Concerns are emerging in aviation circles regarding Pakistan’s primary combat aircraft, the JF-17 Thunder, developed in collaboration with China. Earlier this month, one of these jets crashed during takeoff in Punjab’s Jhang district, marking the first reported accident of this Pak-China joint venture. Pakistan has sold an unspecified number of JF-17s to Myanmar and Nigeria, with Iraq and Azerbaijan potentially in the final stages of negotiations for additional units. However, reports indicate that the aircraft has been plagued by structural, engine, and software issues.
The JF-17 Thunder, a 4.5 generation lightweight combat jet co-produced by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (42% in China, 58% in Pakistan), has been operational with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) since February 2010. Despite being Pakistan’s largest defence export, the jet has faced numerous issues that may complicate future deals, particularly with Azerbaijan.
Between 2011 and 2021, four JF-17 crashes were reported, with an unspecified number of jets grounded due to engine malfunctions. The Russian-made RD-93 engines have inherent defects, including cracks in critical components and a propensity to emit black smoke, making the aircraft an easy target in aerial combat. Additionally, fuel inefficiency has led to low loiter times and limitations on long-duration missions, prompting considerations to replace the engine with the new FADEC RD-33MK engine.
Difficulties have hampered Pakistan’s attempts to resolve these issues in accessing Russian spare parts due to international sanctions. While China is developing a new engine, the Guizhou WS-13 Taishan, it is not yet ready. Pakistan plans to establish a servicing facility for the RD-93 engines in Kamra or import engines directly from Russia.
The JF-17’s avionics, including the KLJ-7 Al radar and Weapon Mission Management Computer (WMMC), have also faced significant issues. Problems with radar performance and WMMC failures have been reported, affecting the aircraft’s operational effectiveness.
Pakistan has struggled with delays in procuring spare parts and fulfilling maintenance contracts for Chinese weapons. Western sanctions on Russia have further complicated these efforts, affecting the ability to service the JF-17’s engines and access necessary armaments.
Given Pakistan’s financial challenges, maintaining the JF-17 fleet for Azerbaijan could be difficult. Upgrading avionics and weapons systems could be time-consuming and costly, raising questions about the viability of this major defence deal.