A decorated former Air Commodore says Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet has become highly attractive to countries worldwide due to its proven combat effectiveness and affordability.
Abbas Petiwala, recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Imtiaz military honors, told Business Recorder that any nation evaluating fighter aircraft first examines its war record. The JF-17 demonstrated its capabilities during recent clashes with India, he noted.
Petiwala explained how aerial combat has transformed since the 1960s. Early jets like the Sabre required close-range engagement within ten miles. Today’s warfare relies on beyond-visual-range combat, detecting enemy aircraft from 150 to 200 miles away.
“All these capabilities are in JF-17,” Petiwala emphasized.
The aircraft’s price advantage stands out dramatically. While comparable American and European fighters cost between seventy and ninety million dollars, the JF-17 sells for just twenty-five to thirty million dollars per unit.
Pakistan’s self-reliance in training and manufacturing adds another advantage. The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra evolved from overhauling foreign aircraft to full-scale production, significantly reducing costs.
Several nations have expressed serious interest. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are negotiating a two billion dollar deal converting Saudi loans into JF-17 purchases. Bangladesh, Libya, and Indonesia have also initiated discussions about acquiring the jointly developed Pakistan-China aircraft.
