PAC JF-17C Thunder

Jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft which first flew in 2003. Known as the Thunder in service with Pakistan and as the FC-1 Xiaolong (Fierce Dragon) by China. Claimed by Pakistan to cost half the price of the F-16 and can carry a variety of modern air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. In addition to Pakistan, the Thunder has also been acquired by the air forces of Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan. The type has been constantly upgraded since the introduction of the JF-17A, and the current block III versions are known as the JF-17C which features a modern radar, new avionics and a more powerful engine.

Deliveries of the JF-17A to the Pakistan Air Force began in 2007 and in total 112 A examples have been delivered in addition to 26 block II JF-17B’s. These aircraft now form the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force's fast jet fleet and have seen combat use on numerous occasions. The first of 27 of the more advanced JF-17C was delivered during 2023 and Pakistan intends to upgrade all existing JF-17A and B variants to the same specification.

As one of the stars of RIAT25, the Pakistan Air Force will be providing a pair of Block III JF-17C Thunder's for static display. Whilst the JF-17 has previously appeared on static in the UK elsewhere, this will be their RIAT debut.

Photo Credit: Peter Reoch