1: JF-17 Thunder Block III — Pakistan’s Most Advanced Indigenous Fighter Jet
Type: Multirole Fighter
Origin: Jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC)
Background & Induction
Pakistan officially inducted the JF-17 Thunder Block III into its air force in early 2023, marking a significant leap in its indigenous defense capabilities. The aircraft is an advanced evolution of the JF-17 series, incorporating next-generation avionics, radar, and weaponry. The development and production are managed collaboratively under a strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.
First rollout: December 2020
Operational induction in PAF: 2023
Manufactured at: PAC Kamra, Pakistan
Cost
The estimated unit cost of the JF-17 Block III is around $25–32 million USD, making it one of the most cost-effective 4.5-generation multirole fighters in the world.
Technology & Features
The Block III represents a significant technological upgrade over earlier models (Block I and II). Key features include:
AESA Radar (KLJ-7A): Enhances tracking range, target detection, and resistance to jamming.
Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD): Allows pilots to lock targets using head movement.
Advanced BVR Missiles: Equipped to carry the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile (range >200 km).
Electronic Warfare Suite: Modern ECM systems for self-protection and electronic attacks.
Fly-by-wire System: Fully digital for better maneuverability and control.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST): Passive detection of stealth and low-emission targets.
Performance Specs
Top Speed: Approximately Mach 2.0 (~2,470 km/h)
Combat Radius: ~1,200 km
Service Ceiling: ~55,000 ft
Thrust-to-weight ratio: Around 0.99
Engine: RD-93MA (improved version of RD-93 from Russia)
Design Basis & Comparisons
The JF-17 design is loosely inspired by the MiG-21 and F-16, combining Chinese design philosophy with lessons from Western air combat. Block III’s advanced systems make it comparable to the Swedish Gripen E or the F-16V, but at a much lower cost.
Operational Use by Pakistan
As of now, the JF-17 Block III has not been publicly confirmed in active combat, but it has participated in military exercises and readiness drills, such as:
Zarb-e-Azb and other joint air-ground exercises
Shaheen air drills with China
Its combat readiness and long-range missile capability are seen as a deterrent against regional threats, particularly to counter India’s Rafale and Su-30MKI jets.
2: F-16 Fighting Falcon — Backbone of Pakistan's High-End Air Combat Capability
Type: Multirole Fighter
Origin: United States of America (Lockheed Martin)
Concept & Development Background
The F-16 Fighting Falcon was originally developed in the 1970s by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) as a lightweight, highly maneuverable, and cost-effective multirole fighter for the U.S. Air Force. Its design focused on agility, precision targeting, and high survivability, making it one of the most successful combat aircraft globally.
Its philosophy blends air-to-air combat agility (dogfighting) with advanced ground attack capability, earning it the nickname "Viper" among pilots.
Induction into Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan first received F-16s in the 1980s, and over the years, it has added multiple variants, including:
F-16A/B Block 15: Delivered during the 1980s.
F-16C/D Block 52+: Acquired from the U.S. between 2006–2010 under a military aid and procurement program.
MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade): Older F-16A/Bs were upgraded in partnership with Turkey and the U.S. to extend operational life and enhance systems.
Cost
The unit cost of Pakistan’s F-16 Block 52+ aircraft is estimated at $40–50 million USD per jet (including support systems and training).
The total cost for the 2006 deal (18 Block 52s) was around $1.4 billion, which included:
Aircraft
Weapons systems
Spare parts
Pilot training and ground support
Key Features & Technology
Radar: AN/APG-68(V)9 radar system (Block 52), advanced pulse-Doppler radar
Targeting Systems: LANTIRN, Sniper XR targeting pods
Weapons:
Air-to-Air: AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder
Air-to-Ground: JDAM, Paveway LGBs, AGM-65 Maverick
Electronic Warfare: AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod, RWR systems
Fly-by-wire controls for superior agility
Night attack capability with NVG-compatible cockpit
Performance Specs
Top Speed: Mach 2.05 (~2,500 km/h)
Combat Radius: ~550 km (without refueling)
Service Ceiling: ~50,000 ft
Thrust-to-weight ratio: ~1.095
Engine: Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 (Block 52)
Design Concept & Comparisons
The F-16 was designed with a frameless bubble canopy for visibility, side-mounted control stick for maneuverability, and relaxed static stability to increase agility. It’s often compared to the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and modernized JF-17 Block III in terms of role and performance.
Combat Use by Pakistan
Yes — Pakistan has actively used the F-16 in several military operations:
✅ Notable Uses:
Kargil Conflict (1999): Deployed for combat air patrols.
War on Terror (2004–2016): Extensively used in Zarb-e-Azb and Rah-e-Nijat operations in tribal areas.
Balakot Crisis (2019): Allegedly used during aerial engagements with Indian Air Force jets following the Indian airstrike at Balakot. Pakistan claimed a successful shootdown of an Indian MiG-21 (though F-16 involvement remains disputed internationally).
