaijan on the sidelines of 2024 Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (AIDEX).{{Cite news |date=25 September 2024 |title=JF-17C multirole aircrafts presented to President Ilham Aliyev |url=https://azertag.az/en/xeber/jf_17c_multirole_aircrafts_presented_to_president_ilham_aliyev-3196886 |work=Azertac}}

On 6 June 2025, the Government of Pakistan, through its official X account, announced that it had secured a contract for the supply of 40 JF-17C Block 3 aircraft from Azerbaijan for $4.6 billion, which builds on an initial agreement signed between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in February 2024, valued at $1.6 billion, for an unspecified number of JF-17C Block 3 fighter jets, alongside training and armaments.https://www.aeronewsjournal.com/2025/06/jf-17-thunder-breakthrough-azerbaijan.htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2025/06/08/how-armenia-might-respond-to-azerbaijans-jf-17-fighter-acquisition/https://defence-industry.eu/azerbaijan-signs-record-4-6-billion-deal-for-40-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-from-pakistan/https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/azerbaijan-expands-jf-17-fighter-jet-order-to-40-units-in-46b-defense-deal-3202511https://www.turdef.com/article/pakistan-confirms-inking-of-deal-with-azerbaijan-for-jf-17

• Bangladesh {{mdash}} In January 2025, Bangladesh announced an interest in purchasing the JF-17 Block 3.{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2522416/bangladesh-shows-interest-in-jf-17 | title=Bangladesh shows interest in JF-17 | date=15 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://arynews.tv/bangladesh-army-delegation-meets-pakistan-air-chief-expresses-interest-in-jf-17/ | title=Bangladesh army delegation meets Pakistan Air Chief, expresses interest in JF-17 | date=15 January 2025 }}
• Iraq {{mdash}} Iraq had been initially interested in acquiring the JF-17 fighter aircraft to modernize its airforce since 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-09 |title=Unexpected turn: Pakistani JF-17s replace Iraq's aging F-16 fleet |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/07/09/unexpected-turn-pakistani-jf-17s-replace-iraqs-aging-f-16-fleet/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Iddon |first=Paul |title=Iraq Might Buy Pakistan's JF-17 Fighter Or France's Rafale, Or Both |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2023/07/10/iraq-might-buy-pakistans-jf-17-fighter-or-frances-rafale-or-both/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Forbes |language=en}} After initially acquiring a batch of 12 PAC MFI-17 Mushshak trainer aircraft in the same year, Iraq signed a contract with Pakistan to buy 12 additional Mushshak trainers as well as 12 JF-17 Block III fighters at a deal costing around US$1.8 billion according to inside sources. The deal was signed between Pakistan's Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Zaheer Ahmed Babar and the Secretary General of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood and Lieutenant General Shahab Jahid Ali representing Iraq in the final discussions on the deal at the Ministry of Defense at Baghdad. After the finalization of the deal, Iraq has become the fourth nation to field the fighter aircraft after prior deals with Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/pakistans-jf-17-thunder-bags-another-fighter/#:~:text=The%20agreement%20was%20inked%20during,of%20the%20Iraqi%20Defense%20Ministry.|title=Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Bags Another Fighter Deal, Media Says; India's LCA Tejas Banks On Massive IAF Contract|first=Ritu|last=Sharma|date=12 May 2024|publisher=EurAsian Times|access-date=13 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://propakistani.pk/2024/05/13/pakistan-to-provide-12-jf-17s-to-iraq-in-landmark-deal/|title=Pakistan to Provide 12 JF-17s to Iraq in Landmark Deal|first=Sher|last=Alam|publisher=ProPakistani|date=13 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2024}}

• Other countries {{mdash}} Other countries including Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait,{{Cite web|last=Khan|first=Bilal|date=7 August 2016|title=Pakistan offers JF-17 & Super Mushshak to Kuwait|url=https://quwa.org/2016/08/07/pakistan-offers-jf-17-super-mushshak-kuwait/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422190117/https://quwa.org/2016/08/07/pakistan-offers-jf-17-super-mushshak-kuwait/|archive-date=22 April 2020|website=Quwa - Defence News & Analysis}} Peru,{{Cite web|title=Here's Why Pakistan's JF-17 Is A Viable Alternative To The American F-16|url=https://wonderfulengineering.com/heres-why-pakistans-jf-17-is-a-viable-alternative-to-the-american-f-16/|website=Wonderful Engineering|date=21 March 2019|quote=As of right now, Saudi Arabia, Albania, Morocco, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Oman, Lebanon, Argentina, Algeria, Jordan, and Peru are evaluating the JF-17 Block III|access-date=23 July 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723081234/https://wonderfulengineering.com/heres-why-pakistans-jf-17-is-a-viable-alternative-to-the-american-f-16/|url-status=live}} South Africa,{{Cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|title=Pakistan, South Africa sign agreements to increase defense cooperation|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1323145|website=Dawn|date=27 March 2017|access-date=2 May 2020|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030023533/https://www.dawn.com/news/1323145|url-status=live}} Uruguay,{{Cite web |last=Demerly |first=Tom |date=2017-11-09 |title=Shopping for Fighters: Is the Chinese/Pakistani JF-17 Thunder the Real "Joint Strike Fighter"? |url=https://theaviationist.com/2017/11/09/shopping-for-fighters-is-the-chinesepakistani-jf-17-thunder-the-real-joint-strike-fighter/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}} and Venezuela{{Cite web |last=Gady |first=Franz-Stefan |title=Confirmed: Sino-Pak JF-17 Fighter Jet Has its First Buyer |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/06/confirmed-sino-pak-jf-17-fighter-jet-has-its-first-buyer/#:~:text=Numerous%20air%20forces%20are%20toying,the%20Philippines,%20Venezuela%20and%20Zimbabwe. |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}} have shown interest in the JF-17.{{cite news|date=15 March 2008|title=PAF gets six JF-17 Thunder aircraft|work=Dawn|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/293840/paf-gets-six-jf-17-thunder-aircraft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810045150/http://www.dawn.com/news/293840/paf-gets-six-jf-17-thunder-aircraft|archive-date=10 August 2014}}

• Argentina {{mdash}} At the 2013 Paris Air Show, officials from Argentine aerospace conglomerate Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) revealed that the firm had held multiple discussions with Chinese officials over a potential co-production of the FC-1/JF-17, for the Argentine Air Force (FAA); this was regarded as the first formal effort by Argentina to possibly procure, or co-produce the aircraft.{{cite web |author-first1=Richard D |author-last1=Fisher Jr|date=23 June 2013|url=http://www.janes.com/article/23497/argentine-officials-confirm-joint-production-talks-over-china-s-fc-1-fighter |title=Argentine officials confirm joint-production talks over China's FC-1 fighter - IHS Jane's 360 |website=www.janes.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106081623/http://www.janes.com/article/23497/argentine-officials-confirm-joint-production-talks-over-china-s-fc-1-fighter |archive-date=6 November 2013 }} FAdeA officials said that the co-produced FC-1 could be classified as the "Pulqui-III", with regard to FAdeA's Pulqui-II fighter.{{cite news|author-first1=Richard D |author-last1=Fisher Jr|date=23 June 2013|title=Argentine officials confirm joint-production talks over China's FC-1 fighter|newspaper=Jane's|url=http://www.janes.com/article/23497/argentine-officials-confirm-joint-production-talks-over-china-s-fc-1-fighter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106081623/http://www.janes.com/article/23497/argentine-officials-confirm-joint-production-talks-over-china-s-fc-1-fighter|archive-date=6 November 2013}}

:In 2015, following a three-day visit by Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to China, Argentina announced that it would consider purchasing around 20 JF-17s from CAIG; however the deal did not materialize.{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/12186/China_To_Supply_20_Thunder_Fighter_Jets_To_Argentina#.VOJbj_7P3IU |title=China to Supply 20 Thunder Fighter Jets to Argentina |website=www.defenseworld.net |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216210452/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/12186/China_To_Supply_20_Thunder_Fighter_Jets_To_Argentina#.VOJbj_7P3IU |archive-date=16 February 2015 }}{{cite web|publisher=Nikkei|title=Argentina turns to China for arms supply|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Argentina-turns-to-China-for-arms-supply|access-date=2022-03-01|date=2015-04-09|first=Kamilia|last=Lahrichi|archive-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210140006/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Argentina-turns-to-China-for-arms-supply|url-status=live}}

