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.
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