A former Air Vice Marshal revealed that the Rafale could be compared to theF-16 but it has no one-on-one comparison with the JF-17 Thunder. Therevelation comes on the heels of the announcement that Pakistan is enteringmass productionlinkofthe most advanced JF-17 Thunder Block III which has the KLJ-7A AESA radarwhich can track 15 targets and engage 4 targets simultaneously along with ahelmet-mounted display (HMD) and possibly an internal infrared search andtracking (IRST) system.

The debate has intensified after India got the Rafale jets from Francerecently. However, according to AVM (retd) Shahzad Chaudhry, the realgame-changer in the region will be the J-20 stealth fighter. As per hisanalysis, the only other jet which is capable to go toe-to-toe with theJ-20 is the F-35. Any country in the subcontinent who gets either of thesefirst would be able to get air superiority.

In a statement, he said:

For the airspace that we have to defend, F-16s, JF-17s and other platformsemerge in an integrated shape as a formidable force and it was demonstratedin February 2019

The AVM also said that the induction of JF-17 Block II and the massproduction of Block III was a significant advancement in the country’s airdefence arsenal.

Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador also commented that Pakistan had becomeself-sufficient in developing JF-17 Thunder:

*Pakistan has become self-sufficient in developing JF-17 Thunder and anadvance fighter aircraft producing country in the world. JF-17 Thunder hasfinally become the backbone of Pakistan’s defence. Pakistan and China’sclose collaboration will bring more success in the future.*

Source: Express Tribunelink