The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will receive 50 Block III JF-17 Thunder fighter jets by the end of the month, and the new jets will be displayed at the Pakistan Day Parade on March 23.
The current version of the JF-17 fighter jets has near-stealth qualities that, when combined with improved software and radar capabilities, allow it to elude India’s S-400 missile system’s tracking system.
It has a better “high-off boresight” capacity, which means it can engage a target without having to point in a precise direction. It can shoot a missile from any angle, and it will automatically adjust thrust, speed, and trajectory to target an opponent.
It is built of lightweight composite material and can carry five beyond-visual-range missiles, which is a substantial advance over the previous Block I and II variants.
Long-range detection and preemptive strikes are possible with the new aircraft. This is made feasible by an upgraded liquid-cooled airborne fire control radar system, which allows the aircraft to detect and attack an adversary jet from a distance of 170 kilometres.
Features of JF-17 Block III
The JF-17 Block III is a 4+ generation supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft. Combat air patrol, air interdiction, beyond visible range, integrated battle, long-range maritime strikes, standoff range precise ground strikes, anti-radiation SEAD/DEAD operations, and electronic warfare are among its capabilities.
The PL-15 active radar-guided long-range air-to-air missile, with an operational range of more than 170 kilometres, is its primary weapon. The PL-10 IR missile, a short-range air-to-air missile with a 20-kilometer operational range, is its secondary weapon.
It has a Mach 2.0 top speed, a service ceiling of more than 55,000 feet, and a newer, more powerful engine than its predecessors.
It also has improved sensor fusion and avionics (particularly electronic warfare systems), as well as a huge HUD and Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) aiming system and eight missile hardpoints.
To read our blog on “First Batch Of Dual Seat JF-17 Aircraft Rolled Out,” click here.
