ISLAMABAD: In May 2025, a brief but intense aerial confrontation betweenPakistan and India following a terrorist attack in Indian-administeredKashmir dramatically elevated the reputation of the Pakistan Air Force’sJF-17 Thunder fighter jet. The Pakistan Air Force deployed JF-17 Block IIIvariants, armed with Chinese-origin PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-airmissiles, alongside J-10C fighters to counter Indian Air Force incursions.Reports indicate that these engagements resulted in notable successes forPakistani aircraft against perceived superior platforms like theFrench-built Rafale, Russian-origin Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, surprising manydefense analysts who had underestimated the JF-17’s capabilities inreal-world combat.
The conflict, which lasted approximately four days starting May 7, 2025,stemmed from an attack in India’s Kashmir region that killed severalcivilians, prompting Indian retaliatory strikes. Pakistan responded withair operations, claiming effective use of its modernized fighters. TheJF-17 Block III, co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’sChengdu Aircraft Corporation, demonstrated advanced features including anActive Electronically Scanned Array radar, infrared search-and-tracksystem, enhanced fly-by-wire controls, and a wide-angle holographicheads-up display. These upgrades positioned it as a capable 4.5-generationmultirole aircraft suitable for interception, ground attack, andreconnaissance missions.
Independent assessments, including from U.S. officials cited in Reutersreports, confirmed that Chinese-made platforms operated by Pakistan downedat least two Indian fighter aircraft during the clashes. While claimsvaried—with Pakistan asserting multiple successes and India disputing thescale—the engagements marked the first combat use of the PL-15 missile insuch a scenario. This long-range weapon, integrated on both JF-17 Block IIIand J-10C, allowed engagements at distances exceeding 100 kilometers,providing a significant edge in beyond-visual-range combat and contributingto Pakistan’s defensive posture.
The performance of the JF-17 in these clashes provided Islamabad withmuch-needed real-world validation for its indigenous defense program.Previously reliant on demonstrations at air shows and export pitches,Pakistan now possessed empirical evidence of the aircraft’s reliabilityagainst Western and Russian-origin fighters. This credibility boost provedmore valuable than promotional efforts, as combat testing in high-stakesconditions against a larger neighbor underscored the platform’s operationaleffectiveness and affordability.
Experts noted parallels with other combat-proven systems, such as Turkey’sBayraktar TB2 drone, which gained export momentum after successes inregional conflicts. Similarly, the JF-17’s outcomes enhanced its appeal inthe global arms market, particularly among developing nations seekingcost-effective alternatives to Western suppliers often constrained bypolitical conditions or sanctions. The fighter’s price point, estimatedsignificantly lower than competitors like the Rafale or F-16, combined withflexible supply chains through China, made it attractive forbudget-conscious air forces.
The cooperative development model between Pakistan and China has positionedthe JF-17 as a gateway for Beijing’s military-industrial outreach. As ajointly produced system, it facilitates technology transfer andco-production, potentially serving as a template for future collaborations.Interest in the JF-17 has surged post-conflict, with Pakistan engagingmultiple countries in advanced negotiations for sales, including trainingpackages, maintenance support, and integrated drone systems.
Many prospective buyers hail from the Global South, often Muslim-majoritynations facing internal security challenges or diplomatic isolation fromWestern powers. Pakistan’s historical role in training Middle Easternmilitaries, coupled with shared cultural affinities, strengthens its exportproposition. The JF-17 offers a politically neutral alternative, free fromthe “values-based” restrictions increasingly attached to U.S. or Europeanplatforms, enabling buyers to maintain operational autonomy.
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Post-conflict developments further highlighted the JF-17’s rising profile.Appearances at international air shows, including notable performances andawards, drew attention from potential operators. Production capacityexpansions are underway to meet anticipated demand, signaling confidence insustained export growth. Analysts suggest this could reduce Pakistan’sreliance on external financial support by generating defense revenue.
The May 2025 engagements underscored shifting dynamics in aerial warfare,where advanced sensors, long-range missiles, and electronic warfareintegration can offset numerical or technological disparities. The JF-17’ssuccess against formidable opponents validated investments in indigenouscapabilities and strategic partnerships, reshaping perceptions of SouthAsian air power balances.
Source:https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-chinese-missiles-routed-indias-air-force-over-pakistan
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