ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III was a major highlight at the Dubai Airshow 2025, drawing significant interest, as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with a “friendly country” for the aircraft’s procurement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Thursday.
According to the military's media wing, the Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 was “a major focal point,” noting that several countries expressed interest in acquiring the fighter jet during the event.
The jet is currently in service with the air forces of Pakistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Azerbaijan, which recently inducted the Block-III variant.
Azerbaijan officially confirmed the induction of five jets into its air force during the November 8, 2025, Victory Day parade in Baku, with the Office of the President confirming that the aircraft have entered active service with the Azerbaijan Air Force and Air Defence Force.
The identity of the country that signed the MoU has not yet been publicly disclosed, and no details on the number of aircraft or the financial terms have been released. The ISPR said the MoU represents “another important milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial partnerships.”
The PAF contingent at the airshow showcased the latest JF-17 Block-III variant, which ISPR described as a reflection of Pakistan’s growing indigenous aerospace capability. The Super Mushshak trainer aircraft also featured in the display.
On the sidelines of the airshow, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met senior UAE defence officials, including Lt Gen Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence, and Maj Gen Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence. The ISPR said the discussions focused on advanced training cooperation, emerging aerospace technologies, and enhancing operational coordination between the two air forces.
“The UAE military leadership lauded PAF’s modernization initiatives and growing indigenous capabilities, with a shared resolve to further strengthen military engagement through joint exercises, professional exchanges, and forward-looking partnerships,” the ISPR said.
JF-17 in combat
The highly capable 4.5-generation fighter, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has become a key addition to the Pakistan Air Force’s modern combat fleet, valued for its multi-role capabilities, including air-to-air combat, precision strikes, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), and reconnaissance.
During the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India, the aircraft was frequently utilized for air defence patrols and precision strike missions along the Line of Control, proving its agility and versatility in modern aerial combat. In 2019, JF-17s were used in the Balakot strikes, providing precision targeting and tactical support. These deployments have strengthened the aircraft's image as a dependable, combat-proven platform, making it more appealing to potential foreign buyers.
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