JF-17 Thunder Multi-role Fighter Aircraft PhotosThe JF-17 Thunder Multi-role Fighter Aircraft is a Sino-Pakistani joint project aimed to reduce Pakistan's dependence on Western companies for advanced fighters, through the deployment in a combat low-cost multi-function lightweight would host the modern electronics, and represent a step up from its Chinese MiG -19/21 derivatives, and the French Mirage. This position is aimed at a market once dominated the West, but has almost abandoned in recent decades.
China has taken no decision yet from the Air Force, but Pakistan has signed an agreement for operating the first 42 JF-17 aircraft, and is reportedly seeking additional agreements with Western firms for avionics and weapon upgrades. Competition in India's Tejas fighter overcoming delays in projects seeking foreign component sources, but Pakistan and China remain at the front with their offer. The two countries have established a JF-17 joint marketing agency to promote export sales, and its offer has received initial interest.