Maintenance & Upgrades
Pakistan performs maintenance through:
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra
Collaboration with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
U.S. assistance for upgrades and overhauls
The F-16 remains Pakistan's premier Western-origin fighter jet, operating alongside the indigenous JF-17 to ensure multi-theater combat readiness.
3: JF-17 Thunder Block II — Strengthening Pakistan’s Multirole Combat Capability
Type: Multirole Fighter
Origin: Jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC)
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Concept & Purpose
The JF-17 Thunder Block II was developed as an intermediate upgrade between the initial Block I and the much more advanced Block III. It aimed to bridge the gap by enhancing avionics, expanding operational range, and integrating modern weapon systems — all while remaining cost-effective and maintainable locally.
The concept was to create a more mission-capable fighter that could be:
Affordable for mass production
Versatile for both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles
Exportable to friendly nations
Induction into Pakistan Air Force
Production began: Late 2013
Official induction: 2015 onwards
Total units: Over 50 Block II jets delivered to PAF by 2019
Assembled at: PAC Kamra, with increasing localization compared to Block I
Cost
The estimated unit cost of a JF-17 Block II is around $25–28 million USD, depending on configuration and included support systems. It remains one of the most economical multirole fighters in its class.
Key Features & Technology
The Block II brought significant upgrades over the Block I variant:
Improved Avionics Suite: Better situational awareness and mission planning
Aerial Refueling Capability: Through in-flight probe (critical for deep-strike missions)
Data Link Integration: For network-centric warfare and coordination with AWACS
Enhanced Weapons Compatibility:
BVR missiles (SD-10)
Laser-guided bombs
Precision-strike cruise missiles (e.g., Ra’ad II, CM-400AKG)
Countermeasures Suite: Radar warning receivers, chaff/flare dispensers
Performance Specs
Top Speed: ~Mach 1.6 (~1,975 km/h)
Combat Radius: ~1,200 km
Service Ceiling: 55,000 ft
Engine: Klimov RD-93 turbofan (Russian origin)
Multirole Capability: Effective in both interception and ground strike roles
Design Basis
While based on the original JF-17 Block I, the Block II was significantly enhanced in:
Electronic warfare
Mission survivability
Mid-air refueling for extended range
Its design takes inspiration from the MiG-21's airframe efficiency with modern avionics and multirole mission flexibility, somewhat similar in philosophy to F-16’s affordability-performance balance.
Operational Use by Pakistan
Yes the JF-17 Block II has been actively used by the Pakistan Air Force, especially in:
Counter-terrorism operations along the western border
Combat air patrols during times of high regional tension (e.g., 2019 India-Pakistan standoff)
Participation in international air exercises like Shaheen (with China) and ACSA (with Turkey)
It forms the backbone of PAF’s frontline fleet alongside Block I and Block III variants.
Export Interest
Several countries (including Nigeria and Myanmar) have shown interest in the Block II variant. Nigeria officially inducted the JF-17 Block II into its air force in 2021, marking Pakistan's success in exporting this platform.
The JF-17 Block II stands as a combat-tested, cost-effective, and strategically vital multirole fighter that strengthens Pakistan’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
4: Mirage III & Mirage V — Pakistan’s Veteran Strike Fighters with Modernized Capabilities
Type:
Mirage III: Interceptor / Air Superiority
Mirage V: Ground Attack / Strike Fighter
Origin:
Originally manufactured by Dassault Aviation, France
Upgraded by Pakistan under the ambitious Project ROSE
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Concept & Strategic Purpose
The Mirage III and Mirage V were originally designed in the 1960s and 70s by France as delta-wing, supersonic fighters for air superiority (III) and strike missions (V). Their streamlined design and nuclear delivery capability made them attractive options for smaller air forces seeking affordable, high-speed jets.
Pakistan acquired these jets to:
Build a low-cost but capable strike fleet
Enable deep-strike and reconnaissance capability
Integrate with its emerging nuclear deterrence posture
Over time, due to arms embargoes and budget constraints, Pakistan relied on modernization rather than replacement — leading to Project ROSE.
Induction into Pakistan Air Force
First batch acquired: 1970s (from France and later from Australia, Lebanon, Libya, and Spain)
Mirage III/5 fleet size: Over 150 aircraft at peak
Upgrades: Starting late 1990s under Project ROSE (Retrofit Of Strike Element)
Cost
Initial purchase: In the 1970s and 80s, Mirage jets were acquired second-hand for as low as $1–5 million USD per airframe
ROSE upgrades cost: Approximately $1–2 million per aircraft, making this one of the most cost-effective modernization efforts in the region.
