Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force is participating in the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its JF-17 Thunder Block-III multi-role fighter jet and Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft, the PAF said on Tuesday.&nbsp;The exhibition, a premier global platform for defense and security, offers military delegations, industry leaders, and defense officials an opportunity to explore cooperation, training, and technology transfer. PAF&rsquo;s participation highlights Pakistan&rsquo;s growing indigenous <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistans-f16s-fly-longrange-to-saudi-arabia-for-air-combat-exercise" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">aerospace capabilities and operational competence</a>, according to the PAF statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;The JF-17 Block-III, Pakistan&rsquo;s 4.5-generation fighter jet, is equipped with advanced avionics, an AESA radar, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.&nbsp;The Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, known for reliability and cost-effectiveness, continues to be used by several friendly nations for basic pilot training.&nbsp;The PAF said its presence at WDS-2026 reinforces Pakistan&rsquo;s position as an emerging hub for defense innovation and exports and fosters strategic partnerships with friendly countries.

Security

The Pakistan Air Force’s participation highlights the country's growing indigenous aerospace capabilities and operational competence.

PAF showcases JF-17 Block-III at World Defense Show

<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;' id="isPasted">ISLAMABAD: Officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday visited the Pakistan pavilion at the Dubai Airshow 2025 and posed alongside Pakistan&rsquo;s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, sparking a wave of reactions on social media.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'> <p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'>One of the world&#39;s top aviation and defense exhibitions, the Dubai Airshow 2025 attracted delegations from over 100 countries and showcased cutting-edge aircraft and defense technology.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'> <p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'>A group of IAF officers visited the Pakistan pavilion at the show, interacted with personnel from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), and closely looked at the JF-17 Thunder on display.<div> <div style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991450509690171721&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9d56fa1189c02b8c7d175fa3946fd7b519e4448d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 651px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div> </div><p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'>Photos and videos of the interaction quickly went viral on platforms like X and Instagram.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;' id="isPasted">During the visit, Pakistani Air Force personnel offered tea to the Indian officers, a gesture that was captured in photos and videos shared online.&nbsp; <p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'> <div><div style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991566186598060147&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9d56fa1189c02b8c7d175fa3946fd7b519e4448d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div> </div><p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'>Users in both nations responded to the images with amusement, surprise, and cautious appreciation. The professionalism was praised by some, noting that international defense exhibits are one of the few settings where military personnel from opposing countries interact directly and amicably. Others questioned why, while sporting and cultural exchanges between the two nations are frequently limited, such cordiality is possible in defense circles.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;'> <div><div style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991460285308440774&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9d56fa1189c02b8c7d175fa3946fd7b519e4448d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 546px; height: 749px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div><div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991428591641587771&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=d3a1c662e2ba718a7a93797d628978d6b3f8a4e4&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 868px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div> While symbolic, the exchange remained strictly professional, reflecting the neutral, technical nature of global defense exhibitions.</div><div style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">&nbsp;</div></div>

Indian Air Force officers visited the Pakistan pavilion at the Dubai Airshow 2025, posing with the JF-17 fighter jet. Their interaction went viral online, prompting mixed reactions about rare moments of cordiality between the two forces. 

IAF officers visit Pakistan pavilion at Dubai Airshow, sparks online debate

Web Desk/AFP

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;An Indian fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot, a government statement said.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The warplane executed a low roll before crashing in flames about 1.6 kilometres from the show site, an eyewitness told AFP. <div class="fr-embed instagram-embed" style="width: 50%; display: block; max-width: 600px;"><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRUU0q0DeK5/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com&rp=%2Farticles%2F2325#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A836545%2C%22ls%22%3A541%2C%22le%22%3A1479%7D" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="1107" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&quot;A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today&#39;s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,&quot; Dubai&#39;s state-run media office posted on X.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft going down at speed and bursting into a ball of flames on impact as onlookers watched in shock.&nbsp;A plume of smoke billowed from the crash site as emergency vehicles sped towards it.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The incident happened on the last day of the Middle East&#39;s biggest airshow, which features a flying display each afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Hundreds of people were watching from a grandstand, while the apron was packed with planes, helicopters and other hardware on static display. The Indian Air Force announced an inquiry into the accident.&nbsp;&quot;IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,&quot; a statement said.<div class="fr-embed"><div> </div></div>It is believed to be the first crash in the history of the airshow, which dates back to 1986. Chronic issues with Tejas program The HAL Tejas light combat aircraft program has been beset by a series of chronic issues since its inception. It has faced prolonged delays, safety concerns, and quality issues. Its development alone took over three decades, with delays caused by supply chain disruptions, reliance &nbsp;on foreign engines like GE F404, and technical problems highlighted by accidents and safety incidents.&nbsp;The Indian government and auditors have criticized HAL for poor manufacturing quality, incomplete features and failure to meet deadline. It also faces organizational inefficiencies, slow decision-making, and dependency on foreign suppliers, which has hampered production and delivery. Oil leak controversy precedes crash Earlier in the week, a video circulated online showing ground crew placing a shopping bag beneath a Tejas aircraft to collect dripping fluid. Critics seized on the footage to question the fighter jet&#39;s reliability. it also triggered widespread mocking about Tejas&#39;s reliability across social media. Indian air force officials maintained that the aircraft continued its scheduled flight displays without technical malfunctions related to the alleged leak. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Press Information Bureau subsequently issued official statements claiming the oil leak was a&nbsp;&quot;false propaganda.&quot; Officials identified the fluid as water condensation, which they described as normal in humid conditions. Indian airforce officers spotted at Pakistani pavilion&nbsp; In a separate incident that generated widespread social media discussion, photos and videos showed Indian air force and navy officers visiting the Pakistan air force pavilion at the airshow. The images captured uniformed Indian personnel examining Pakistan&#39;s JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jet on static display, taking photographs and engaging with Pakistani air force personnel about the aircraft&#39;s technical specifications and capabilities. Pakistani personnel reportedly offered the Indian delegation tea, a gesture observers noted carried symbolic weight following the&nbsp;2019 Balakot&nbsp;incident. After Indian air force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan following the Balakot airstrikes that year, Pakistani officials famously offered him tea, footage of which became widely circulated. Several local news outlets in India and Pakistan reported the Indian officers at the Dubai airshow politely declined the tea, opting for water instead.

