Having won sales in Nigeria and Myanmar, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) are looking to secure new contracts for the JF-17 in Malaysia and Argentina.
In total, the sales prospects could amount to 30 aircraft (i.e., 18 for Malaysia and 12 for Argentina). Though small in scope, these contracts could result in follow-on orders in the future. In addition, PAC will benefit from maintenance, training, and other support contracts through the life of those aircraft.
However, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is also looking to take the JF-17 to a potentially wider market as a lead-in-fighter-training (LIFT) system. In fact, the PAF is pitching the JF-17 as a LIFT asset to Qatar.
Malaysia
Malaysia started its search for a new light combat aircraft in 2019. It is looking to replace its BAE Systems Hawk and Aeromacchi MB339 trainers as well as its MiG-29 fighters. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is seeking a multi-role asset that can also double as a LIFT. With an initial order of 18 aircraft, the winning contractor could secure follow-on orders for a total of 50 to 60 aircraft.
However, the JF-17 is competing against the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Golden Eagle. KAI has been positioning the FA-50 as a similar solution to the JF-17 – i.e., a lightweight combat aircraft that could double as a LIFT. In that respect, KAI is working to integrate the FA-50 with a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. There had even been talk of integrating the KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile.
The JF-17, on the other hand, is also available with modern air-to-air missiles (AAM), including the SD-10 and PL-5EII. But one area where AVIC and PAC could claim an edge over the FA-50 is the JF-17’s growing compatibility with stand-off-range weapons (SOW). The JF-17 is available with the C-802 anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM), Indigenous Range Extension Kit (IREK), and CM-400AKG air-launched rocket.
The FA-50 could carry comparable Western munitions, but it is unclear if those are integrated and certified for use from the FA-50 at this time. However, the PAF has already operationalized the C-802 and IREK. In fact, the PAF even used the IREK in a real-world combat situation (i.e., Operation Swift Retort in 2019).
Finally, with the Block-III entering production, the JF-17 will also take on the KLJ-7A active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar and a longer-ranged air-to-air missile (AAM). In fact, the new subsystems and munitions are on offer with the JF-17 package (as they come from one source, China).
However, KAI would need to secure third-party approvals for the FA-50’s key munitions and subsystems. In fact, Israel is a major supplier for both inputs, and that may complicate matters in terms of the RMAF’s tender. KAI could work to add alternative inputs, but that will add to the time and cost involved with the FA-50. Overall, the JF-17 is the technically simpler and lower-cost route.
That said, fighter deals are seldom isolated from wider geopolitical interests. Those factors may direct the Malaysians to weigh in favour of the FA-50. Likewise, the current blockers on the FA-50 are not permanent obstacles; with time, KAI and the RMAF could solve them. In fact, South Korea has a range of indigenous weapons under development or nearing completion, so the FA-50 should gain them in the coming years.
Don't Stop Here. Unlock the Rest of this Analysis Immediately
To read the rest of this deep dive -- including the honest assessments and comparative analyses that Quwa Plus members rely on -- you need access.
