On 27 December 2019, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) rolled out the first eight of 26 twin-seat JF-17B fighter aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). PAC will manufacture an additional 14 aircraft in 2020, and conclude the PAF’s orders in 2021 with the remaining four JF-17Bs.
The PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Mujahid Anwar Khan, revealed the PAF’s plans to procure 26 JF-17Bs in an interview in May 2019.[1] According to the CAS, the primary purpose of inducting the JF-17B was to train new pilots on the JF-17 “without first putting them through the F-16, Mirage or F-7P/PG” as they are currently. In other words, as the JF-17 becomes the PAF’s most numerous aircraft, the PAF is adding twin-seat variants to convert pilots with limited prior fighter flying experience to the JF-17.
However, with the JF-17B acquisition amounting to essentially an expansion of the slated JF-17 plan (for 150 fighters, now 188 through 26 JF-17Bs and 12 additional JF-17 Block-IIs), observers are asking whether the JF-17B could play other roles with the PAF. The most oft-heard scenario is the potential use of the JF-17B as a dedicated, stand-off electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, or as a supporting strike fighter.
Practically, the twin-seat fighter aircraft of the PAF – i.e., operational conversion unit (OCU) platforms – can technically double as an active combat asset. So, at the minimum, the capabilities of the Block-I and Block-II should translate over to the JF-17B should the PAF require it. However, in lieu of those situations, the PAF will (as it does every OCU asset) use the JF-17B as principally a training asset.
Does the JF-17B’s Design Allow for Niche or Specialized Roles?
The JF-17B introduced multiple design changes to the Thunder. In addition to the second seat, the JF-17B boasts a swept-back vertical stabilizer, a dorsal spine, and by some reports, a slightly longer airframe and enlarged wingspan (9.465 m) compared to the single-seat variant (8.5 m).[2]
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