Key Features & Upgrades (via Project ROSE)
Project ROSE was an indigenous upgrade program led by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and involved multiple phases (ROSE-I, II, III). Upgrades included:
Modern Avionics & HUDs
New Radar Systems: Grifo M3 (by FIAR/SELEX, Italy)
Night-attack Capability: FLIR and laser targeting pods
Electronic Warfare Systems: RWRs, chaff/flare dispensers
Refurbished airframes for extended service life
Mirage III: Improved for interception and reconnaissance roles
Mirage V: Tailored for precision strike, nuclear delivery, and ground attack
Performance Specs
Top Speed: ~Mach 2.2 (Mirage III), ~Mach 2.0 (Mirage V)
Combat Radius: ~1,200 km (with drop tanks)
Service Ceiling: 55,000 ft
Engine: SNECMA Atar 9C turbojet
Weapons:
Laser-guided bombs
Cruise missiles (Ra'ad ALCM)
Air-to-air missiles (AIM-9 Sidewinders)
Dumb bombs and unguided rockets
Design & Legacy
The delta-wing design offers high-speed intercept capability but limited maneuverability at low speeds. Despite being vintage by today’s standards, the Mirage fleet has been reliably modernized, drawing parallels with India's continued use of upgraded MiG-21s or Israel's historical upgrade of A-4 Skyhawks.
Operational Use by Pakistan
Yes — Pakistan has actively used Mirage III/V fighters in multiple combat roles over the decades:
Combat Use Includes:
1971 War: Mirage III used for air superiority and bombing missions
Kargil Conflict (1999): Mirage V employed for night bombing missions
War on Terror: Used for precision strikes in tribal areas
Balakot Crisis (2019): Mirage VPA (Precision Attack) reportedly used to launch Ra’ad cruise missile-equipped patrols
These aircraft also serve as nuclear-capable platforms, particularly the Mirage V, which is believed to be the primary air delivery system for Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
Maintenance & Support
Maintained and upgraded at PAC Kamra
Pakistan sources parts globally (France, South Africa, etc.)
Cannibalization of airframes used for spares
The Mirage III and V, despite their age, remain a vital part of Pakistan’s strike and deterrence capability, proving that old platforms can still be deadly with the right upgrades.
5: F-7PG Skybolt — The Agile Defender of Pakistani Skies
Type: Interceptor / Light Fighter
Origin: China (Produced by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, based on the Soviet MiG-21 design)
Concept & Purpose
The F-7PG Skybolt is a heavily upgraded version of the MiG-21, a Cold War-era fighter known for its high speed, low cost, and simplicity. The concept behind inducting the F-7PG into the Pakistan Air Force was to maintain a large, fast-reacting fleet of interceptors for airspace defense at a relatively low cost.
It was never meant to compete with high-end fighters like the F-16, but instead to:
Defend airspace from intrusions
Intercept enemy bombers or slow aircraft
Fill in numerical strength in the PAF during modernization gaps
Induction into Pakistan Air Force
Inducted: Early 2000s (between 2002–2006)
Number of units acquired: ~60 aircraft
Manufactured by: Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (China)
The F-7PG replaced older versions of the F-6 and earlier F-7 variants, offering improved avionics and aerodynamics.
Cost
The unit cost of the F-7PG was approximately $5–7 million USD, making it one of the most affordable supersonic interceptors in the PAF inventory.
Key Features & Technology
Avionics Suite: Upgraded with Chinese Grifo-7 radar and improved HUD
Weapons:
Short-range air-to-air missiles (e.g., PL-5E and AIM-9 Sidewinders)
Basic guns and unguided rockets for secondary strike roles
Airframe Enhancements: Double-delta wing design for better agility than the original MiG-21
Navigation and Communication Systems: Upgraded for better integration with PAF command networks
Role: Primarily point defense interceptor with some ground attack capability
Performance Specs
Top Speed: Around Mach 2.0 (~2,200 km/h)
Combat Radius: ~850 km
Service Ceiling: ~55,000 ft
Engine: Chinese WP-13F turbojet engine (variant of Soviet Tumansky engines)
Design Basis
The F-7PG is derived from the MiG-21MF design but includes:
Better visibility (bubble canopy)
Improved aerodynamics
Enhanced cockpit instrumentation
It was a budget-friendly air defense solution, somewhat comparable to India's MiG-21 Bison or Egypt’s Alpha Jets in role and generation.
Operational Use by Pakistan
Yes — the F-7PG was actively deployed for decades as part of PAF’s quick reaction alert (QRA) force. While not used in major air combat roles, it has served in:
Routine air patrols along western and eastern borders
Airspace interception missions
Training and combat exercises (e.g., Shaheen drills with China)
It was not used during the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial skirmishes, as more advanced fighters like the F-16 and JF-17 were prioritized.
Phasing Out
The F-7PG fleet is gradually being retired, replaced by JF-17 Thunder variants
Aging airframes, limited BVR capability, and single-role limitations led to its phase-out
Despite being technologically outdated by modern standards, the F-7PG served Pakistan well as a fast interceptor, ensuring air defense coverage during a transitional period in the PAF's modernization strategy.