:The primary reason for Argentine interest was reportedly the aircraft's lesser requirement for parts of British origin, as the United Kingdom had barred any sale of military equipment consisting of British-manufactured parts to Argentina since the 1982 Falklands War.{{Cite web|url = https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2021/09/28/could-britain-stop-argentina-from-buying-the-jf-17-warplane/|title = Could Britain stop Argentina from buying the JF-17 warplane?|date = 28 September 2021|access-date = 11 January 2022|archive-date = 30 September 2021|archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20210930015257/https://www.defensenews.com/global/the%2Damericas/2021/09/28/could%2Dbritain%2Dstop%2Dargentina%2Dfrom%2Dbuying%2Dthe%2Djf%2D17%2Dwarplane/|url-status = live}}{{cite web |url=https://aircosmosinternational.com/article/no-kai-fa-50-for-argentina-under-the-post-1982-embargo-2970 |title=No KAI FA-50 for Argentina under the post-1982 embargo |website=aircosmosinternational.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129073505/https://aircosmosinternational.com/article/no-kai-fa-50-for-argentina-under-the-post-1982-embargo-2970 |archive-date=2020-11-29}} Likewise, Argentina's earlier efforts to procure other aircraft, namely, the Mirage F1M, the IAI Kfir, the JAS 39 Gripen and the KAI FA-50 were scuttled due to diplomatic pressure from the United Kingdom, given the aforementioned aircraft were found to contain British-origin parts.{{cite web|title=UK shoots down Argentine FA-50 deal|publisher=Flightglobal|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/uk-shoots-down-argentine-fa-50-deal/140925.article|date=2020-11-03|access-date=2022-03-01|first=Greg|last=Waldron|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509165523/https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/uk-shoots-down-argentine-fa-50-deal/140925.article|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Argentina's purchase of Korean fighters falls through: UK's arms embargo|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2021/06/23/argentina-s-purchase-of-korean-fighters-falls-through-uk-s-arms-embargo|access-date=2022-03-01|date=2021-06-21|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111121032/https://en.mercopress.com/2021/06/23/argentina-s-purchase-of-korean-fighters-falls-through-uk-s-arms-embargo|url-status=live}}

:In September 2021, the Argentine government presented a draft budget for the fiscal year of 2022, which contained a request of USD $664 million for the acquisition of future fighter aircraft for the FAA.{{Cite web |last=Dubois |first=Gastón |date=2021-09-21 |title=The Argentine Ministry of Defense clarifies about the JF-17 Thunder |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2021/09/the-argentine-ministry-of-defense-clarifies-about-the-jf-17-thunder/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Aviacionline.com |language=es |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111015136/https://www.aviacionline.com/2021/09/the-argentine-ministry-of-defense-clarifies-about-the-jf-17-thunder/ |url-status=live }} However, multiple media outlets misinterpreted this action, erroneously reporting that the request for funds were for acquiring the JF-17 Block-III.{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/09/22/argentina-hasnt-selected-jf-17-fighter-govt-clarifies-budget-request.html|title=Argentina hasn't selected JF-17 fighter? Govt clarifies budget request|website=The Week |access-date=2022-03-01|date=2021-09-22|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111015142/https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/09/22/argentina-hasnt-selected-jf-17-fighter-govt-clarifies-budget-request.html|url-status=live}} Argentina's Ministry of Defense (Ministerio de Defensa) later clarified that the JF-17 had not been selected, asserting that the FAA was still evaluating five other aircraft as possible options.{{Cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/not-purchasing-pakistani-jf-17s-argentina-shoots-down-media-reports-over-fighter-jet-acquisition/|title='Not Purchasing Pakistani JF-17s' -- Argentina Shoots Down Media Reports over Fighter Jet Acquisition|date=25 September 2021|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225025020/https://eurasiantimes.com/not-purchasing-Pakistani-jf-17s-Argentina-shoots-down-media-reports-over-fighter-jet-acquisition/|url-status=live}}

:In May 2022, a delegation of the FAA evaluated the JF-17 Thunder in China.{{cite web |title=Argentine Air Force delegation evaluated the JF-17 Thunder in China |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/05/argentine-air-force-delegation-evaluated-the-jf-17-thunder-in-china/ |website=Aviacionline |date=21 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531011548/https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/05/argentine-air-force-delegation-evaluated-the-jf-17-thunder-in-china/ |url-status=live }}

:However, in October 2023, the United States approved the transfer of 24 second-hand F-16 Block-15 MLU fighters previously owned by the Royal Danish Air Force to Argentina, countering the Chinese offer; reportedly, the deal did not necessitate an approval from the United Kingdom.{{Cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-approves-proposed-f-16-transfer-argentina|title=U.S. Approves Proposed F-16 Transfer To Argentina|website=aviationweek.com|date=12 October 2023}} Following the inauguration of the overtly pro-U.S. Javier Milei administration in Argentina in 2023, the decision to select the F-16 had reportedly materialized, leaving the JF-17 out of the contest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airdatanews.com/argentina-chose-the-f-16-fighter-for-its-air-force-reports/|title=Argentina chose the F-16 fighter for its Air Force – reports|website=www.airdatanews.com|date=30 January 2024}}

• Bolivia {{mdash}} The JF-17 is a candidate for the replacement of retired Lockheed T-33 aircraft of the Bolivian Air Force.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airway1.com/bolivia-air-force-is-looking-for-fighter-jets/|title=Bolivia Air Force is looking for fighter jets|date=29 May 2021|access-date=28 June 2021|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628054044/https://www.airway1.com/bolivia-air-force-is-looking-for-fighter-jets/|url-status=live}}

• Congo {{mdash}} In March 2023, it was reported that China was pitching the JF-17 to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.{{Cite web |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/congo-is-considering-buying-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-from-china/ |title=Congo is considering buying JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from China |access-date=22 March 2023 |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322162400/https://mil.in.ua/en/news/congo-is-considering-buying-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-from-china/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/412442/drc-china-offers-kinshasa-its-fighter-planes |title=DRC: China offers Kinshasa its fighter planes |access-date=22 March 2023 |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322162400/https://www.brusselstimes.com/412442/drc-china-offers-kinshasa-its-fighter-planes |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/33835/China_Offers_JF_17_Jet_to_Congo_Kinshasa__Competing_with_Russian_Su_27 |title=China Offers JF-17 Jet to Congo-Kinshasa, Competing with Russian Su-27 |access-date=22 March 2023 |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322162400/https://www.defensemirror.com/news/33835/China_Offers_JF_17_Jet_to_Congo_Kinshasa__Competing_with_Russian_Su_27 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2023/03/14/kinshasa-eyes-chinese-fighter-jets-after-buying-beijing-s-drones,109923322-bre |title=DRC : Kinshasa eyes Chinese fighter jets after buying Beijing's drones - 14/03/2023 |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=22 March 2023 |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322162519/https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2023/03/14/kinshasa-eyes-chinese-fighter-jets-after-buying-beijing-s-drones,109923322-bre |url-status=live }}

• Malaysia {{mdash}} Malaysia had periodically indicated that it may be interested in purchasing the JF-17 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), as part of its efforts to replace its MIG-29 fleet; reports of Malaysian interest in the JF-17 emerged in 2015, although this was later denied.{{Cite web |last=Ansari |first=Usman |date=2015-12-21 |title=Malaysia Denies Interest in JF-17, But Export Hopes Remain |url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2015/12/21/malaysia-denies-interest-in-jf-17-but-export-hopes-remain/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Defense News |language=en }}{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Benjamin David |title=The Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Might Have Another Buyer in Asia |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/the-sino-pakistani-jf-17-might-have-another-buyer-in-asia/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US |archive-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121257/https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/the-sino-pakistani-jf-17-might-have-another-buyer-in-asia/ |url-status=live }}

:In March 2019, then-visiting Malaysian PM Mahathir bin Mohammad was accorded an aerial-display of the JF-17's at the 2019 Pakistan Day Parade; he was also briefed about the fighter by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).{{Cite web |title=Mahathir Mohamad receives briefing on JF-17 before leaving Islamabad |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/447749-malaysian-leader-mahathir-mohamad-receives-briefing-on-jf-17-thunder |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121254/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/447749-malaysian-leader-mahathir-mohamad-receives-briefing-on-jf-17-thunder |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2019-03-23 |title=Malaysian PM Mahathir shows interest in JF-17 Thunder as he concludes Pakistan visit |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1936123/malaysian-pm-mahathir-shows-interest-jf-17-thunder-concludes-pakistan-visit |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701072047/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1936123/malaysian-pm-mahathir-shows-interest-jf-17-thunder-concludes-pakistan-visit |url-status=live }} Concurrently, multiple reports of Malaysia possibly procuring two JF-17 fighters for testing and combat-evaluation also emerged, though these reports have ever since remained unconfirmed.{{Cite web|url = https://fighterjetsworld.com/latest-news/malaysia-to-buy-two-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-for-tests-and-evaluation/12180/|title = Malaysia to buy two JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets for Tests and Evaluation|date = 30 March 2019|access-date = 10 January 2022|archive-date = 10 January 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121259/https://fighterjetsworld.com/latest-news/malaysia-to-buy-two-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-for-tests-and-evaluation/12180/|url-status = live}}

:In June 2021, the RMAF formally released a tender for the supply of 18 light combat-aircraft — dubbed as the "Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft" (FLIT/LCA), in an effort to supplant its ageing BAE Hawk 108/208 light-combat aircraft and its MB-339CM trainer-aircraft.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia puts pen to paper for LCA tender {{!}} Shephard |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/malaysia-puts-pen-paper-lca-tender/None |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=www.shephardmedia.com |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-22 |title=Malaysia to Formally Launch Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) Tender |url=https://militaryleak.com/2021/06/22/malaysia-to-formally-launch-fighter-lead-in-trainer-light-combat-aircraft-tender/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=MilitaryLeak |language=en-US |archive-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121328/https://militaryleak.com/2021/06/22/malaysia-to-formally-launch-fighter-lead-in-trainer-light-combat-aircraft-tender/ |url-status=live }} The RMAF later issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to nine different aircraft-manufacturing conglomerates in July, with a submission-deadline of September 2021 (this would later be extended to October 2021).{{Cite web|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/six-companies-bidding-rmaf-lca-contract|title=Six companies bidding for RMAF LCA contract|date=18 October 2021|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121306/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/six-companies-bidding-rmaf-lca-contract|url-status=live}} The JF-17 was widely regarded to be a leading contender in the FLIT/LCA procurement initiative, along with the HAL Tejas and the KAI FA-50.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2021/06/malaysia-launches-tender-flit-lca.html|title=Malaysia formally launches tender for new trainer, light combat aircraft|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121301/https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2021/06/malaysia-launches-tender-flit-lca.html|url-status=live}}

