Pakistan and China are jointly producing the JF-17B dual seat combat fighter aircraft to be inducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter (also known as Chebgdu-FC-1) is an effect of joint cooperation between China (in that case Chengdu Aerospace Corporation) and Pakistan (Pakistan Aeronautical Complex). It was primarily developed  to replace the Pakistani Air Force's fleet of Dassault Mirage III/5 fighters, Nanchang A-5 bombers, and Chengdu F-7 interceptors.

Now the dual seat version will be produced and It will be put into service in both countries. According to Pakistani Air Force Marshal Muhammad Iqbal the dual seat aircraft is of great value for PAF in enhancing not only training value but also the operational capability and the induction of dual seat JF-17B aircraft would also improve its market prospects in future.

Currently there are 49 JF-17 Thunder aircraft are in service in Pakistan with 50 additional airframes ordered.


Author: Daniel Kasprzycki
Photo: A Pakistani Air Force JF-17 Thunder multirole aircraft
Source: www.airforce-technology.com