Exported J-7

I am from Zimbabwe and local discussion like on this forum aren't just there. Information on our defence quipment is never available.

I have been reading about the J-7 and I know Zimbabwe bought some. But there is such a wide range of the capabilities of these planes while i would like to be more precise on what Zimbabwe bought and the quantities. Would any of you guys have information on the specifications of the Zimbabwe planes? I have read of J-7II, or J-7II/N and of J-7M! ??

Thanks,
Prosper.

Seeing that you also posted this on PDF, I thought I'd answer it here.

You can find F-7M information here

it talks about what kind of avionics are used by F-7M. Of course, they probably don't have support of the recent AAMs like PL-9. I'm not sure what you want to know. This was exported long ago that I'm not sure what the deal involves.

Thanks for the reply. I am intrested in the eaxact J-7 model and their quantities. I guess once i have the exact model, the internet will have details of their performances, weapon systems and avionics.

pngwerume said:

I am from Zimbabwe and local discussion like on this forum aren't just there. Information on our defence quipment is never available.
I have been reading about the J-7 and I know Zimbabwe bought some. But there is such a wide range of the capabilities of these planes while i would like to be more precise on what Zimbabwe bought and the quantities. Would any of you guys have information on the specifications of the Zimbabwe planes? I have read of J-7II, or J-7II/N and of J-7M! ??
Thanks,
Prosper.

Click to expand...

12 Chinese-built F-7 fighters delivered in 1986. Used by 5 Sqn for the interceptor/attack role. The F-7 is a version of the MiG-21 and the aircraft supplied to Zimbabwe came in two versions: the F-7II with only one hardpoint under each wing, and the F-7II-N with two underwing hardpoints. Several F-7s were lost during Zimbabwe's participation in the war in Congo. Five replacement aircraft are believed to have been supplied by China. In 1991 two FT-7BZ two-seat trainers arrived to replace the FT-5s used previously for conversion training. The FT-7 is actually made in Guizhou not Chengdu.

Here's a photo of F-7II-N:


I think the F-7II-N is either a special vairant with 4 hardpoints or is the F-7M export vairant. If we look at Sinodefense web page on the J-7, they actually made a special "F-7BS" vairant with 4 pylons:


In 2004 Zimbabwe wanted to place a $200M order for additional 12 jets:


I donno whatever happened to this purchase... they also wanted to buy some K-8's and get FC-1 instead of F-7's.

Zimbabwe already has 12 K-8. See 6 of them here:



The government also announced that they are buying 12 FC-1.

I guess because of the smaller numbers a country like Zimbabwe buys, there is little, if any customisation. So sometimes when i read the general specifications of an aircraft, it is possible the version Zimbabwe has might not be even near the top notch. However, when I think of Zimbabwe having bought her F-7 because of the apatheid Shouth African threat, I would want to think they bought somthing more than just the J-7II.

Even now with the FC-1, I been to forums where the wishful thinking of other members is that Zimbabwe will not be sold SD-10. I then don't want to think my air force is stupid to buy jets to attempt to equal the South African Gripens with advanced avoinics and BVR missiles by buying a "watered down" FC-1. MY WISHFUL THINKING/my hope woiuld be Mugabe went to China and placed the SAAF Gripens' specifications on the table the Chinese offered something to make Mugabe feel secure. Thinking along the same line, I want to think the Air Force of Zimbabwe F-7 will be close in spec to SAAF Cheetahs which they were bought to balance.

Prosper.

pngwerume said:

Even now with the FC-1, I been to forums where the wishful thinking of other members is that Zimbabwe will not be sold SD-10. I then don't want to think my air force is stupid to buy jets to attempt to equal the South African Gripens with advanced avoinics and BVR missiles by buying a "watered down" FC-1. MY WISHFUL THINKING/my hope woiuld be Mugabe went to China and placed the SAAF Gripens' specifications on the table the Chinese offered something to make Mugabe feel secure. Thinking along the same line, I want to think the Air Force of Zimbabwe F-7 will be close in spec to SAAF Cheetahs which they were bought to balance.
Prosper.

Click to expand...

As much as I like to see successful export of the FC-1, I'm sorry, but I think it's suicidal for Zimbabwe to match S. Africa in arms. For one, S. Africa spends 15x in military budget and has Africa's best military-industrial complex that can survive embargos. Zimbabwe has to import almost all high-tech weapons. Mugabe would be better off repairing/restoring relations with his neighbors.

adeptitus said:

As much as I like to see successful export of the FC-1, I'm sorry, but I think it's suicidal for Zimbabwe to match S. Africa in arms. For one, S. Africa spends 15x in military budget and has Africa's best military-industrial complex that can survive embargos. Zimbabwe has to import almost all high-tech weapons. Mugabe would be better off repairing/restoring relations with his neighbors.

Click to expand...

I agree. Apart from its K-8s, much of the Zimbabawean air force is antiquated now, and that includes those F-7s. Only 12 of them are combat capable, and they wouldn't stand much chance against South African mirages or cheetahs. Mugabe might purchase modern aircraft from China, but given the current economic situation in Zimbabwe, they would probably only able to purchase a few planes, and it cost a lot of money to maintain such high tech aircraft - money that Zimbabwe doesn't have. And the Zimbabwean airforce is very small compared the South African airforce. For more info on the Zimbabwean airforce, look here:

I see that part/your point, but as a military enthusiast (and maybe i should add "therefore less reasoning"), I do have an urge and celebration when new advanced "toys" are acquired.

I will see if I can find the site with the SAAF equipment that is out of service. Alledegly the SADF have caught the Africa disease of buying equipment and fail to look after it.

pngwerume said:

I see that part/your point, but as a military enthusiast (and maybe i should add "therefore less reasoning"), I do have an urge and celebration when new advanced "toys" are acquired.


I will see if I can find the site with the SAAF equipment that is out of service. Alledegly the SADF have caught the Africa disease of buying equipment and fail to look after it.

Click to expand...

I understand. China is still behind the west, but I like to think of it as being a superpower comparable to America.
FC-1s would contribute alot to the Zimbabwean airforce, and that could give it high status by African standards. Is Zimbabawe still giving suppourt to the DRC? If so, it may supply some of its new toys to them.

Perhaps Zimbabawe will be able to get hold of the equipment you mentioned. South Africa problably wants to get rid of its out-of-date equipment.

I agree. Apart from its K-8s, much of the Zimbabawean air force is antiquated now, and that includes those F-7s. Only 12 of them are combat capable, and they wouldn't stand much chance against South African mirages or cheetahs.

Click to expand...

From what I've read from sinodefence.com, F-7s are combat capable as well. Maybe they are not the greatest fighters for Zimbabwe, they can still at least provide Zimbabwe air defence capabilities. I'm not sure how many mirages and cheetahs does South Africa operates. However, I'm sure that F-7will be good for Zimbabwe for defence purposes.
:china: