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JF-17: a major achievement

ANALYSIS: JF-17 Thunder —Ikram Sehgal

One must not forget to mention all those airmen who remained associated with the project since its inception and their constant belief that such a monumental task could be achieved

Air power has a dominant role in modern warfare. Unable to defend itself against air assaults of its adversary, the nation will be at a serious disadvantage in any conflict. Modern-day warfare has seen a paradigm shift, with unconventional warfare replacing conventional war as the dominant strategy. Because of its capability of destruction of threat by precision strikes while avoiding collateral damage, airpower remains a major determinant in the outcome of all kinds of military conflicts, seen to good effect, both in Swat and now in South Waziristan.
Acknowledged as one of the most professional forces in the world, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF’s) proven excellence will be force-multiplied with the induction of the JF-17. Having suffered grievously because of the sanctions in 1965 and in 1990, the PAF vowed ‘never again’ and took a quantum leap in deciding to design and develop its own fighter aircraft. This is a story of excellence, of determination in the face of odds, of dogged tenacity and of friendship and solidarity. In the 80s the PAF envisaged designing, building its own fighter aircraft to meet future requirements. M/s Northrop Grumman was approached for the initial design. Because of the heavy investment required and other factors, the project (Saber II) was continued under Chinese Assistance but was not pursued vigorously. In 1990 when sanctions were imposed under the Pressler Amendment, this project died. Pakistan had suffered such sanctions earlier too in 1965. Such embargoes proved to be the proverbial blessing in disguise. Lacking the experience, know-how and the industrial infrastructure for the task, the PAF turned to China. Always a reliable friend, China acquiesced to co-development of the Super 7 (later designated as the JF-17 project) in Chengdu.
To have credible human resources that could undertake the task of designing and developing a fighter aircraft, PAF dispatched its aircrew, engineers and technicians abroad for studies. A paucity of funds forced all other PAF requirements to be frozen by late Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir in 2001. Within a period of just 30 months, the first JF-17 prototype flew in September 2003 in China. The JF-17 made its triumphant debut in Pakistan on March 23, 2007 when two aircraft took part in the Pakistan Day Flypast.
With the start of serial production of the aircraft at PAF Kamra, June 30, 2009 became a Red Letter day in the annals of PAF’s chronicles. A lightweight and low-cost multi-role fighter aircraft with high manoeuvrability and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability, the JF-17 has Mach 1.6 capability with advanced aerodynamics configuration and high thrust. It can operate over long distances and is well suited to undertaking a broad spectrum of offensive and defensive missions. Fulfilling a multi-role task, this aircraft is meant to eventually replace the ageing fleet of A-5s, F-7s and the Mirages in the PAF inventory, and thus become the PAF’s mainstay.
The success story of the indigenous JF-17 development stands out in sharp contrast to many aviation failures — the American F-111, the Israeli Lavi and the Indian Tejas being some examples of abject failures. The PAF is the only air force in the world to successfully take on the challenge of designing and developing a fighter aircraft.
Though large in number, the bulk of Indian Air Force (IAF) planes are old and outdated. The IAF fleet of MiG series fighters needs refurbishing and replacement. There have been recurring delays in the Request for Proposals (RFPs) for a multi-role combat aircraft in the form of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, in design and under perpetual development for almost 30 years. Among engineers, journalists and scientists in the aviation industry, the Tejas is sometimes called the ‘Last Chance Aircraft’ because of the false starts and failure. Using GE F404-IN20 engines because the indigenous ‘Kaveri’ engine developed at a whopping cost of Rs 20 billion was not only overweight, it lacked the thrust required, the LCA is now scheduled to enter service in 2011.
The JF-17 will restore to an extent the strategic imbalance in conventional weapons between Pakistan and India and help retain the balance of power in South Asia. A report published in The Times of India (May 18, 2008), highlights India’s threat perception “with Pakistan getting new F-16s from the US and JF-17 Thunder jets from China. IAF plans to counter ‘the threat’ by progressively deploying its most potent Sukhoi-30MKI fighters on the western front”. India feels ‘threatened’ every time Pakistan acquires military hardware for its legitimate defence needs, conveniently forgetting that its own massive build up and modernising of its armed forces still gives it a whopping 4:1 superiority in numbers.
The unflinching support and willingness of China to go an extra mile for Pakistan will remain a source of great strength for the people of Pakistan. China has always stood by Pakistan in its hour of need. Its invaluable role in the development of the JF-17 allowed the PAF to achieve its long cherished dream of indigenously manufacturing a fighter aircraft of its own. The leadership of the Chinese government deserve our gratitude for their vision and willingness to back friends and provide wholehearted technical and financial support. With an uninterrupted trust bond that has survived numerous geo-strategic challenges and changes, Pakistan-China relations are unique in this world. Good relations with China are the real cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The Aviation Industries of China, especially M/s CATIC, made an immense contribution to the project.
After 2010 the aircraft will be available for re-export through China. This will expedite and enhance the production capacity of the PAF because of economies of scale. Many friendly countries are showing interest in the aircraft, among them Azerbaijan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco and Sri Lanka.
The JF-17 was the prime project for all the air chiefs of the PAF since 1991-1992 as well as successive Air Boards. One must not forget to mention all those airmen who remained associated with the project since its inception and their constant belief that such a monumental task could be achieved.
This JF-17 project frees the Pakistani air defence sector from foreign shackles and adds a prestigious chapter to the PAF’s story of continuing excellence. The entire nation is rightly proud of the PAF. They have always come through when the nation needs them the most.
To paraphrase Winston Churchill, so many depend for so much on so few!

