India-Pakistan I Cold Start Doctrine

How much advanced JF-17 Thunder Block III would be?

Last year, the PAF welcomed the double-seater of JF-17B aircraft into its air fleet during an event at the Kamra Airbase, on the same day PAF officially launched the production of  Block III variants of the JF-17 Thunder. It claims the Block III is going to be a game-changer for the PAF fleet, the updated version of JF-17 Thunder reportedly features technologies from China's high-end J-20 fighter jet that will immensely boost its combat efficiency.


So how much advancement expected in this aircraft. This is going to be fascinating though. Just analyze it.

  • Block III variant of JF-17 Thunder expected to be integrated with Chinese-made KLJ 7-A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system. If this happened it's going to be the Pakistan Air Force's first AESA-equipped fighter aircraft.
  • The further enhancement includes a new and large holographic wide-angle head-up display and integrated cockpit display comparable to the one used by the J-20, in addition to an advanced infrared approach warning system used by J-20 fighter jets.  
  • The new addition to the JF-17 can give pilots more situational awareness, some of the analysts said that it'll permit them to concentrate more on combat instead of flying the aircraft. Chief Designer of the fighter jet, Yang Wei, said developments and production of Block III were underway, and the updated block will see the JF-17's information-based warfare capability and weapons enhanced. 
  • The reports regarding the deployment of longer-ranged Chinese PL-15 missiles on an upgraded JF-17 jet have caused serious concern to Indian Air Force, with that it also caused serious worry to Pentagon. According to US General, Herbert Carlisle voiced serious concerns in 2015 when the development of the PL-15 entered the public domain: "Look at our adversaries and what they're developing, stuff like the PL-15 and the range of that weapon." General Carlisle raised the same issue in an interview with flight global: The PL-15 and the range of that missile, we've got to be able to out-stick that missile technology."  
  • The PL-15 missile system is a radar-guided weapon having a greater range than both US-built AMRAAM and the Russian R-77, which is in service with the Indian Air Force. The basic role of the PL-15 missile is to demolish "high value" targets such as airborne early warning aircraft like AWACS, and aerial refuelling aircraft, which could handicap any opponent including the US.
  • Chinese origin PL-15 uses a conventional rocket motor, unlike the meteor missile which is used by the Rafale Fighter jets. The Meteor has a stated range of 150km in excess according to its maker but is also smaller in length than the PL-15.
  • In order to summarize PL-15 has an extended range than the Meteor on account of its higher fuel capacity and poses a serious threat to the French origin jets which will be operated by the Indian Air Force.

Backbone of Pakistan Air Force: JF-17 Thunder

  

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