The Not an F-16 Fighter

[dexter]

For developing countries, the best fighter at their disposal is the one they can afford. Lacking the vast coffers and the industrial capabilities of countries like the United States, many nations must buy older American technology to meet their defense needs.
Still, history has shown that it is often cheap, mass-produced warplanes that can make the difference in a nation’s darkest hour. And that is precisely what Pakistan Aeronautical Complex hopes to achieve with its new JF-17 Thunder project.
The novel jet fighter, designed by China and Pakistan, aims to replace the American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon, freeing Pakistan and other developing countries from relying on US technology.
The defiant move by Pakistan and China seeks to show the world that they can continue to bolster their armed forces even under US sanctions and restrictions and without American equipment.
Naming the project JF-17, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex is boldly claiming that the new jet is a capable and affordable successor to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Although the Thunder pales in comparison to the newest American 5th generation fighters, the creation of the Chinese-Pakistani warplane signals a new age in which even developing countries can challenge the political landscape of the world…