JF-17 Thunder

AIR Commodore Khalid Mahmood of PAF, dealing in sales and marketing stated JF-17 has won its first export order.

“A contract has been signed with an Asian country”. 

He did not share further details due to client sensitivities and security concerns.

From its inception, JF-17 has been envisioned as an affordable aircraft with 4th Gen capabilities.

The first successful order of the aircraft will further help develop the aircraft, which is slotted to receive major avionics upgrades in Block C, such as AESA or PESA radar.

JF-17 has been armed with hypersonic anti-ship CM-400AKG missile.

Air Commodore Mahmood Khalid said “The CM-400AKG is a very high-speed missile that is very tough to intercept. It hits the target at Mach 4 or above and its kinetic impact alone is enough to destroy any high-value target, like an aircraft carrier.”

The missile has an estimated range of 180-250 Km. It is a fire and forget 400 kg solid-rocket-powered weapon that can be fitted with different seekers and warheads. The missile’s impact velocity is greater than Mach 5.

JF-17 travelling on Sharah-e-Faisal, one of the major boulevards of Karachi. 

JF-17 Thunder will perform in Zhuhai Air Show in China from 13 to 18 November, 2012. JF-17 Thunder’s Squadron pilots have completed the training for aerobatics routine and are reading for the show.

Pictures of Shenyang J-21 or J-31 (designation not confirmed yet) have emerged courtesy of CDF and SDF. The plane resembles closely with models earlier associated with possible second 5th gen fighter from China. This will be China's second 5th gen stealth fighter after J-20. The fighter has a striking resemblance with F-22 and F-35.  This fighter may be targetted for export by Shenyang as CATIC did with JF-17.

The pictures have emerged during the times when tensions with Japan are high over disputed islands. Interestingly, US defense secretary Panneta will be visiting China next week. If you all remember, J-20 was unvieled during the former US secdef Gates (Panneta's predecessor) visit to China. Coincidence or not, you decide.