:However, in October 2021, the JF-17 was revealed to have abstained from participating in the FLIT/LCA tender; later reports confirmed that only six companies had responded to the RFP issued by the RMAF - the KAI FA-50 (Korea Aerospace Industries), the HAL Tejas (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), the HAIC L-15 (China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation), the Aermacchi M-346 (Leonardo S.p.A.), the TAI Hürjet (Turkish Aerospace Industries) and the Mikoyan MiG-35 (Rosoboronexport). The JF-17's unprecedented absence from the FLIT/LCA essentially ended all speculations regarding its participation in Malaysia.{{Cite web |title=Six contenders for Royal Malaysian Air Force light combat aircraft tender |url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/october/7771-six-contenders-for-royal-malaysian-air-force-light-combat-aircraft-tender.html |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=www.airrecognition.com |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111094630/https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/october/7771-six-contenders-for-royal-malaysian-air-force-light-combat-aircraft-tender.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Malaysia begins evaluating proposals to replace fleet of Hawk Mk 108/208s |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/malaysia-begins-evaluating-proposals-to-replace-fleet-of-hawk-mk-108208s |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Janes.com |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121256/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/malaysia-begins-evaluating-proposals-to-replace-fleet-of-hawk-mk-108208s |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/jf-17-indias-hal-tejas-favourite-to-win-malaysian-military-aircraft/|title=With JF-17 Out, India's HAL Tejas 'On Verge' Of Winning Malaysian Military Aircraft Tender|first=Aritra|last=Banerjee|date=2021-10-25|access-date=2022-03-01|publisher=Eurasian Times|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110122759/https://eurasiantimes.com/jf-17-indias-hal-tejas-favourite-to-win-malaysian-military-aircraft/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Socka |first=Sherman |date=2021-12-01 |title=LETTER {{!}} RMAF purchase of Light Combat Aircraft to bolster defence industry |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/601324 |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Malaysiakini |archive-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121301/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/601324 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Venckunas |first=Valius |title=Reports on Malaysian fighter jet tender: Tejas in, JF-17 out |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/29226-reports-on-malaysian-fighter-jet-tender-tejas-in-jf-17-out |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=www.aerotime.aero |date=20 October 2021 |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518000844/https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/29226-reports-on-malaysian-fighter-jet-tender-tejas-in-jf-17-out |url-status=live }}

:In December 2021, the JF-17 was reportedly re-offered to the RMAF, with an estimated price-discount of about 30%; however, these reports remain unconfirmed.{{Cite web |last=Gumelar |first=Tri Agung |title=Saingi HAL Tejas di Malaysia, China Turunkan Harga Jet Tempur JF-17 Thunder hingga 30 Persen - Zona Jakarta |url=https://zonajakarta.pikiran-rakyat.com/teknologi/pr-183202048/saingi-hal-tejas-di-malaysia-china-turunkan-harga-jet-tempur-jf-17-thunder-hingga-30-persen |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=zonajakarta.pikiran-rakyat.com |language=id |archive-date=10 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110124301/https://zonajakarta.pikiran-rakyat.com/teknologi/pr-183202048/saingi-hal-tejas-di-malaysia-china-turunkan-harga-jet-tempur-jf-17-thunder-hingga-30-persen |url-status=live }} The RMAF eventually declined to purchase the JF-17 and proceeded instead to order 18 FA-50 Block 20 jets in March 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/Malaysia-buys-South-Korea-fighter-jets-as-ASEAN-arms-market-grows|title=Malaysia buys South Korea fighter jets as ASEAN arms market grows|website=asia.nikkei.com|date=7 March 2023|access-date=24 March 2023|archive-date=24 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324012111/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/Malaysia-buys-South-Korea-fighter-jets-as-ASEAN-arms-market-grows|url-status=live}}

• Morocco {{mdash}} Morocco has shown interest in the JF-17, having invited a sales team to showcase it in the Marrakech Air Show 2016.{{cite news|title=JF-17 to Star in Marrakech Air Show|url=http://www.defensa.com/frontend/defensa/caza-chino-pakistani-jf-17-thunder-estrella-marrakech-air-show-vn17700-vst164|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202010633/http://www.defensa.com/frontend/defensa/caza-chino-pakistani-jf-17-thunder-estrella-marrakech-air-show-vn17700-vst164|archive-date=2 February 2016}}{{cite news|title=Marrakech Air Show Invites Pakistan to Showcase JF −17 Thunder Fighter Jet|url=http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/12/174608/marrakech-air-show-invites-pakistan-to-showcase-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jet/|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222014010/http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/12/174608/marrakech-air-show-invites-pakistan-to-showcase-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jet/|archive-date=22 February 2016}} According to a local analyst, a potential acquisition by Morocco may be complicated by incompatible technologies; the JF-17 Block I and Block II have broadly different electronics suites and air-to-air & air-to-surface munitions than its current Western-sourced aircraft, such as the Mirage F-1 (MF2000), F-5E/F Tiger II and Alpha Jet.{{cite news|title=Pakistan looks to market the JF-17 Thunder to Morocco|url=http://quwa.org/2016/04/25/pakistan-looks-market-jf-17-thunder-morocco/|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426114618/http://quwa.org/2016/04/25/pakistan-looks-market-jf-17-thunder-morocco/|archive-date=26 April 2016}}

• Qatar {{mdash}} Qatar has shown interest in the JF-17 since 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/17482/Qatar_Plans_To_Buy_Pak_JF_17_Fighter_Jet__Super_Mushshak_Trainer#.YEEFyWgzbIU|title=Qatar Plans To Buy Pak JF-17 Fighter Jet, Super Mushshak Trainer|website=www.defenseworld.net|date=27 October 2016 |access-date=4 March 2021|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506212945/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/17482/Qatar_Plans_To_Buy_Pak_JF_17_Fighter_Jet__Super_Mushshak_Trainer#.YEEFyWgzbIU|url-status=live}} In December 2019, at Qatar's invitation, PAF JF-17s participated in Qatar's National Day Flypast in Doha alongside Qatar Air Force Rafales and Mirage 2000-5s.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26031/Flypast_during_Qatar_National_Day_Hints_at_Doha_s_Interest_in_Pakistani_JF_17|title=Flypast during Qatar National Day Hints at Doha's Interest in Pakistani JF-17|website=www.defenseworld.net|date=19 December 2019 |access-date=4 March 2021|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305192401/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26031/Flypast_during_Qatar_National_Day_Hints_at_Doha_s_Interest_in_Pakistani_JF_17|url-status=live}} However, the offer seems to have fallen through, with Qatar ordering a mix of Eurofighter Typhoons and F15Es.

• Saudi Arabia {{mdash}} In January 2014, the Royal Saudi Air Force was reportedly examining potential technology transfer and co-production opportunities for the JF-17. Saudi Deputy Minister of Defence Prince Salman bin Sultan toured the JF-17 project during a visit to Pakistan.{{cite news|date=23 January 2014|title=Saudi eyeing Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet, modeled from U.S. F-16|work=World Tribune|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/01/23/saudi-eyeing-pakistans-jf-17-fighter-jet-modeled-from-u-s-f-16/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706041729/http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/01/23/saudi-eyeing-pakistans-jf-17-fighter-jet-modeled-from-u-s-f-16/|archive-date=6 July 2014}}{{cite news|date=24 January 2014|title=Saudi Arabia May Buy Pakistani-Chinese Fighter Jets|work=The Diplomat|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/saudi-arabia-may-buy-pakistani-chinese-fighter-jets/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726081849/https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/saudi-arabia-may-buy-pakistani-chinese-fighter-jets/|archive-date=26 July 2014}}{{cite web|last1=Khan|first1=Bilal|date=8 November 2016|title=Saudi Arabia Reportedly Interested in the JF-17 Thunder|url=http://quwa.org/2016/11/08/saudi-arabia-reportedly-interested-in-the-jf-17-thunder/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109084500/http://quwa.org/2016/11/08/saudi-arabia-reportedly-interested-in-the-jf-17-thunder/|archive-date=9 November 2016|website=Quwa Defence News & Analysis Group}} However, by 2023, this interest seems to have fallen through, with Saudi Arabia now interested in joining the Anglo-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme.{{cite news|date=11 August 2023|title=Saudi Arabia pushes to join fighter jet project with UK, Italy and Japan|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/80e9bda9-f415-4076-9037-bd6b96e1169f|access-date=19 August 2023}}

