According to unknown sources, the new version of JF-17 fighter will have its maiden flight at the end of 2019. It is reported that performance of this new version of JF-17 fighter has been greatly enhanced, and even the latest technology of J-20 fighter is adopted. The Pakistani side is expected to purchase 50 new JF-17 fighters, and its main purpose is to counter India’s Dassault Rafale fighters bought from France.
While JF-17 fighter pays more attention to multi-role path of development and has been designed as a light-duty fighter with moderate allocations, most of its designs tend to be conservative, but some designs close to the “fourth and a half generation” fighters such as advanced integrated avionics systems are also adopted. In contrast, Dassault Rafale fighters use a large number of new equipment and new technologies, while also ensure safety and reliability.
However, the new version of JF-17 fighter has actually been comprehensively upgraded on the basis of the original version, even the chief designer of the J-20 has affirmed that the new JF-17 fighter is worth buying.
The main changes in the new version of JF-17 fighter are the comprehensive optimization of information technology, radar and other aspects. The new version of JF-17 fighter uses the KLJ-7A active phased array radar in the electric sweep mode, of which the search distance of the air is up to 170 kilometers, while the air detection distance of Dassault Rafale fighter is only 160 kilometers away from the radar.
Besides, there is also a natural advantage of JF-17 fighter – its radar reflection area is smaller, so that stealth performance of the new version of JF-17 fighter has been greatly improved. In addition, there is news that Pakistan has also purchased a number of PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles from China, and it is very likely that it will be allocated to the new version of JF-17 fighters. The extreme range of this long-range air-to-air missile can reach 200 kilometers. If it is complemented by an early warning aircraft, even Dassault Rafale fighters with BVRAAM air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometers will be under the threat of new JF-17 fighters.
All in all, the new version of JF-17 fighter’s combat power can completely compete with Dassault Rafale fighters, and even more prominent than Dassault Rafale fighter in some equipment and performance, so the new version of JF-17 fighters will definitely pose a threat to India’s Dassault Rafale fighters after they are put into service in Pakistan.
But how would India enhance its air strength? Earlier, it was reported that India might choose to purchase F-21 fighters. So, India may purchase F-21 fighters because of the threat of the new JF-17.
F-21 fighter is actually the latest improvement of F-16. Its improved performance is good, the technical level is very high, and its attack power can match Su-30 fighter, and the Indian side can have its own property rights of this type of fighter. As F-21 fighter itself has a long lifecycle, and it has a price advantage, India is still very keen on F-21 fighters in order to enhance its comprehensive air force, so that when facing Pakistan, it could also have some confidence.