The PAC JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China. rrMore images here: https://www.e-pic.se/Aircraft/Aircraft-sorted-by-type/Pakistan-Aeronautical-Complex-PAC/PAC-JF-17-Thunder-/rrThe JF-17 can be used for aerial reconnaissance, ground attack and aircraft interception. Its designation "JF-17" by Pakistan is short for "Joint Fighter-17", while the designation and name "FC-1 Xiaolong" by China means "Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon".rrThe JF-17 can deploy diverse ordnance, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, and a 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel autocannon. Powered by a Guizhou WS-13 or Klimov RD-93 afterburning turbofan, it has a top speed of Mach 1.6.[2] The JF-17 is to become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), complementing the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon at half the cost.[3] The PAF inducted its first JF-17 squadron in February 2010.[4][5] In 2015 Pakistan produced 16 JF-17s.[5] As of 2016, Pakistan is believed to have the capacity to produce 25 JF-17 per year. 58% of the airframe is Pakistani and 42% Chinese/Russian-origin.[6] As of December 2016, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex has manufactured 70 jets in the country for use by the Pakistan Air Force of the Block 1 type,[7][8] and 33 jets of the Block 2 type.[9]rrThe Pakistan Air Force plans, by 2017, to induct a twin-seater version known as the JF-17B for both enhanced operational capability and training.[10][11] Preparations for a more advanced and technologically sophisticated block III version of the aircraft are underway and the AESA radar, KJ-7A, has been developed, which can track 15 targets and engage 4 targets simultaneously.[12]rrSince its induction in 2011, the JF-17 Thunder has accumulated 19,000 hours of operational flight.[13] The JF-17 has seen active military service as it is used by the Pakistan Air Force to bomb mili
ISLAMABAD – After Argentina, Azerbaijan has also expressed interest in purchasing JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
“The purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan is a key item on our agenda,” said Colonel Mehman Novruzov, Defence Attache of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Pakistan.
"The purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan is a key item on our agenda," said Colonel Mehman Novruzov, Defence Attache of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Pakistan in a press conference held at the embassy. pic.twitter.com/sPyJFxsHrj
He said that his country wants to buy state-of-the-art Block 3 JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan.
The Defence Attache of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Pakistan said that Pakistan is a top priority and is reviewing the purchase of aircraft, adding that the Azerbaijani Air Force is making serious efforts to upgrade its assets, especially fighter jets.
Colonel Mehman Norozov said that they are working together with Pakistan to modernize the air force.