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Pakistan sealed a breakthrough at the Dubai Airshow 2025, with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirming that an export Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for the next-generation JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jet with an unnamed “friendly” foreign nation. The announcement comes on the same day an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas crashed during an aerobatic demonstration at the event, resulting in the death of the pilot and bringing an unexpected negative spotlight to India’s aerospace ambitions.
While ISPR did not disclose the buyer, defence officials and analysts see the MoU as a strategic breakthrough for Pakistan, which has been working for years to position the JF-17 as a competitive, low-cost alternative in the global fighter market. The deal reinforces Islamabad’s narrative that it is emerging as a credible defence exporter, particularly for countries seeking modern combat aircraft without the political conditionalities or high acquisition costs associated with Western platforms.
The Block III variant – co-produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China – showcased aggressive manoeuvring and precision aerobatics during the airshow, drawing sizeable crowds and favourable commentary from international aviation outlets. Several defence portals described the aircraft’s display as “agile and balanced,” noting that it “rivalled more established jets” in terms of performance – an endorsement that Pakistan has actively leveraged to strengthen its marketing effort.
Competitive Pricing and Target Market
A key selling point for the JF-17 remains its price. At an estimated USD 25–30 million per aircraft, it undercuts Western competitors such as:
- F-16 Block 70: USD 60–80 million
- Gripen E: approximately USD 85 million
This cost advantage targets militaries with budget constraints or those seeking to avoid strategic dependence on the United States or Europe. Pakistan has already begun deliveries of Block III jets to Azerbaijan, and the Dubai MoU could help build further momentum as multiple nations, according to ISPR, expressed strong interest during the airshow.
Capabilities of the Block III
The JF-17 Block III comes equipped with notable upgrades:
- Russian RD-93 turbofan engine generating speeds up to Mach 1.6
- Combat radius of around 1,200 km
- Service ceiling of 50,000 ft
- Payload capacity of approximately 3,400 kg
- Advanced PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile, reportedly with a range exceeding 200 km
These enhancements position the Block III as a step up from earlier variants, intended to address gaps in radar range, electronic warfare, and long-range engagement that critics had previously highlighted.
Contrasting Optics for India
The export announcement coincided with a major setback for India. A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas of the IAF, participating in an eight-minute aerobatic profile, crashed in a fireball during its display. The loss of the pilot and the aircraft cast a pall over India’s presence at the event and inevitably dominated global media coverage from the Indian side.
Although the two developments are unrelated, the timing served to create a contrasting narrative:
- Pakistan is signing an export agreement, projecting a growing market influence
- India is dealing with an on-site loss of an experienced pilot and a frontline fighter prototype
In the battle for global perception – a key battleground in modern defence industry competition – the day belonged to Pakistan.
Market Momentum, but Questions Remain
Despite the positive optics, several details remain unconfirmed:
- The identity of the buying nation
- The size of the order
- Delivery schedule
- Whether the MoU will translate into a firm procurement contract
Airshow MoUs often serve as instruments of signalling rather than immediate purchasing commitments. The real test will be whether the contract holds once financial, logistical, and political processes conclude.
A Symbolic Win with Broader Implications
For now, Pakistan has used the Dubai Airshow to demonstrate:
- Growing confidence in its domestic aerospace industry
- Maturing partnership with China
- Increasing acceptance of the JF-17 as a frontline yet affordable fighter option
If the MoU matures into a confirmed sale, it would mark another milestone in Pakistan’s bid to place the JF-17 among the world’s mainstream light combat aircraft exports – a domain India has yet to enter with Tejas.
Team BharatShakti