• Sri Lanka {{mdash}} In June 2015, Pakistani media suggested that an export order had been confirmed with the Sri Lanka Air Force; claims were made that the JF-17's first sales contract had been signed with the Sri Lanka Air Force at the 51st Paris Air Show.{{cite news|date=23 June 2015|title=Sri Lanka revealed as first foreign buyer of JF-17|newspaper=Want China Times|url=http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150622000035&cid=1101|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623183730/http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150622000035&cid=1101|archive-date=23 June 2015}}{{cite news|last=Iqbal|first=Wasim|date=22 June 2015|title=Sri Lanka purchasing JF-17 Thunder Jets|newspaper=Business Recorder|url=http://www.brecorder.com/top-stories/0/1198806/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623170033/http://www.brecorder.com/top-stories/0/1198806/|archive-date=23 June 2015}} Other sources claimed that Myanmar is the first buyer of Pakistani JF-17s.{{cite news|date=9 July 2015|title=Myanmar first country to purchase JF-17 Thunder from Pakistan|newspaper=Dunya News|url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/288360-Myanmar-first-country-to-purchase-JF17-Thunder-fr|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030023524/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/288360-Myanmar-first-country-to-purchase-JF17-Thunder-fr|url-status=live}} Reportedly, the order would cover around 18–24 aircraft and deliveries set to begin in 2017. During a state visit by Nawaz Sharif in January 2016, Sri Lanka reportedly signed an agreement to buy eight JF-17s from Pakistan;{{cite web|first=Franz-Stefan | last = Gady|title=Sri Lanka to Buy 8 Sino-Pak JF-17 Fighter Jets|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/01/sri-lanka-to-buy-eight-sino-pak-jf-17-fighter-jets/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109213252/https://thediplomat.com/2016/01/sri-lanka-to-buy-eight-sino-pak-jf-17-fighter-jets/|archive-date=9 January 2016|access-date=7 January 2016|work=The Diplomat}} however, the Sri Lankan government has issued denials.{{cite news|date=7 January 2016|title=Government says no JF-17 deal with Pakistan|work=Columbo Gazette|url=http://colombogazette.com/2016/01/07/government-says-no-jf-17-deal-with-pakistan/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126211056/http://colombogazette.com/2016/01/07/government-says-no-jf-17-deal-with-pakistan/|archive-date=26 January 2016}} The alleged deal was said to involve 10–12 aircraft, each valued at US$35 million, for a total of US$400 million{{cite news|title=Following Myanmar, Pakistan is Eager to Sell More JF-17s|url=http://defense-update.com/20160111_jf17.html|url-status=live|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213105004/http://defense-update.com/20160111_jf17.html|archive-date=13 February 2016}} Reportedly, any such sale was scuppered by Indian diplomatic pressure.{{cite news|title=Indian pressure stalls Pakistani JF-17 sale to Sri Lanka|url=http://www.janes.com/article/57111/indian-pressure-stalls-pakistani-jf-17-sale-to-sri-lanka|url-status=live|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213040939/http://www.janes.com/article/57111/indian-pressure-stalls-pakistani-jf-17-sale-to-sri-lanka|archive-date=13 February 2016}}{{cite news|title=Revealed: Why Sri Lanka Backed Off the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/01/revealed-why-sri-lanka-backed-off-the-sino-pakistani-jf-17-thunder/|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215193957/https://thediplomat.com/2016/01/revealed-why-sri-lanka-backed-off-the-sino-pakistani-jf-17-thunder/|archive-date=15 February 2016}}{{cite news|date=27 October 2013|title=Pakistan to sell JF-17 fighter jets to SL-report|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/37722-pakistan-to-sell-jf-17-fighter-jets-to-sl-report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523103143/http://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/37722-pakistan-to-sell-jf-17-fighter-jets-to-sl-report.html|archive-date=23 May 2014}} However, in 2021, the Sri Lankan government decided to overhaul their Kfirs instead rather than buying new aircraft, which would cost around $40 million per unit compared to $49 million in total for overhauling all five Kfirs.{{cite web|last=Fernando|first=Asiri|date=6 January 2021|title=Govt. green-lights $ 49 m fighter jet overhaul as No. 10 Squadron turns 25|url=http://www.ft.lk/news/Govt--green-lights---49-m-fighter-jet-overhaul-as-No--10-Squadron-turns-25/56-711240|url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-09|website=Daily FT|language=English|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411075224/http://www.ft.lk/news/Govt--green-lights---49-m-fighter-jet-overhaul-as-No--10-Squadron-turns-25/56-711240}}

• Zimbabwe {{mdash}} The Air Force of Zimbabwe reportedly planned to purchase twelve JF-17s in 2004, as part of a $240 million deal with China. No such sales have materialized.{{cite book|first=Robert I. | last = Rotberg|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V70fPqj0YO4C&pg=PA174|title=China into Africa: Trade, Aid, and Influence|date=1 October 2009|publisher=Brookings Institution Press|isbn=978-0-8157-0175-0|page=174|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-date=11 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111101518/https://books.google.com/books?id=V70fPqj0YO4C&pg=PA174|url-status=live}}{{citation|last=Shinn|first=David H.|title=Africa and China's Global Activism|url=http://www.ndu.edu/inss/symposia/pacific2006/shinnpaper.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616192046/http://www.ndu.edu/inss/symposia/pacific2006/shinnpaper.pdf|publisher=Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University|archive-date=16 June 2013}} In 2010, China was reportedly in talks about the JF-17 with five or six countries, some of which had sent pilots to China to undergo test flights.{{cite web|title=Asian fighter requirements continue to grow|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-2010-asian-fighter-requirements-continue-to-337453/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021185036/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-2010-asian-fighter-requirements-continue-to-337453/|archive-date=21 October 2014|access-date=21 March 2010|work=Flight International}}

In chronological production order:

• PT-01 {{mdash}} First airframe configuration prototype with splitter plates on intakes. Rolled out on 31 May 2003. First flight on 25 August 2003.
• PT-02 {{mdash}} First airframe configuration prototype with splitter plates on intakes.
• PT-03 {{mdash}} First airframe configuration prototype with splitter plates on intakes. First flight in April 2004.
• PT-04 {{mdash}} Second airframe configuration prototype with Diverterless Supersonic Inlets (DSI) and modified vertical stabilizer. First flight on 10 May 2006. PT-04 incorporated modifications such as DSI, wider LERX, extended ventral fins, and a taller, less swept vertical stabilizer with a rectangular fairing at the tip containing electronic warfare equipment and small blister fairings at the base containing Missile Approach Warning sensors. The PT-04 prototype was primarily used for avionics and weapon qualification tests.{{cite web|url=http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?143355 |title=4th Prototype JF-17 Thunder aircraft successfully completed inaugural flight |date=11 May 2006 |work=Pakistan Tribune |access-date=21 May 2011 |location=Islamabad |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624150009/http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?143355 |archive-date=24 June 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5629&itemid=5 |title=JF-17 Thunder arrives in Pakistan |date=12 March 2007 |work=Associated Press of Pakistan |access-date=30 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022192508/http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5629&itemid=5 |archive-date=22 October 2014 }}
• PT-05 {{mdash}} Second airframe configuration prototype with DSI and modified vertical stabilizer.
• PT-06 {{mdash}} Second airframe configuration prototype with DSI and modified vertical stabilizer.

In chronological production order:

• JF-17 Block 1 {{mdash}} Single-seat variant of the JF-17 Block 1. Production in China began in June 2006 and in Pakistan in 2007. The first three Chinese weapons to be integrated are the PL-5E II AAM, the SD-10 AAM, and the C-802AK anti-ship missile. Block 1 aircraft had performed "better than expected" according to PAF Air Commodore Junaid. Production of Block 1 was completed on 18 December when the fiftieth aircraft{{mdash}}58% of which was produced in Pakistan{{mdash}}was delivered.{{cite journal | first1 = Dave | last1 = Allport | first2 = Alan | last2 = Warnes|date=September 2010|title= JF-17 Thunders in First Public Static Display | journal=Air Forces Monthly|issue= 269|page= 8}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan Rolls Out 50th JF-17, Block II Production To Commence |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131218/DEFREG03/312180023/Pakistan-Rolls-Out-50th-JF-17-Block-II-Production-Commence |date=18 December 2013 |work=Defense News |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131220054215/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131218/DEFREG03/312180023/Pakistan-Rolls-Out-50th-JF-17-Block-II-Production-Commence |archive-date=20 December 2013 }} A Block 1 JF-17 costs approximately US$15 million per unit.

