PAC launches production of JF-17 Block II

On 18 December 2013, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) formally launched production of the JF-17 Thunder Block II, a variant of the Block I featuring upgraded avionics, radar and weapon systems. Confirmed orders by the Pakistan Air Force are for 50 of these additional JF-17s, which will continue to be powered by the Russian-origin RD93 turbofan engine, which also equips the earlier JF-17 Block I.

The JF-17 Thunder has been co-developed and co-produced by PAC with the China National Aero-technology Import and Export Corporation. “The indigenous manufacturing of JF-17s will not only lead to self-reliance and industrialisation but will also further strengthen Pakistan’s friendship with China,” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said at the ceremony. “The first Block-II JF-17 will be ready by June 2014,” according to chief project director Air Vice Marshal Javaid Ahmad.

The Block-II will have improved avionics, air-to-air refuelling capability, additional weapons carriage and some extra operational capabilities. Ahmad said that several countries in Central Asia, South America and Africa had shown interest in buying the new fighter. The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, which overhauls and rebuilds the air force’s range of combat aircraft, has the capacity to produce 16-25 aircraft per year. In addition to the present range of armament, the JF-17 is to be equipped with the Chinese origin H-4 Joint Standoff Weapon.