The JF-17 – The Vision of Supremacy is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft which is a joint venture of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Complex (CAC) of China. It was first introduced on March 12, 2007. It is known as JF-17 in Pakistan and is short for “Joint Fighter-17” while in China it is called FC-1 Xiaolong which goes for “Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon”.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder performing aerobatics at Poland’s International Airshow. Photo: Dawn
The JF-17 is a modern highly capable fighter jet and is the most renowned accomplishment to date in the Pak-China relationships. JF-17 jet is relatively inexpensive and its latest version is capable to carry and launch diverse nuclear and conventional weapons. The JF-17 has the capability to carry a payload of 3,700 kilograms and it comes with PL-12 or SD-10 radar homing MRAAM (Medium Range Air to Air Missile). Its variety ranges from smart bombs and air-launched cruise missile Ra’ad to anti-ship missiles.
The kerfuffle in the World
February 2019 was the year when JF-17 got huge fame around the globe. A JF-17 flown by Squadron Leader Hasan Siddiqui of PAF shot down Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the IAF flying Russian made Mig 21 in Azad Kashmir (P). Abhinandan safely ejected himself and Pak Army captured him. Later, he was released on humanitarian grounds.
Pak Army Troops standing at the wreckage of the Indian fighter jet shot down by JF-17. Photo AFP/STR
The history of this escalation between Pakistan and India starts after the Pulwama attacks. Pulwama Attacks were carried out on February 14, 2019, and India, without investigating declared Pakistan for these attacks. Later on 26th Feb, Indian jets intruded Pakistan’s airspace which when followed by Pakistani JF-17’s ran by dropping their payloads in Balakot. Later, India declared it an Airstrike on a militant camp in Pakistan which was denied by Pakistan.
On 27th Feb, in response to the intrusion, Pakistan retaliated with 6 targets which were high-value targets, but Pakistan being a responsible country, deliberately missed the targets while keeping a safe distance and fired the missiles.
A journalist pointing towards the missile which was used to knock out IAF’s Mig-21. Photo: Express
Pakistan’s objective was to tell Indians about their capabilities which were conveyed in a good way. But as we know, the rod is the logic of fools, India again intruded in Pakistan’s air space and this time got two of their jets on the ground by JF-17 in a dog fight between PAF and IAF.
This incident led to having awe in the entire world. Many countries showed their interest in buying the JF-17 jet and it got supremacy on other fighter jets.
JF-17 in Air Show
In July 2019, PAF’s JF-17 Thunder participated in the Paris Air Show & was displayed among the hundred and forty aircraft. The multi-role fighter jet of PAF was the masterpiece at this air show.
According to Pakistan’s Ambassador in France, Pakistan’s JF-17 and French Rafael took part in the display of aerial air show. Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder is extremely cost-effective as compared to Rafael which costs at least three times more.
JF-17 remained the star attraction in the air show which was displayed alongside the other jets and defense equipment. The spectators there took selfies with the indigenously manufactured JF-17 and gathered around it to see the mighty craft from a close sight.
People are gathered around the JF-17 to see it. Picture source: ARY News.
Not only the static display, but the aerobatics performed in the airs of Paris also stunned the crowd. The excitement of the people was worth watching when the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex’s gem roared in the skies and disappeared within seconds.
The participation of JF-17 Thunder in the Paris Air Show is proof that this aircraft is one of the best. It has those abilities that are required in the war zone. JF-17 Thunder also attracted the International eyes. It succeeded to get some potential buyers that will purchase the aircraft. Eventually, the supremacy will be of JF-17 Thunder.