• JF-17 Block 2 {{mdash}} Single-seat variant of the JF-17 Block 2. Production began on 18 December 2013 and initial testing began on 9 February 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/49991/block-2-jf-17-makes-first-flight-ahead-of-block-3-improvements|title=Block 2 JF-17 makes first flight ahead of Block 3 improvements|work=janes.com|access-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119230215/http://www.janes.com/article/49991/block-2-jf-17-makes-first-flight-ahead-of-block-3-improvements|archive-date=19 January 2016|url-status=live}} Block 2 aircraft make use of composites in the airframe for reduced weight, air-to-air refuelling capability,{{Cite web|last=Roblin|first=Sebastien|date=2019-08-10|title=Meet the JF-17 Block III Fighter: The Jet China is Helping Pakistan Build to Fight India|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-jf-17-block-iii-fighter-jet-china-helping-pakistan-build-fight-india-72751|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The National Interest|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002901/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-jf-17-block-iii-fighter-jet-china-helping-pakistan-build-fight-india-72751|url-status=live}} improved radar and avionics, enhanced load carrying capacity, data link, and electronic warfare capabilities.{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/12/pakistan-begins-producing-block-ii-jf-17-aircraft/ |title=Pakistan Begins Producing Block-II JF-17 Aircraft |last1=Panda |first1=Ankit |date=27 December 2013 |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=The Diplomat |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726080602/https://thediplomat.com/2013/12/pakistan-begins-producing-block-ii-jf-17-aircraft/ |archive-date=26 July 2014 }} Chairman of PAC, Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed said: "We will hand over 16 Block 2 JF-17s to the PAF every year", and that the manufacturing plant has the capacity to produce 25 units in a year.{{cite news|title=Pakistan looks to boost military export with revamped JF-17 |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/12/07/business/pakistan-looks-to-boost-military-export-with-revamped-jf-17-2/ |date=7 December 2014 |work=Pakistan Today |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102172819/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/12/07/business/pakistan-looks-to-boost-military-export-with-revamped-jf-17-2/ |archive-date=2 January 2015 }} According to local media, PAC rolled out the 16th Block 2 aircraft in December 2015 enabling the JF-17's 4th squadron formation. A Block 2 JF-17 costs approximately US$25 million per unit.{{citation | url = http://www.dawn.com/news/631303/sky-wars-pakistan-india-and-china | title = Sky Wars: Pakistan, India and China | first = Adnan | last = Rehmat | date = 24 May 2011 | work = Dawn | access-date = 29 June 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714122325/http://www.dawn.com/news/631303/sky-wars-pakistan-india-and-china | archive-date = 14 July 2014 | url-status = live }}

• JF-17B Block 2 {{mdash}} Dual-seat variant of the JF-17 Block 2. First flight in Chengdu, China on 27 April 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabianaerospace.aero/publications/128/issue1/volume1/|title=Military Flight Training MENA 2021|website=www.arabianaerospace.aero|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=16 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216154514/https://www.arabianaerospace.aero/publications/128/issue1/volume1/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Siddiqui|first1=Naveed|title=JF-17B fighter jet takes maiden test flight|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1329803/jf-17b-fighter-jet-takes-maiden-test-flight|access-date=28 April 2017|work=Dawn|date=28 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428142207/https://www.dawn.com/news/1329803/jf-17b-fighter-jet-takes-maiden-test-flight|archive-date=28 April 2017|url-status=live}} Serial production in China and Pakistan from 2018 to 2020. A total of 26 aircraft built - first four at Chengdu and remaining 22 at Kamra. Its multi-roles include use as a (i) JF-17 conversion trainer; (ii) Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT); (iii) ground-attack aircraft; and (iv) reconnaissance aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1093514/paf-to-induct-dual-seater-jf-17b-fighter-jet-in-april-2017/|title=PAF to induct dual-seater JF-17B fighter jet in April 2017|date=28 April 2016|work=Express Tribune|access-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503202439/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1093514/paf-to-induct-dual-seater-jf-17b-fighter-jet-in-april-2017/|archive-date=3 May 2016|url-status=live}} Apart from the dual-seat, larger dorsal spine, and a more swept-back tail, another difference between the JF-17B and the JF-17A is that the JF-17B carries fuel in its vertical stabilizer, which the JF-17A does not. The JF-17B houses integral fuel tanks like the F-16. Each wing houses 550 Ib while the vertical tail houses 210 lb, which, together with the internal fuel load, totals 4,910 Ib of fuel. Together with the three external fuel drop-tanks, the aircraft can carry a total 10,000 Ib fuel load. The JF-17B Block 2s will be retrofitted with the NRIET/CETC KLJ-7A Air-cooled Airborne Fire-Control Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar (license-manufactured at the Avionics Production Factory (APF) at PAC, Kamra).

• JF-17C Block 3{{cite web | url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/adex-2024-azerbaijani-jf-17-delivery-announced | title=ADEX 2024: Azerbaijani JF-17 delivery announced | date=26 September 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://quwa.org/pakistan-defence-industry/pakistan-promotes-the-jf-17c-thunder-to-bangladesh-01-20-2025/ | title=Pakistan Promotes the JF-17C Thunder to Bangladesh - Quwa | date=20 January 2025 }} {{mdash}} Single-seat variant of the JF-17 Block 3. First flight in Chengdu, China on 15 December 2019. Two prototypes underwent flight tests as of December 2020, one in China and the other in Pakistan. Went into serial production at PAC Kamra on 30 December 2020. Projected to feature further advancements such as a NRIET/CETC KLJ-7A Air-cooled Airborne Fire-Control Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar (license-manufactured at the Avionics Production Factory (APF) at PAC, Kamra), a three-axis digital fly-by-wire flight control system, an infrared search and track (IRST) system,{{Cite web |url=http://www.eastpendulum.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-11-01-Airshow-China-2016-le-radar-AESA-KLJ-7A-06.jpg |title=2016-11-01-Airshow-China-2016-le-radar-AESA-KLJ-7A-06.jpg |format=JPG |access-date=20 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107221746/http://www.eastpendulum.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-11-01-Airshow-China-2016-le-radar-AESA-KLJ-7A-06.jpg |archive-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Warnes|first1=Alan|title=Rolling Thunder|url=https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2017/02/rolling-thunder-jf-17/|access-date=30 April 2017|work=Asian Military Review|date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208182445/http://asianmilitaryreview.com/2017/02/rolling-thunder-jf-17/|archive-date=8 February 2017|url-status=live}} a helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S) system produced jointly by Pakistan and China, a missile approach warning system (MAWS) similar to the one used on the Chinese J-10C, J-16, and J-20, a new, larger, and thinner holographic wide-angle head-up display (HUD) similar to the one used on the J-10C and J-20, an enhanced electronic warfare management system, a chin-mounted hardpoint, use of more composites for further weight reduction, eventual replacement of the Klimov RD-93MA afterburning turbofan by the Guizhou WS-13 with an increased thrust, and a better thrust-to-weight ratio.{{cite journal|last1=Warnes|first1=Alan|title=Block 2 JF-17 makes first flight ahead of Block 3 improvements|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=17 March 2015|url=http://www.janes.com/article/49991/block-2-jf-17-makes-first-flight-ahead-of-block-3-improvements|access-date=24 March 2015|location=Kamra|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322152346/http://www.janes.com/article/49991/block-2-jf-17-makes-first-flight-ahead-of-block-3-improvements|archive-date=22 March 2015|url-status=live}} The KLJ-7A can simultaneously track 15 targets and engage 4 targets.{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Bilal|title=KLJ-7A: Proposed AESA Radar for the JF-17 Block-III|url=http://quwa.org/2016/10/31/klj-7a-proposed-aesa-radar-jf-17-block-iii/|access-date=30 April 2017|work=quwa.org|date=31 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507114147/http://quwa.org/2016/10/31/klj-7a-proposed-aesa-radar-jf-17-block-iii/|archive-date=7 May 2017|url-status=live}} PAF officials have described the JF-17 Block 3 as a "fourth generation plus" fighter jet. The first PAC-produced JF-17 Block 3 aircraft are expected to roll out of the production line in late 2021. The PAF has placed an order for 50 JF-17 Block 3 aircraft, deliveries of which were expected to start from early 2022.{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Pakistan-to-boost-air-strike-power-with-50-enhanced-fighter-jets|title=Pakistan to boost air strike power with 50 enhanced fighter jets|access-date=2022-03-01|date=2022-02-06|publisher=Nikkei|first=Adnan|last=Aamir|archive-date=6 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206084243/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Pakistan-to-boost-air-strike-power-with-50-enhanced-fighter-jets|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Gady|first1=Franz-Stefan|title=Pakistan to Order 50 More Fighter Jets in 2017|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/02/pakistan-to-order-50-more-fighter-jets-in-2017/|access-date=30 April 2017|work=The Diplomat|date=8 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411054055/https://thediplomat.com/2017/02/pakistan-to-order-50-more-fighter-jets-in-2017/|archive-date=11 April 2017|url-status=live}} 10 JF-17 Block 3 production aircraft were photographed after their rollout at PAC Kamra in early January 2022. The first batch of JF-17 Block 3 aircraft were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force in March 2023.

