ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a significant stride in its defence industryby establishing a dedicated production line at the Pakistan AeronauticalComplex exclusively for export orders of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.This development underscores the nation’s growing capability to meetinternational demand while maintaining robust supply chains for criticalcomponents. With engines and key subsystems already secured, deliverytimelines ranging from three to five years reflect meticulous planning andenhanced industrial maturity. Full cooperation from China, the jointdevelopment partner, further strengthens the programme’s reliability andscalability.
The decision to create a separate export-focused production line comesagainst the backdrop of unprecedented interest in the JF-17 Thunder,particularly its advanced Block III variant equipped with activeelectronically scanned array radar and modern avionics. Recent majorcontracts, including a landmark $4.6 billion deal for 40 aircraft toAzerbaijan and another substantial agreement with Libya’s eastern forcesfor 16 jets, have placed immense pressure on existing manufacturingcapacity. By ring-fencing export production, Pakistan aims to avoid delaysin fulfilling both domestic Pakistan Air Force requirements and foreigncommitments.
A new facility is currently under construction to dramatically increaseannual production rates from the current level of approximately 24 aircraftto as high as 55 per year, Sources Within Air Force have revealed. Thisexpansion addresses the backlog created by successive large orders andpositions the JF-17 as a competitive alternative in the global lightweightmultirole fighter market. The initiative demonstrates long-term vision inscaling up aerospace manufacturing infrastructure, with investments focusedon streamlining assembly processes and quality control to meet stringentexport standards.
Central to the programme’s sustainability is the transition away from theRussian Klimov RD-93 engine, which has powered earlier blocks. The shiftincorporates the Chinese-developed Guizhou WS-13 turbofan engine, offeringimproved thrust and greater independence from external suppliers. Thisindigenisation effort reduces vulnerability to geopolitical supply chaindisruptions and enhances the aircraft’s appeal to potential buyers seekingdiversified sourcing options. The WS-13 integration aligns with broaderSino-Pakistani collaboration, ensuring technological upgrades withoutcompromising performance.
Export momentum has accelerated remarkably in recent years, transformingthe JF-17 into Pakistan’s flagship military export product. Deals securedin 2025 alone highlight the aircraft’s combat-proven credentials,cost-effectiveness, and lack of restrictive end-user conditions oftenassociated with Western platforms. Interest from countries in Africa, Asia,and the Middle East continues to grow, with ongoing discussions involvingnations like Bangladesh and others. These developments reflect successfuldefence diplomacy and the aircraft’s suitability for air forces modernisingon constrained budgets.
The dedicated export line not only secures revenue streams but alsobolsters Pakistan’s position in international defence markets. Byguaranteeing priority for foreign orders, the arrangement builds buyerconfidence in timely deliveries and after-sales support. This strategicseparation allows parallel production tracks, minimising bottlenecks andenabling simultaneous fulfillment of domestic upgrades and exportobligations. Industry experts view this as evidence of maturing planningdepth within the national aerospace sector.
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China’s full endorsement remains pivotal, with 42 per cent of airframecomponents supplied from Chengdu Aircraft Corporation facilities. The jointventure model has evolved into a mature partnership, facilitatingtechnology transfer and co-production that benefits both nations. Thiscooperation extends to avionics, weapons integration, and now enginesolutions, making the JF-17 a symbol of successful South-South defencecollaboration in an era of shifting global alliances.
Looking ahead, the expanded production capacity and secured supply chainsposition Pakistan to capitalise on sustained demand for affordablefourth-generation-plus fighters. As more countries explore options beyondtraditional suppliers, the JF-17 Thunder’s trajectory suggests furtherexport successes. The initiative reflects strategic foresight, industrialresilience, and a commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing,with implications for regional and global airpower dynamics.Aircraft Corporation
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