Pakistani JF-17 challenges Western fighters Cost and combat experience

American broadcaster Muslim Network TV published an article highlighting the rising international interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The report examines how the aircraft’s combat performance in the May 2025 clash with India and its affordability have attracted inquiries from at least five countries. It also explores potential deals with nations such as Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Libya, as well as the challenges Pakistan faces in scaling up production to meet growing demand. Caliber.Az offers its readers a translation of this material.

"Pakistan has reported a surge in foreign interest in its JF-17 Thunder fighter jet from at least five countries, a level of demand that could exceed current production capacity.

The interest follows Pakistan’s public praise of the Chinese-designed jet’s performance during the May 2025 conflict with India, which analysts say boosted the aircraft’s profile as a low-cost combat option for developing militaries.

Iraq, Bangladesh and Indonesia have expressed interest in the JF-17 in recent weeks. Reuters has separately reported that Saudi Arabia and Libya are also exploring possible purchases.

The JF-17 is jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra. Output currently stands at fewer than 20 aircraft a year.

Pakistan has sought to position itself as an arms supplier for the developing world while supporting China’s broader push to expand its global defence market footprint. Analysts say a rapid rise in orders would test the limits of that strategy.

“The JF-17 is a market disruptor because of its affordability and its recent combat exposure,” said Manoj Harjani, a research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. “It is easy to imagine wider adoption by air forces that cannot afford Western-made fighters.”

Any deal with Indonesia or Saudi Arabia would mark a significant shift. Indonesia has traditionally relied on Western platforms and recently took delivery of Dassault Rafale jets while committing to buy F-15s from Boeing. Saudi Arabia similarly operates U.S. and European aircraft and has sought access to the F-35 program.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also discussed converting about $2 billion in Saudi loans into a JF-17 purchase, months after the two countries signed a mutual defence pact. Pakistan has separately held talks with Bangladesh on potential acquisitions of JF-17 fighters and Super Mushshak training aircraft.

Libya has emerged as another potential buyer, with Pakistan reportedly securing a $4 billion weapons pact with the Libyan National Army. An Indonesian defense delegation has also met Pakistan’s air chief to discuss aviation cooperation, including the JF-17.

Conceived under a 1999 agreement, the JF-17 is a lightweight, all-weather, multirole fighter developed by PAC and China’s AVIC Chengdu. Former Air Commodore Khalid Chishti estimates Pakistan’s annual production rate at around 16 to 18 aircraft.

Cost remains the jet’s main selling point. Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj has said the aircraft costs between $40 million and $50 million, depending on variant and customisation, far less than Western alternatives such as the Rafale or F-16, which can exceed $100 million per unit.

Former Air Commodore Abbas Petiwala said the aircraft’s combat exposure and price have made it attractive to prospective buyers. “The first thing any country looks at is the war record,” he said, referring to the May 2025 clash with India.

So far, the JF-17 has been exported only to Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan. Myanmar ordered at least 16 aircraft in 2015, Nigeria added three in 2021, and Azerbaijan ordered 40 jets in 2024 in a deal valued at about $1.6 billion. Azerbaijan unveiled five JF-17s at its Victory Day parade in November 2025.

Potential new orders would require a major expansion of production. Reports say Libya and Bangladesh are each considering purchases of about 16 aircraft, while Saudi Arabia may be exploring a deal for up to 50 jets and Indonesia for roughly 40. 

At the same time, the PAF still needs to replace more than 250 ageing Mirage and F-7 aircraft, alongside fulfilling existing export commitments of about 45 jets.

“So far, production capacity has been just enough for Pakistan,” said former Air Vice Marshal Faaiz Amir. “You don’t build export capacity before the orders arrive,”" the article reads.

By Aghakazim Guliyev