India

The aircraft is believed to be the Indian Tejas, India’s domestic light aircraft project  that has faced delays and technical setbacks since the 1980s.    

Indian fighter jet crashes at Dubai Airshow, killing pilot

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;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 &ldquo;friendly country&rdquo; for the aircraft&rsquo;s procurement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Thursday. According to the military&#39;s media wing, the Pakistan Air Force&#39;s JF-17 was &ldquo;a major focal point,&rdquo; 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. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1987130301147914545&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=15030c051fa754a507fe6f4d2911f4fb19c50a51&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 626px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div>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 &ldquo;another important milestone in Pakistan&rsquo;s expanding defence and industrial partnerships.&rdquo;</div> The PAF contingent at the airshow showcased the latest JF-17 Block-III variant, which ISPR described as a reflection of Pakistan&rsquo;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. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991521200200380716&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=15030c051fa754a507fe6f4d2911f4fb19c50a51&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 626px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div>&ldquo;The UAE military leadership lauded PAF&rsquo;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,&rdquo; the ISPR said.</div> JF-17 in combatThe highly capable 4.5-generation fighter, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has become a key addition to the Pakistan Air Force&rsquo;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&#39;s image as a dependable, combat-proven platform, making it more appealing to potential foreign buyers.

Dubai airshow features the JF-17 Thunder Block-III: Courtesy ISPR

Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III drew international attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025. ISPR confirmed a MoU with a friendly country for its procurement, highlighting the jet’s combat-proven capabilities and export potential.

Pakistan’s JF-17 takes the spotlight at Dubai Airshow, MoU signed with friendly country

ISLAMABAD: A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), including the latest JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, has landed in Azerbaijan to take part in a high-profile bilateral air combat exercise titled Indus Shield Alpha, the military&#39;s media wing said on Sunday.&nbsp;According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deployment marks another significant step in Pakistan&#39;s efforts to enhance military cooperation and strategic ties with partner nations through advanced joint training exercises.&nbsp;The PAF fighter jets accomplished a non-stop flight from Pakistan to Azerbaijan, showcasing their endurance and advanced capabilities through a mid-air refuelling operation carried out with precision by PAF&rsquo;s IL-78 aerial tanker.&nbsp;&ldquo;This intricate refuelling manoeuvre reaffirmed the long-range operational capability of the JF-17 Block-III and highlighted the PAF crew&#39;s readiness for extended international missions,&rdquo; the ISPR said in its statement.&nbsp;The Indus Shield Alpha exercise is aimed at boosting mutual understanding, improving tactical coordination, and strengthening interoperability between the air forces of Pakistan and Azerbaijan. It will involve training in modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning, and combat execution under scenarios influenced by evolving technology and contemporary airpower dynamics.&nbsp;&ldquo;This bilateral engagement serves as a key platform to exchange operational insights and develop joint responses to emerging aerial defence challenges,&rdquo; the statement added.&nbsp;The PAF&rsquo;s participation also underscores its commitment to regional stability, global defence cooperation, and continuous adaptation to modern warfare demands. It reflects Pakistan&rsquo;s growing aerial capabilities and the strategic reach of its air force in international defence diplomacy.&nbsp;PAF has a strong tradition of excellence in multinational exercises. Earlier in July, PAF aircraft won top honours at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the UK. The JF-17 Block-III earned the &ldquo;Spirit of the Meet Trophy&rdquo; for its standout livery and remarkable non-stop journey with in-flight refuelling, while the C-130H Hercules won the &ldquo;Concours d&rsquo;Elegance Trophy.&rdquo;&nbsp;Last year, Pakistan hosted Exercise Indus Shield-2024, the largest regional air exercise, featuring participants from 24 countries. That edition showcased the PAF&rsquo;s multi-domain warfighting capabilities and brought together global air forces to foster interoperability and collaboration.&nbsp;With its presence in Azerbaijan for Indus Shield Alpha, the PAF continues to reinforce its image as a technologically advanced, operationally ready, and globally engaged air force.

The deployment marks another significant step in Pakistan's efforts to enhance military cooperation and strategic ties with partner nations through advanced joint training exercises.

Articles tagged with "JF-17 Thunder Block-III"

PAF showcases JF-17 Block-III at World Defense Show

IAF officers visit Pakistan pavilion at Dubai Airshow, sparks online debate

Indian fighter jet crashes at Dubai Airshow, killing pilot

Pakistan’s JF-17 takes the spotlight at Dubai Airshow, MoU signed with friendly country

PAF JF-17 Block-III jets arrive in Azerbaijan for Indus Shield Alpha air exercise