I really like what they have done here with this program. I remember when it started, the theory was that PLAAF needed an ultra cheap fighter jet eventually to replace JF-17s. I think even the famous Pupu might have commented that China might need a stripped down version of JF-17s. For the first few years, I always thought PLAAF might put in an order for this aircraft. As time when on, it was obvious they had to move beyond that old PLAAF philosophy in order to deal with the F-35 threat all around them. Now, even J-10s are being looked at as something that passed its prime years.
The gap between the original JF-17 and block 3 is quite stark. It's amazing that JF-17s will get AESA radar before EFT. Really shows how far China's military avionics industry have improved in these 15 years. JF-17s will probably turn out too capable for most of China's traditional export customers. I think if JF-17 wasn't so capable, you might be seeing more J-10C export now. Even so, it's a great thing for China/Pakistan relationship to have JF-17 as a capable backbone of PAF. I think JF-17s will eventually replace all of Mirages/F-7s in PAF. J-10s will probably replace F-16s over time. It's quite significant that Pakistan has now basically adopted Chinese hardware so comprehensively in all 3 services.
Pakistan/PAC is also a great promoter of the aircraft to other countries. I see some rumors online that Iraq will be ordering JF-17. I do wonder if they can finally make some in road with Arab countries. Most of them have access to all the western hardware so are not looking for a more economical option like JF-17. I do wonder if China/Pakistan can tempt these countries with some type of industrial deal for JF-17 or UAVs and other military hardware. These countries like/prefer Western hardware but probably are also wary of them. They are probably looking at a future without access to F-35s or with significant strings attached (as in the case with UAE). A land version of FC-31/J-35 may be the best option for them.
The gap between the original JF-17 and block 3 is quite stark. It's amazing that JF-17s will get AESA radar before EFT. Really shows how far China's military avionics industry have improved in these 15 years. JF-17s will probably turn out too capable for most of China's traditional export customers. I think if JF-17 wasn't so capable, you might be seeing more J-10C export now. Even so, it's a great thing for China/Pakistan relationship to have JF-17 as a capable backbone of PAF. I think JF-17s will eventually replace all of Mirages/F-7s in PAF. J-10s will probably replace F-16s over time. It's quite significant that Pakistan has now basically adopted Chinese hardware so comprehensively in all 3 services.
Pakistan/PAC is also a great promoter of the aircraft to other countries. I see some rumors online that Iraq will be ordering JF-17. I do wonder if they can finally make some in road with Arab countries. Most of them have access to all the western hardware so are not looking for a more economical option like JF-17. I do wonder if China/Pakistan can tempt these countries with some type of industrial deal for JF-17 or UAVs and other military hardware. These countries like/prefer Western hardware but probably are also wary of them. They are probably looking at a future without access to F-35s or with significant strings attached (as in the case with UAE). A land version of FC-31/J-35 may be the best option for them.
