Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets all set to roar in Argentina

Islamabad: Argentina is planning to purchase at least twelve JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, international media reports revealed.

The news was revealed by Pakistan Strategic Forum on Twitter, stating that the South American country has officially included $664 million (Rs111.6 billion) in funding for the purchase of fighter jets in a draft budget for 2022 presented to its Parliament.

Alhumdulillah ❣ ?? https://t.co/SR0lfQ55XX

— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) September 18, 2021

“The 12 JF-17s will include 10 single seater Block IIIs and 2 dual seat Block IIIs,” the forum said in a tweet.

It further added, “The PAC JF-17A Block III is a supersonic, multirole 4+ generation fighter aircraft able to perform combat air patrol, air interdiction, beyond visual range integrated battle, long range maritime strikes, standoff range precision ground strikes, anti-radiation SEAD/DEAD missions and electronic warfare”.

Reportedly, Argentina has officially included $664 Million in funding for the purchase of 12 PAC JF-17A Block III fighters from Pakistan in a draft budget for 2022.

The budget has been presented in the country's parliament, said reports.

However, this does not mean that the deal has been finalised as South American country has not signed the sale accord yet but it shows its intention to buy the fighter aircraft from Pakistan.

The Argentine Defence Minister described the move as British “imperial pride” before posting “Malvinas Argentinas” on Twitter.

Earlier, Argentine Air Force (AAF) made a contract with the South Korean aerospace company (KAI) for the procurement of 12 FA-50 fighter jets. Whereas, Britain blocked the sale of South Korean fighter jets to Argentina in 2020.

Interestingly, the AFF has selected Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder, rejecting offers from Russia, USA and India.

The two nations have had friendly ties for a while as Argentina has been supported the resolution put forward by Pakistan on the right to self-determination which is debated annually at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

JF-17 Thunder

The JF-17 Block III is a supersonic, multi-role 4+ generation fighter aircraft and is capable of performing multiple roles, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance.

As per UK Defence Journal, the JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China.

More than half of the JF-17 airframe, including its front fuselage, wings, and vertical stabiliser, is produced in Pakistan, whereas 42% is produced in China, with the final assembly taking place in Pakistan.

JF-17’s primary weapon is the PL-15 active radar-guided long-range air-to-air missile with an operational range of more than 180 km. Its subordinate weapon is the PL-10 IR missile which is a short-range air-to-air missile with an operative range of 20 km.

Moreover, the JF-17 has a top speed of Mach 2.0, a service ceiling of over 55,000 feet, and a newer and much more powerful engine than its precursors.