Myanmar in advanced negotiations with Pakistan to licence-build JF-17 fighter

[Hassan Guy]

http://www.janes.com/article/67387/myanmar-in-advanced-negotiations-to-licence-build-jf-17-fighter

After deciding to purchase 16 JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft in 2015, Myanmar is now in advanced negotiations with Pakistan to licence-build the third-generation fighter, defence industry sources in Yangon and sources close to the Myanmar Air Force (MAF) told Jane's in mid-January.

If an agreement is reached, Myanmar's bid to manufacture the single-engine combat aircraft - co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) - could mark a significant step forward in the country's efforts to expand its local defence industry.

As the MAF phases out its obsolete fleet of F-7M Airguard and A-5C 'Fantan' combat aircraft purchased from China in the 1990s, licensed production of the JF-17 Thunder would also mean that the aircraft will likely become the MAF's workhorse over the coming decades in much the same way as it has moved to prominence within the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

At least 70 of the fighters are in service with the PAF, with the first ones having entered service in 2009. Expectations are that the PAF will induct up to 150 JF-17 Thunder fighters in the coming years.

The first of 16 imported JF-17s ordered by Myanmar are expected to go into service with the MAF later this year. Speaking on condition of anonymity, sources told Jane'sthat these aircraft will be of the Block II variant, which was first rolled out from the PAC's Kamra plant in 2015 and which, unlike the Block I variant, features an air-to-air refuelling capability and improved avionics and electronics.

It is unclear whether later deliveries to the MAF will include the far more advanced Block III variant being produced at Kamra since last year. Sources told Jane's that in the context of ongoing negotiations on licensed production, Myanmar is seeking to produce the aircraft's Block III variant.

 

[Hassan Guy]

Good to see the growth of the Pakistani defence industry.

The true success of the JF-17 can only be attained with its network of foreign operators.

The more exports = greater expansion of the programme.

 

[hussain0216]

Unlikely

They might get a overhaul facility or something

 

[The Eagle]

Well Jane is a credible source and holds weight w.r.t. defence news. However, two things beside Myanmar interest for producing inhouse Block-III are really eye catching.

The first of 16 imported JF-17s ordered by Myanmar are expected to go into service with the MAF later this year. Speaking on condition of anonymity, sources told Jane'sthat these aircraft will be of the Block II variant, which was first rolled out from the PAC's Kamra plant in 2015 and which, unlike the Block I variant, features an air-to-air refuelling capability and improved avionics and electronics.

It is unclear whether later deliveries to the MAF will include the far more advanced Block III variant being produced at Kamra since last year.

Rest about in-house production of Block-III in Myanmar is highly unlikely depending upon level of relations and current geo-politics (read Myanmar India here) and that too due to safety purpose as India may have a reach to the bird easily. I can be wrong in this account but looking at first hand, this is how it seems like that Pakistan wouldn't compromise the leading Block-III like this or will take any chance until & unless, these reservations are worked out properly in every manner. On other hand, may be our permanent presence in Myanmar, would have been suggested w.r.t. keeping close eye as well as providing all the support and the same brings close relations with Myanmar along-with point of influence. Also, we have to check Myanmar's expertise in this field for production of air-crafts.

 

[khansaheeb]

Can we trust these anti-Muslim fanatics with our secrets?

 

[Tehari_Haleem]

I'll file this news under my 'Highly Unlikely' folder

 

[PaklovesTurkiye]

I'll file this news under my 'Highly Unlikely' folder

Welcome 2 forum...
Your DP is just...I love both things...

 

[Shorisrip]

Bengali people from Bangladesh will lose whatever amount of respect they had for Pakistan if this deal goes through.

 

[Hassan Guy]

Bengali people from Bangladesh will lose whatever amount of respect they had for Pakistan if this deal goes through.

Pakistan already sold 16 to Myanmar. They are being built at PAC Karma and will be delivered to the MAF this year.

 

[Tehari_Haleem]

Welcome 2 forum...
Your DP is just...I love both things...

Thanks bro... here's a Fun Haleem vid

 

[Hassan Guy]

How many did you sell?

Pakistan and China jointly developed the JF-17. (Same way the Eurofighter was jointly developed by UK, Germany, Spain and Italy)

PAC Karma is where the JF-17 production is in full swing. About 16 are built a year moving on 24.

As the article states, Myanmar ordered 16 from Pakistan. Nigeria also made an initial order of 3.

 

[somebozo]

so where is all the love for Rohingya muslims ??

 

[extra terrestrial]

Well Jane is a credible source and holds weight w.r.t. defence news. However, two things beside Myanmar interest for producing inhouse Block-III are really eye catching.






Rest about in-house production of Block-III in Myanmar is highly unlikely depending upon level of relations and current geo-politics (read Myanmar India here) and that too due to safety purpose as India may have a reach to the bird easily. I can be wrong in this account but looking at first hand, this is how it seems like that Pakistan wouldn't compromise the leading Block-III like this or will take any chance until & unless, these reservations are worked out properly in every manner. On other hand, may be our permanent presence in Myanmar, would have been suggested w.r.t. keeping close eye as well as providing all the support and the same brings close relations with Myanmar along-with point of influence. Also, we have to check Myanmar's expertise in this field for production of air-crafts.

I don't think a permanent presence would eliminate the risks. RAW has a good presence in Myanmar for quite a time now, they may have also had a role in the political reforms in the country...

The military-to-military relations between India and Myanmar is also quite warm. Expect a joint aerial exercise as soon as these birds are delivered... Also, I'm not sure if they would like to have close relations with a Muslim country...

 

[Tehari_Haleem]

Obvious troll post aside, Pakistan will produce the Airframe, China will deliver the avionics and ws13 engine and Burma will slap an Ishraely Elta Radar inside it and call it 'License Production' I guess.

 

[The Eagle]

I don't think a permanent presence would eliminate the risks. RAW has a good presence in Myanmar for quite a time now, they may have also had a role in the political reforms in the country...

The military-to-military relations between India and Myanmar is also quite warm. Expect a joint aerial exercise as soon as these birds are delivered... Also, I'm not sure if they would like to have close relations with a Muslim country...

Therefore, I presented the case as an option but from an over all prospective, possibility of in-house production of JF-17 in Myanmar carries no weight that too of Block-III.... The chances are zero. Furthermore, lastly it was reported that Myanmar was dealing directly with China for procurement of JF-17 and visited China as well (Read Zhuhai Airshow China 2016).

Two things were interesting in the article that I highlighted. Myanmar will be receiving Block-II variants and it was reported back then during Zhuhai Airshow China 2016 that these Myanmar birds will be different than usual birds (PAF JF-17 Block-II) as per needs of Myanmar only. Also, the second point is, JF-17 Block-III is being produced at PAC Kamra, Pakistan since last year, which is a huge news for the moment.