In early 2024, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed a new fighter program called the “JF-17 PFX.” No other details were provided about the program, but a more recent video began referring to it as simply the “PFX” (i.e., without ‘JF-17’ in the name).
It is still unclear what the “PFX” is – or, for that matter, what it stands for (analysts speculate that it could refer to “Pakistan Fighter Experimental”). However, during notable events (such as the 2024 Pakistan Day Parade) and through the local media, the PAF indicated that the PFX would be a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft and a piece of its vision to build a “next generation air force.”
Nonetheless, the details are still scarce and, in turn, the program’s status or overall health is opaque. Moreover, the PAF’s past history with handling platform development through Project AZM and Air Headquarters’ (AHQ) push to import fighters are clear warning signs of PFX being in jeopardy.
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The first scenario would be localizing the JF-17. Currently, the JF-17’s production is split between the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). Therefore, one could imagine that PFX was an effort to bring JF-17 production completely in-house at PAC.
To achieve this goal, the PAF would have to acquire both the remaining production rights from AVIC as well as purchase the necessary jigs and other production equipment.
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