The writer is a defence and political analyst. He can reached at ikram.sehgal@pk.g4s.com
 
I would like to add one thing which often is forgoten by the writers and that is ease of maintainence of JF-17 and its modular design i.e. it is possible to replace entire engine at air base instead of taking it to dedicated facilities and avionics packages from various suppliers can be integrated with minimal changes in frame.
It is also the only a/c which can have data link with western and chinese controls and radar stations.
 
JF17 is a god send to PAF.

Theres no way in the world that PAF could have hoped to have modernised 20 sqds of fighters from mirage 5/F7 to near 4th generation without the arrival of the Thunder.

PAF would never have the money to buy 300+ $40-$50m dollar planes like F16/52 or indeed mirage 2000/J10

But at $15m each the Thunder will replace 300 mirage/F7 at a third of the cost.

PAFs biggest weakness will always be its tiny budget. Possibly only a quarter of india much bigger budget
 
JF17 is a god send to PAF.

Theres no way in the world that PAF could have hoped to have modernised 20 sqds of fighters from mirage 5/F7 to near 4th generation without the arrival of the Thunder.

PAF would never have the money to buy 300+ $40-$50m dollar planes like F16/52 or indeed mirage 2000/J10

But at $15m each the Thunder will replace 300 mirage/F7 at a third of the cost.

PAFs biggest weakness will always be its tiny budget. Possibly only a quarter of india much bigger budget

i think the biggest achievement is pakistan developed a aero engineer team
like the j-10 did for china
it's not about the cost or how advantage it is
it's about the people who made it
with this team
we will be able to do anything in the future
 
I like Pakistani Army Because They are Brave like a Iron and Sweet like a Sugar I love him God Bless you
:mps::mps::smitten::what:
 
This paragraph is rather complacent and whole hearted full of errors by batman

The success story of the indigenous JF-17 development stands out in sharp contrast to many aviation failures — the American F-111, the Israeli Lavi and the Indian Tejas being some examples of abject failures. The PAF is the only air force in the world to successfully take on the challenge of designing and developing a fighter aircraft.

Firstly the F111 tactical bomber was not a failure over 700 wherre built for service by USA staregic command. The F111 was a genuine world class tactical bomber in the 1970-1980s

Secondlly the so called failed lavi project was not a faliure it was more israels lack of money to take it all the way. Instead of using their own limited resources the israelis got hundreds of brand new F16s for free via grant aid.

