On 11 July, footage emerged of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17C Block-III with the serial number “323” – i.e., the 23rd Block-III unit. This indicates that production of the Block-III has crossed 20 units and is now nearing the current 30-unit order placed by the PAF.
The JF-17C/Block-III is the latest and current variant of the Thunder. The first Block-III prototype flew in 2019 and entered serial production in 2022. Its main improvements over the JF-17 Block-II include the KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, helmet mounted display and sight (HMD/S) system, and integrated electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite.
The JF-17C can deploy the newly acquired PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM), which offers a stated range of 145 km. It can also launch the PL-10E high off-boresight air-to-air missile (HOBS AAM), which the HMD/S can cue for within-visual-range (WVR) engagements. It also seems that the JF-17C is capable of deploying the Taimur air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), which can be used against fixed and moving targets (including surface warships) at a range of up to 280 km.
The JF-17C may also have some commonality with the J-10CE, the PAF’s other AESA radar-equipped fighter aircraft. For example, it appears that both fighters use the same HMD/S model, which is custom fabricated for the pilot’s head measurements. This creates an interesting dynamic where a pilot who is initially qualified on the JF-17C could be reassigned to the J-10CE later into their career; they can take their HMD/S with them between fighter platforms (which may include J-31 in future as well). Moreover, both the J-10CE and JF-17 can deploy the same AAMs, such as the PL-15E and PL-10E…
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Currently, two PAF fighter squadrons are equipped with the JF-17C – i.e., No.16 and No.08. The latter is deployed at Masroor Air Base, reinforcing the No.02 Squadron (equipped with the JF-17 Block-II) in the maritime operations role. Tactically, the JF-17C will support the PAF’s needs by providing longer-ranged air-to-air reach (via the PL-15E) in a more expansive environment, and additional air-to-surface/anti-ship strike support via Taimur ALCM integration. Finally, the JF-17C can also refuel in-flight.
It is unclear if the PAF will order additional Block-III aircraft. Originally, it had intended to acquire 50 units, but it instead grew the JF-17 fleet by adding 26 dual-seat JF-17Bs. The JF-17B is designed on a similar platform as the Block-III in that it leverages the new three-axis flight control system and has space for an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, among other changes. Though the JF-17B is primarily used for training, it can be re-leveraged as a fully capable fighter aircraft. So, in one sense, the PAF will induct over 50 of the ‘new platform’ JF-17s, albeit as a mix of JF-17Cs and JF-17Bs.
Though the PAF has been non-committal about acquiring additional Block-IIIs, it recently initiated a ‘PFX’ program. PFX may stand for ‘Pakistan Fighter Experimental.’ Current promotional materials surrounding the PFX suggest that it is related to the JF-17. Thus, the PFX could be a new upgrade path for the JF-17 or, potentially, an effort to bring JF-17 production completely in-house at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). Currently, PAC is responsible for manufacturing 58% of the JF-17’s airframe, with Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) supplying the other 42%.
Of the AESA radar-equipped fighters available to the PAF, the JF-17C is still the most affordable to buy, especially in larger numbers. Thus, should the PAF find any of its other procurement programs faltering – such as the J-10CE and/or J-31 – it could potentially lean on the JF-17C as a means to supplant older aircraft while still ensuring the induction of new technologies and capabilities.
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