JF-17 Block-3 Production Crosses 20 Units

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…