Under-Development

• JF-17 Block 4 (PFX-Alpha) {{mdash}} Under-development 4.5+ generation version of the JF-17 under the PAC's "PFX" programme with the "PFX" standing for "Pakistan Fighter Experimental". The JF-17 PFX-Alpha aims to enhance the JF-17 to a level surpassing the capabilities of the 4.5 generation JF-17 Block 3 variant, currently the most advanced and capable version of the JF-17.{{cite web | url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/pakistan-unveils-jf-17-pfx-fighter | title=Pakistan unveils JF-17 PFX fighter | date=26 November 2024 }}{{cite web |title=Pakistan Reveals 'JF-17 PFX' Program |url=https://quwa.org/daily-news/pakistan-reveals-jf-17-pfx-program-2/ |publisher=Quwa |date=2 March 2024}}{{cite web |title=Development Program for JF-17 PFX (Pakistan Fighter Experimental) Unveiled |url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/development-program-for-jf-17-pfx-pakistan-fighter-experimental-unveiled/ |publisher=Defence Security Asia |date=6 September 2024}}{{cite web |title=JF-17 PFX: A New Chapter in Development of Pakistan's Fighter Jets. |url=https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/analysis-defense-and-security-industry/jf-17-pfx-a-new-chapter-in-the-development-of-pakistans-fighter-jets#google_vignette |publisher=Army Recognition Group |date=26 September 2024}} The JF-17 PFX-Alpha will also feature an indigenously-developed passive Infrared search and track (IRST) sensor and electronic warfare (EW) suite with AESA radar-jamming capability.{{cite web | url=https://quwa.org/pakistan-air-force-news/pakistan-air-force-to-upgrade-jf-17-thunder-12-09-2024/ | title=Pakistan Air Force Reveals Upgrade Path for JF-17 (PFX Alpha) | date=9 December 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan working on indigenous 4.5-Gen fighter jet, features include…, to debut in… |url=https://www.india.com/news/world/pakistan-working-on-indigenous-4-5-gen-fighter-jet-features-include-to-debut-in-7550188/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=www.india.com |language=en}}

File:JF-17 operators.png

{{AZE}}

• Azerbaijani Air Forces: 40 on orderhttps://www.aeronewsjournal.com/2025/06/jf-17-thunder-breakthrough-azerbaijan.htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2025/06/08/how-armenia-might-respond-to-azerbaijans-jf-17-fighter-acquisition/https://defence-industry.eu/azerbaijan-signs-record-4-6-billion-deal-for-40-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-from-pakistan/https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/azerbaijan-expands-jf-17-fighter-jet-order-to-40-units-in-46b-defense-deal-3202511https://www.turdef.com/article/pakistan-confirms-inking-of-deal-with-azerbaijan-for-jf-17
• Nasosnaya Air Base

{{MYA}}

• Myanmar Air Force: 13 delivered, 3 on order{{Cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 |title=2021 World Air Forces |format=PDF |editor-last=Hoyle |editor-first=Craig |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=20 March 2025 |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208041355/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-team-sent-to-myanmar-to-repair-combat-aircraft/articleshow/98640757.cms | title=Pakistan team sent to Myanmar to repair combat aircraft | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=15 March 2023 | last1=Chaudhury | first1=Dipanjan Roy }}
• Meiktila Air Base

{{NGA}}

• Nigerian Air Force: 3 delivered{{Cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/nigeria-inducts-jf-17s-as-it-awaits-super-tucanos/143851.article |title=Nigeria inducts JF-17s as it awaits Super Tucanos |first=Greg |last=Waldron |date=2021-05-21 |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=21 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521191831/https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/nigeria-inducts-jf-17s-as-it-awaits-super-tucanos/143851.article |url-status=live }}
• NAF Base Makurdi{{Cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/nigeria-gears-up-to-receive-jf-17s/141123.article |title=Nigeria gears up to receive JF-17s |first=Greg |last=Waldron |date=2020-11-13 |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=17 January 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121054653/https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/nigeria-gears-up-to-receive-jf-17s/141123.article |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/nigeria-inducts-jf-17-fighters |title=Nigeria inducts JF-17 fighters |website=Janes.com |access-date=21 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521191832/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/nigeria-inducts-jf-17-fighters |url-status=live }}

{{PAK}}

• Pakistan Air Force: 161 delivered, 27 on order{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/pakistan-receives-chinese-jf-17-block-iii-fighter-jets-reports/ |title=Pakistan receives Chinese JF-17 Block III fighter jets, reports say| access-date=10 March 2023|work=SHEPHARD |date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141819/https://timesofislamabad.com/03-Feb-2018/six-paf-squadrons-with-over-100-jf-17-fighter-jets-become-operational-fully |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/jf-17-no-f-35-stealth-jet-its-good-enough-pakistan-110461|title=The JF-17 Is No F-35 Stealth Jet, But It's Good Enough For Pakistan|first=Sebastien|last=Roblin|date=2 January 2020|website=The National Interest|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030023524/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/jf-17-no-f-35-stealth-jet-its-good-enough-pakistan-110461|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Janes {{!}} Latest defence and security news|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news|access-date=2020-10-27|website=Janes.com|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906153101/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/|url-status=live}}
• PAF Base Bholari (Jamshoro)
• No. 18 Squadron Sharp Shooters (JF-17 OCU) (2020){{Cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/pakistan-inducts-14-jf-17bs-and-starts-block-iii-jf-17-thunder-production|title=Pakistan inducts 14 JF-17Bs and starts Block III JF-17 Thunder production|first=Hans van|last=Herk|website=www.scramble.nl|date=31 December 2020 |access-date=17 January 2021|archive-date=31 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231094256/https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/pakistan-inducts-14-jf-17bs-and-starts-block-iii-jf-17-thunder-production|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://quwa.org/2021/01/02/pakistan-aeronautical-complex-delivers-new-jf-17b-batch-2/|title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Delivers New JF-17B Batch|date=2 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119112738/https://quwa.org/2021/01/02/pakistan-aeronautical-complex-delivers-new-jf-17b-batch-2/|url-status=live}}
• PAF Base Masroor (Karachi)
• No. 2 Squadron Minhasians (2015){{cite web |url=http://www.asian-defence.net/2015/09/pakistans-paf-re-equip-squadron-no-2.html |title=Pakistan's PAF Re-equip Squadron No 2 Minhas With JF-17 |work=Asian Defence |date=1 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121101129/http://www.asian-defence.net/2015/09/pakistans-paf-re-equip-squadron-no-2.html |archive-date=21 November 2015 }}
• No. 8 Squadron Haiders (2024){{cite web | url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistan-jf17-fighter-aircrafts/ | title=Pakistan Establishes Second Squadron of JF-17 "Thunder" Block 3 Fighters | date=23 January 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/pakistan/pakistan-air-force | title=Orbats }}
• PAF Base Minhas (Kamra)
• JF-17 TEF (Test & Evaluation Flight) (2007–2010){{cite journal|last=Warnes|first=Alan|date=July 2011|title=JF-17 – Thunder from the East|journal=Air Forces Monthly|issue=#280|pages=47–70}}
• No. 16 Squadron Black Panthers (2011)
• PAF Base Mushaf (Sargodha)
• CCS JF-17 Squadron Dashings (2015){{cite web|url=http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1/219790-jf-17-thunder-aircraft-inducted-in-paf-combat-commanders-school.html|title=JF-17 Thunder aircraft inducted in PAF Combat Commanders' School|work=Business Recorder|date=26 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223224329/http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1/219790-jf-17-thunder-aircraft-inducted-in-paf-combat-commanders-school.html|archive-date=23 December 2015|url-status=live}}
• PAF Base Peshawar{{cite web |url=http://asiantribune.com/?q=node/16871 |title=Peshawar Base to station JF-17 Thunder Aircraft Squadron: Pak Air Chief |work=Asian Tribune |date=18 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514010004/http://asiantribune.com/?q=node%2F16871 |archive-date=14 May 2013 }}
• No. 26 Squadron Black Spiders (2010)
• PAF Base Rafiqui (Shorkot)
• No. 14 Squadron Tail Choppers (2017){{Cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1315117|title=PAF No.14 'Tail choppers' Squadron re-equipped with JF-17 Thunder jets|date=16 February 2017|website=DAWN.COM|access-date=10 July 2019|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605132631/https://www.dawn.com/news/1315117|url-status=live}}
• PAF Base Samungli (Quetta)
• No. 28 Squadron Phoenix (2018){{Cite web|url=https://quwa.org/2018/02/28/pakistan-inaugurates-new-fighter-squadron-no-28-phoenix/|title=Pakistan inaugurates new fighter squadron – No. 28 "Phoenix"|date=28 February 2018|access-date=27 March 2021|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123005402/https://quwa.org/2018/02/28/pakistan-inaugurates-new-fighter-squadron-no-28-phoenix/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/286805-paf-raises-new-multirole-squadron|title=PAF raises new multirole squadron equipped with JF-17 Thunder aircraft|website=www.thenews.com.pk|access-date=27 March 2021|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025709/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/286805-paf-raises-new-multirole-squadron|url-status=live}}

Since its introduction in 2007, five JF-17s have crashed in accidents:

