sp-21

Small batch production began in China on June 2006. Two JF-17s were delivered to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) prior to the 23 March 2007 parade and another six were delivered in 2008. Serial production in 2008 was planned at an annual 10-15 planes per year, while from 2009 it is planned to be at 25-30 planes per year.

On 14 August 2006 the ex-President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, declared in his Independence Day speech that the JF-17 would be flying in Pakistani skies by 23 March 2007. The first two JF-17s were delivered to Pakistan Air Force on 12 March 2007[2]. The aircraft's first public appearance was on 23 March 2007 during a fly-past performance by the PAF, as part of the Pakistan Day Joint Services Parade in Islamabad.[22]

On 31 March 2007, the PAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, said "PAF will soon induct fourth and fifth generation high-tech fleet of fighter-bomber aircraft with the aim to modernize the country’s air force, which includes the induction of 10 to 12 squadrons of JF-17 Thunder aircraft." He also said "during this year, six more JF-17 aircraft will be received from China and in 2008 the serial production of the aircraft will commence at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra." The PAF Chief also said "15 aircraft will be manufactured in 2008, while 20 in the next year with the aim to achieve capability to manufacture 25 to 30 aircraft per year," also hinting the PAF is set to acquire up to 250 JF-17 Thunder aircraft.[23][24]

In 2007, after a visit to China, the ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz took part in a press conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan. He stated that the JF-17 project was "Pakistan’s proud programme and a unique example of cooperation and friendship between the two countries." He said that serial production of JF-17 would soon start in 2008 and Pakistan would like to sell fourth generation JF-17 multirole combat aircraft to those interested. The Prime Minister also confirmed that the JF-17s in Pakistan had completed 500 combat missions and sorties.[25]


[edit] Potential customers
The Zimbabwe Air Force reportedly ordered 12 JF-17 in 2004,[26][27][28][verification needed] but there are no current sources that confirm payment or intent of delivery.

The Azerbaijan Air Force has negotiated with Pakistan for the purchase of 24-26 JF-17s, worth between 16 and 18 million dollars each.[7] The Sudanese Air Force is also reported to be negotiating for 12 aircraft.[29]


[edit] Variants
Two main variants are expected to be designed, built, tested and produced:

FC-1/JF-17
FC-1/JF-17 Twin Seater - A future variant two-seated fully combat-capable training version, which was scheduled to begin flight testing in 2006[30]. It has been stated by some sources that work on this variant has not yet started because the priority of the Pakistan Air Force is to induct a large number of the single-seat multi-role variant so that PAF's fleet of aging Nanchang A-5 and Dassault Mirage 3/Mirage 5 aircraft can be replaced as soon as possible.

[edit] Prototypes and their roles
Designation Role
Prototype-01 Flight Performance Verification
Prototype-02 Ground and Load Testing (Static Ground Testing)
Prototype-03 Flight Performance Verification
Prototype-04 Weapons Integration And Avionics Testing
Prototype-05 Fatigue Testing (Static Ground Testing)