The lavi was then used as the template for the J10 BY CHINA ONLY A WHOLE 10 YEARS LATER then when israel wud have finshed the project.

Finally TEJAS is no way a failure. Yes its taken a lot longer then needed and the indians needs a low cost single engined 4th gen fighter to replace 200 mig21s but that does not been indians failed.

On the contrary they have succeeded in building a true 4 gen fighter IN INDIA by indian technicians. BY AN INDIAN COMPANY..

JF17 is chinease built fighter built for PAF with pakistani money in china by CHENGDU..

Much like the su30mki was a customised upgraded flanker for IAF built by Russia for the indians using indian money. Same applies to the PAK FA in 10 years time.

LCA tejas is a indian fighter not built in china or russia. or USA..

Finally JF17 is a major success for PAF simply because PAF is moving from a 2nd generation platform mirage 5 and F7 to a 4th gen platform. FOR PAF its a huge leap. BUT looking around globally Thunder is hardly cutting edge technology when compared F16/52 typhoon rafael su30mki or indeed J10 VANGARD.
 
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BTW, those are not my words but i trust those words more than what you just wrote.
An aircraft development is a failuire when it fails to meet its design parameters and development time frame.
In case of teja it failed miserably and why do you think for a change only in case of air craft development indian man power got lucky but failed every where else?
It is not only 'too late', it is more appropirate if you add 'too little' as well.
Following are some comments from indian pilot:
As part of my research on strategic affairs I frequent numerous web sites that focus on India's emergence as a military power. The enthusiasm expressed on most such forums by young Indians for Defense Research Projects managed by the DRDO, such as the LCA, Arjun MBT and the Brahmos is gratifying. Unfortunately, there is no similar enthusiasm for DRDO products within the defense forces. The IAF is not as thrilled as the young people on these forums about the proposed induction of the LCA. Clearly, there is a serious disconnect and I will attempt to address in these columns in the coming days.

For more info. go scroll pages fo LCA thread you will get your answers.
 
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In reply to Batman

The part i found laughable was below

The PAF is the only air force in the world to successfully take on the challenge of designing and developing a fighter aircraft.

Wat do you mean by this statement ??????????/

The ony air force in the world
 
Reply to Batman/,.

India lack of enthuasim for LCA.

IN THIS VERY FORUM as well as media channels all over South Asia Have we not had confirmation that IAF will now induct 2 sqds of MK1 tejas ( and not 1 sdq) has previously stated.

All in attempt to replace the aging obselete mig21s as quickly as possible.

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There seems to be alot chest beating about a chinease built Thunder JF17

yet let me inform you to date there are barely 10 prototypes flying in PAF...

hardly a success story yet i think !!!!!!!1
 
bye the way... why this LCA comes into picture when ever any thing happens to JF17.

but y Pakistani media always pull LCA when ever they publish a news of JF17

Can you back that up, I haven't seen such a News on the other hand Indian media always compare LCA to JF-17.
 
In reply to Batman

The part i found laughable was below

The PAF is the only air force in the world to successfully take on the challenge of designing and developing a fighter aircraft.

Wat do you mean by this statement ??????????/

The ony air force in the world

What's so difficult to understand in it?

It means F-16 is being made by Lockheed Martin not USAF, Rafale is being made by Dassault not French airforce, J-10 is being made by CAC not PLAAF but the JF-17 has actually PAF employees working on it as opposed to just giving out requirements.

There was a huge team of PAF employees in China during the design phase of the plane and actually working on the project design. Normally, you give out your detailed requirements and the company makes it for you and you test/evaluate it. You do not get involved in day-to-day designing of the plane.
 
mean bird.

You can spin this story any way you like.

Having a handfull Pakistani engineers in CHINA working with hundreds even thousands of chinease at CHENGDU using chinease tools. workshops, simulators does not make this a HUGE MAJOR pakistani success..

As you people wud like to believe.

If you people could to do this WHY go to CHENGDU >???
 
There was a huge team of PAF employees in China during the design phase of the plane and actually working on the project design.

Hi.. Mr. Muradk sir. Is this statement true ?
 
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