• 14 November 2011: A PAF JF-17 Block 1 aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in the mountainous Mullan Mansoor region of Attock District in the Punjab Province while flying from PAF Base Minhas. According to the official PAF report, the crash was caused by a technical malfunction. Pakistani news reported that the pilot, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hussain, ejected but was killed after his parachute failed to open, and that there were no civilian casualties reported on the ground. The pilot's body was discovered two kilometers from the crash site. This was the first known crash of a JF-17.{{Cite web|last=Waldron |first=Greg |title=DUBAI: JF-17 crashes in Pakistan's Kamra |date=2011-11-15 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/dubai-jf-17-crashes-in-pakistans-kamra/103081.article |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=FlightGlobal |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308054649/https://www.flightglobal.com/dubai-jf-17-crashes-in-pakistans-kamra/103081.article |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2011-12-16|title=PAF pilot dies as a plane crashed in Attock {{!}} Pakistan {{!}} News {{!}} Newspaper {{!}} Daily {{!}} English {{!}} Online|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Nov-2011/pilot-dies-in-paf-aircraft-crash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216040156/https://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/14-Nov-2011/Pilot-dies-in-PAF-aircraft-crash|archive-date=2011-12-16|url-status=live|access-date=2020-09-16}}{{Cite web|title=Military Flair Up Between India and Pakistan See Both Sides Blaming One Another|url=http://old.paktribune.com/news/JF-17-Thunder-crashes-in-Attock-pilot-killed-245092.html|access-date=2020-09-16|website=Paktribune|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182541/http://old.paktribune.com/news/JF-17-Thunder-crashes-in-Attock-pilot-killed-245092.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Pti|date=2011-11-14|title=Pakistan Air Force {{!}} Jet Crashes {{!}} Pilot {{!}} Punjab|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2011/11/14/pakistan-air-force-jet-crashes-pilot-killed.html|access-date=2020-09-16|website=oneindia.com|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182658/https://www.oneindia.com/2011/11/14/pakistan-air-force-jet-crashes-pilot-killed.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2011-11-15|title=Bogey: JF-17 'Thunder' crash jolts plans to sell aircraft|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/291604/paf-aircraft-crashes-in-attock|access-date=2020-09-18|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705115509/https://tribune.com.pk/story/291604/paf-aircraft-crashes-in-attock|url-status=live}}
• 27 September 2016: A PAF JF-17 Block 1 aircraft crashed during Exercise High Mark in the Arabian Sea. The pilot ejected successfully and was rescued from the sea. Martin-Baker, the manufacturer of the JF-17's ejection seats, later tweeted that the 15 September 2020 crash was the first ejection from a JF-17.{{Cite web|date=2016-10-02|title=JF-17 crashes into Arabian Sea|url=https://nation.com.pk/02-Oct-2016/jf-17-crashes-into-arabian-sea|access-date=2020-09-15|website=The Nation|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108162416/https://nation.com.pk/02-Oct-2016/jf-17-crashes-into-arabian-sea|url-status=live}}
• 15 September 2020: A PAF JF-17 Block 1 aircraft crashed during a routine training flight near Pindigheb, Attock District in the Punjab Province. The pilot ejected successfully and no loss of life was reported on the ground.{{Cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=2020-09-15|title=PAF aircraft crashes in Attock during routine training, pilot ejects safely|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1579810|access-date=2020-09-15|website=DAWN.COM|language=en|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916183607/https://www.dawn.com/news/1579810|url-status=live}} While the PAF did not identify the aircraft, ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker, whose seats are installed in the JF-17, said in a Twitter post, "a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 aircraft crashed earlier today during a routine training mission, the pilot ejected successfully," adding that this marked the first instance of an ejection from a JF-17 aircraft, which uses its Martin-Baker PK16LE ejection seats, contradicting Pakistani reports of prior ejections.{{Cite web|title=Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Jet Crashes, Pilot Ejects|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27851/Pakistan_Air_Force_JF_17_Jet_Crashes__Pilot_Ejects#.X2EQiBAzbIU|access-date=2020-09-15|website=defenseworld.net|date=15 September 2020 |archive-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917084418/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27851/Pakistan_Air_Force_JF_17_Jet_Crashes__Pilot_Ejects#.X2EQiBAzbIU|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Martin-Baker Tweet|url=https://twitter.com/mb_ejecteject/status/1305911717138960384|access-date=2020-09-15|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915170202/https://twitter.com/MB_EjectEject/status/1305911717138960384|url-status=live}}
• 6 August 2021: A PAF JF-17B Block 2 aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Attock District in the Punjab Province. Both pilots ejected successfully and no loss of life was reported on the ground.{{Cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=2021-08-06|title=PAF jet crashes during routine training mission near Attock|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1639113|access-date=2021-08-09|website=DAWN.COM|language=en|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809145129/https://www.dawn.com/news/1639113|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Martin-Baker|date=9 August 2021|title=A Pakistan Air Force JF-17B aircraft crashed late last week on a training mission near Attock. Both aircrew ejected successfully from the twin seat aircraft using PK16LE Ejection Seats.|url=https://twitter.com/mb_ejecteject/status/1424674685984419841|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-date=11 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811113709/https://twitter.com/mb_ejecteject/status/1424674685984419841}}{{Cite web|title=News & Events|url=https://martin-baker.com/news-events/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815093830/https://martin-baker.com/news-events/|archive-date=15 August 2021|access-date=2021-08-15|website=Martin-Baker|language=en-US}}
• 5 June 2024: A PAF JF-17 Block 2 aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Jhang District in the Punjab Province. The fighter jet reportedly belonged to No. 14 squadron "Tail Choppers". The pilot successfully ejected. The crash was reported by the manufacturer of the ejection seat of the aircraft, Martin Baker.{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Martin |date=11 June 2024 |title= Ejection Notices – Martin-Baker|url=https://martin-baker.com/ejection-notices/}}

{{Aircraft specs

| ref = Pakistan Aeronautical Complex marketing brochure{{cite web|last1=Khan|first1=Bilal|title=PROFILE: AVIC-PAC JF-17 THUNDER|url=http://quwa.org/2017/08/31/profile-avic-pac-jf-17-thunder/|website=quwa.org|date=31 August 2017|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920101530/http://quwa.org/2017/08/31/profile-avic-pac-jf-17-thunder/|archive-date=20 September 2017|url-status=live}} and official website{{Cite web | url=https://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17 | title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - JF-17 Thunder Aircraft | access-date=7 January 2020 | archive-date=4 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404193126/https://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17 | url-status=live }}

| prime units? = met

| crew = 1 (single-seat JF-17) or 2 (dual-seat JF-17B)

| length m = 14.326

| length note =

| span m = 9.44

| span note =

| height m = 4.57

| height note =

| wing area sqm = 24.43

| wing area note =

| aspect ratio =

| airfoil =

| empty weight kg = 7965

| empty weight note =

| gross weight kg =

| gross weight note =

| max takeoff weight kg = 13500

| max takeoff weight note =

| fuel capacity = Internal: 3,000 L (2,449 kg); External (3 drop tanks): 1 × 800 L (180 imp gal) under-belly drop tank; 2 × 800 L (180 imp gal) or 1,100 L (240 imp gal) under-wing drop tanks

| eng1 number = 1

| eng1 name = Klimov RD-93

| eng1 type = afterburning turbofan with DEEC

| eng1 kn = 49.4

| eng1 note ={{cite web|title=JF-17 Thunder / FC-1 Xiaolong Multirole Combat Aircraft, Pakistan|url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/|website=airforce-technology.com|access-date=23 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929025217/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund|archive-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live}}

| eng1 kn-ab = 84.4

| eng2 number =

| eng2 name =

| eng2 type =

| eng2 kn =

| eng2 kn-ab =

| eng2 note =

| max speed kmh = 1910{{Cite web|url=https://jf-17.com/|title=JF-17 Thunder Multi-role Fighter Aircraft|access-date=19 April 2021|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414195356/https://jf-17.com/|url-status=live}}

| max speed note =

| max speed mach = 1.6

| cruise speed kmh = 1359

| cruise speed note = {{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

| stall speed kmh = 150

| stall speed note =

| never exceed speed kmh =

| never exceed speed note =

| range km =

| range note =

| combat range km = 900

| combat range note = on internal fuel, 1,741 km (1,082 mi, 940 nmi) with drop tanks

| ferry range km = 1800

| ferry range note = on internal fuel,{{Cite web|url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/JF-17_specifications_--_CAC-PAC_JF-17_Thunder_brochure.jpg|title=JF-17 Brochure}} 3,482 km (2,163 mi, 1,880 nmi) with drop tanks

| endurance =

| ceiling m = 16916

| ceiling ft = 55500

| ceiling note =

| g limits = +8/-3 (limited by flight control system)

| roll rate =

| climb rate ms = 300

| climb rate note =

| time to altitude =

| wing loading kg/m2 =

| wing loading note =

| fuel consumption kg/km =

| thrust/weight = 1.07 with RD-93

| more performance =

| more general =

| guns = 1 × 23 mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon

| hardpoints = 8 (2 × wingtip, 4 × under-wing, 1 × under-fuselage, 1 × chin) with capacity for dual ejector racks on each under-wing hardpoint

• Payload: {{cvt|3400|kg}}{{Cite web | url=https://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17 | title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - JF-17 Thunder Aircraft | access-date=7 January 2020 | archive-date=4 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404193126/https://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17 | url-status=live }}

| rockets =

| missiles =

• Air-to-air missiles:
• PL-5EII — (Infrared-homing short range missile){{cite web | url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/01/pakistans-jf-17-block-iii-fighter-jet-makes-maiden-flight/ | title=Pakistan's JF-17 Block III Fighter Jet Makes Maiden Flight }}
• PL-10E — (Infrared-homing short range missile){{Cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/forecasting-thunder-overview-jf-17-block-iii|title=Forecasting Thunder: An overview of the JF-17 Block III|date=20 January 2022 |access-date=21 January 2022|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121191848/https://www.key.aero/article/forecasting-thunder-overview-jf-17-block-iii|url-status=live}}
• R-Darter — (Radar-homing beyond visual range missile){{cite web | url=https://airpowerasia.com/2020/05/11/pakistan-air-force-a-comprehensive-story/ | title=Pakistan Air Force – A Comprehensive Story | date=11 May 2020 }}
• PL-12 (SD-10A) — (Radar-guided beyond visual range missile){{cite news|last1=Warnes|first1=Alan|title=Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Fighter Will Fly In 2017|url=http://aviationweek.com/combat-aircraft/chinese-pakistani-jf-17-thunder-fighter-will-fly-2017|access-date=24 September 2017|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924100512/http://aviationweek.com/combat-aircraft/chinese-pakistani-jf-17-thunder-fighter-will-fly-2017|archive-date=24 September 2017|url-status=live}}
• PL-15/PL-15E — (Radar-guided beyond visual range missile){{cite web | url=https://theasianmirror.com/top-stories/60759/pakistan-buys-chinas-pl-15-long-range-missiles-amid-tensions-with-india/ | title=Pakistan buys China's PL-15 long-range missiles amid tensions with India? | date=27 April 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistan-arms-jf-17-thunder-with-chinas-deadly-pl-15-missiles-amidst-kashmir-crisis/ | title=Pakistan Arms JF-17 Thunder with China's Deadly PL-15 Missiles Amidst Kashmir Crisis | date=26 April 2025 }}
• Air-to-surface missiles:
• CM-102 — (Anti-radiation missile)
• LD-10 — (Anti-radiation missile)
• MAR-1 — (Anti-radiation missile)
• Ra'ad-II — (Subsonic land attack/anti-ship cruise missile)
• CM-400AKG — (Supersonic long-range air-to-surface missile){{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2545624/did-modi-inadvertently-confirm-pakistans-s-400-claim | title=Did Modi inadvertently confirm Pakistan's S-400 claim? | date=13 May 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/first-strike-in-the-hypersonic-era-pakistan-claims-jf-17-launched-cm-400akg-took-out-indias-s-400/ | title=(VIDEO) First Strike in the Hypersonic Era: Pakistan Claims JF-17-Launched CM-400AKG Took Out India's S-400 | date=11 May 2025 }}
• Anti-ship missiles:
• C-601 — (Anti-ship missile)
• C-705KD — (Anti-ship missile)
• C-802AK — (Anti-ship missile)
• Ra'ad-II — (Subsonic land attack/anti-ship cruise missile)
• CM-400AKG — (Supersonic long-range anti-ship missile){{Cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistan%E2%80%99s-got-weird-and-powerful-anti-ship-weapon-can-it-sink-indias-aircraft-carrier|title=The National Interest: Blog|date=21 April 2020 |access-date=21 November 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217231220/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistan%E2%80%99s-got-weird-and-powerful-anti-ship-weapon-can-it-sink-indias-aircraft-carrier|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url = https://quwa.org/2019/10/03/the-jf-17s-air-launched-rocket-option-cm-400akg/|title = The JF-17's air-launched rocket (CM-400AKG)|date = 3 October 2019|access-date = 21 November 2021|archive-date = 21 November 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211121050634/https://quwa.org/2019/10/03/the-jf-17s-air-launched-rocket-option-cm-400akg/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/198-november-2013-news-aviation-air-force-industry/924-cm-400akg-a-new-export-variant-of-an-anti-ship-missile-from-china-russian-media.html|title=CM-400AKG a New export variant of an anti-ship missile from China (Russian Media)|website=www.airrecognition.com|access-date=21 November 2021|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121050633/https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/198-november-2013-news-aviation-air-force-industry/924-cm-400akg-a-new-export-variant-of-an-anti-ship-missile-from-china-russian-media.html|url-status=live}}

| bombs =

• Unguided bombs:
• 250 kg — Pre-fragmented bomb
• Mk-82 — (General-purpose bomb)
• Mk-83 — (General-purpose bomb)
• Mk-84 — (General-purpose bomb)
• HAFR-1/HAFR-2 — (Anti-runway bomb)
• RPB-1 — (Anti-runway bomb)
• Guided bombs:
• GBU-10 — (Laser-guided bomb)
• GBU-12 — (Laser-guided bomb)
• GBU-16 — (Laser-guided bomb)
• LT-2 — (Laser-guided bomb)
• H-2 SOW — (Precision-guided glide bomb)
• H-4 SOW — (Precision-guided glide bomb)
• GB-6 — (Precision-guided stealth glide bomb)
• NORINCO GB-250A — (250 kg Extended Range GPS/INS-Guided Bomb)
• NORINCO GB-500 — (500 kg Laser-Guided Bomb)
• LS-6 — (Extended-range GPS/INS guided bomb){{cite journal|last1=Mader|first1=Georg|title=INTERVIEW: Thunder over the Desert|journal=AirForces Monthly|date=February 2014|issue=311|pages=62–66}}
• GIDS Takbir — (GPS/INS guided bomb)
• GIDS Range Extension Kit — (GPS/INS guided bomb){{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Bilal|title=PAKISTAN INTEGRATES JF-17 WITH STAND-OFF RANGE WEAPON (GIDS REK)|url=http://quwa.org/2017/03/12/pakistan-integrates-jf-17-stand-off-range-weapon-gids-rek/|access-date=25 September 2017|work=quwa.org|date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911184952/http://quwa.org/2017/03/12/pakistan-integrates-jf-17-stand-off-range-weapon-gids-rek/|archive-date=11 September 2017|url-status=live}}

| avionics = *Radar: KLJ-7A Active electronically scanned array (AESA) Fire-control radar (FCR){{cite web|url=https://quwa.org/quwa-premium-excerpt/pakistan-selects-klj-7a-aesa-radar-for-jf-17-block-iii-2/ |title=Pakistan Selects KLJ-7A AESA Radar for JF-17 Block-III |publisher=Quwa |date=2020-02-09 |access-date=2025-05-04}}

• Radar Warning Receiver (RWR): 2 × ALR-67
• Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS): 4 × S740
• Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) System: JZ/YD 125
• Data Bus: MIL-STD-1760{{cite web | url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/hybrid-fighter-china%E2%80%99s-jf-17-fighter-mig-21-and-f-16-fusion-183478 | title=The National Interest: Blog | date=24 April 2021 }}
• Tactical Data Link: Link-17
• Others:
• External Pods:
• Aselsan ASELPOD — Advanced Targeting Pod (Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System){{cite web|title=Pakistan Turki Dosti Zindebat! [Long Live Turkey – Pakistan Friendship!]|url=http://monch.com.tr/EN,948/pakistan-turki-dosti-zindebat-long-live-turkey--pakista-.html|website=monch.com.tr|access-date=25 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925180933/http://monch.com.tr/EN,948/pakistan-turki-dosti-zindebat-long-live-turkey--pakista-.html|archive-date=25 September 2017}}
• WMD-7 — FLIR Day/Night Targeting Pod
• KG600/KG700 — Airborne Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) / Self-Protection Jamming Pod
• Indra Systems ALQ-500P — ESM/ECM Pod
• Countermeasures: Chaff/Flare dispensers{{cite web|title=JF-17 Thunder / FC-1 Xiaolong Multirole Combat Aircraft, Pakistan|url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/|website=airforce-technology.com|access-date=23 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929025217/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund|archive-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live}}
• ACMI: SDT ACMI System{{cite web | url=https://turdef.com/article/turkish-acmi-will-fly-on-pakistani-aircraft-jf-17 | title=Turkish ACMI will fly on Pakistani Aircraft JF-17 | TURDEF | date=16 November 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://defensehere.com/en/sdt-makes-the-first-export-of-acmi-pod-to-pakistan/ | title=SDT makes the first export of ACMI pod to Pakistan - Defensehere | date=16 November 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://adj.com.my/2022/11/24/sdt-acmi-pod-integration-for-paf-jf-17-thunder-fighter-aircraft/ | title=SDT ACMI Pod Integration for PAF JF-17 "Thunder" Fighter Aircraft – Asian Defence Journal | date=24 November 2022 }}
• Ejection Seat: Martin-Baker PK16LE zero-zero ejection seat
• External Fuel Tanks: Up to 3 external drop tanks for extended range/loitering time:
• 1 × 800 L (180 imp gal) under-belly drop tank
• 2 × 800 L (180 imp gal) or 1,100 L (240 imp gal) under-wing drop tanks

| fuel capacity note =

}}

{{Portal bar|Aviation|Pakistan|China}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

|related=

• Project Sabre II

|lists=

• List of active Pakistan Air Force aircraft
• List of Chinese aircraft
• List of fighter aircraft

}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last1=Medeiros |first1=Evan S |url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2005/RAND_MG334.pdf |title=A New Direction for China's Defense Industry |last2=Cliff |first2=Roger |last3=Crane |first3=Keith |last4=Mulvenon |first4=James C |date=2005 |publisher=RAND Corporation Project Air Force |isbn=978-0-8330-4079-4 |language=en |oclc=69995886}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120906183937/http://www.cac.com.cn/product/product_display.aspx?id=1 Archived Factsheet FC-1 on Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) website]
• [http://www.pac.org.pk/jf-17 Factsheet JF-17 on Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) website]

{{AVIC aircraft}}

{{PAC aircraft}}

{{PRC fighters}}

{{Chinese Military Aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jf-17 Thunder}}

Category:Pakistani military aircraft

JF-017

JF-017

Category:2000s international fighter aircraft

Category:Single-engined jet aircraft

Category:China–Pakistan military relations

Category:Mid-wing aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2003

Category:Supersonic aircraft

Category:Fourth-generation jet fighters

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear