Pakistan’s JF-17 ‘Beats’ Indian LCA Tejas In Exports
The skies above the Indian subcontinent are witnessing a fierce rivalry as India and Pakistan unveil their latest supersonic fighter jet offerings – the Tejas Mk 1A and the JF-17 Block III.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive the upgraded version of the indigenous supersonic fighter aircraft, the Tejas Mk1A, by July. Meanwhile, in December 2023, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) marked a significant milestone by officially incorporating the latest version of the JF-17 Thunder – Block III.
India’s LCA Tejas and Pakistan’s JF-17 compete fiercely not only for regional air superiority but also for global market share. Each represents a cost-effective option for military missions.
Production: The Tejas is a homegrown marvel forged through the collaborative efforts of India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Across the border, the JF-17 is the product of a Sino-Pakistani partnership between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Complex (CAC).
Advanced Aircraft Evolution: The MK1A is an advanced version of its predecessor, the MK 1, and is classified as a 4.5-generation aircraft. In contrast, the JF-17 Block III is described by PAF officials as a “fourth-generation plus” fighter jet, offering several enhanced capabilities over the earlier Block II version.
Budget-Friendly Powerhouses: Both fighters are designed for similar military missions and requirements, positioning them to compete in the global market for budget-friendly combat aircraft. Both India’s LCA Tejas and Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III are single-engine, lightweight, multirole fighters designed to be cost-effective.
Replacing Aging Fleets: Conceived as 4.5th-generation jets, the Tejas and JF-17 Block III were tasked with replacing their nations’ aging third-generation fighter fleets—the venerable MiG-21 for India and a motley crew of Chinese and French jets for Pakistan.
First Flight: Flight tests have shown promising results for both aircraft.
The LCA Tejas MK 1A successfully conducted its first test flight on March 28, 2024. On the other hand, the JF-17 Block III —a single-seat variant—completed its inaugural flight in Chengdu, China, on December 15, 2019. The PAF has acquired an impressive fleet of 50 JF-17 Block III aircraft, with the first one joining the ranks on December 4, 2023. Mass production began at PAC Kamra on December 30, 2020.
Specifications and Features: HAL has modernized the aircraft by incorporating advanced technology and making slight design adjustments, resulting in nearly a 50% increase in indigenous content compared to its predecessor – MK 1. The MK 1A demonstrates versatility, fulfilling various roles such as ground attack, interception, air-to-air combat, and air defense. Despite its external resemblance to the MK 1, the MK 1A features new electronics, processors, display systems, and fly-by-wire hardware.
The updated version offers improved situational awareness, with a slightly larger canopy and aerodynamic changes enhancing maneuverability. It boasts approximately nine hard points on its underbelly, capable of carrying a variety of weaponry, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Air-to-Air/Ground missiles, and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles (ASRAAM). External self-protection jammer pods enable the aircraft to engage in electronic warfare. Additionally, an indigenously developed digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been integrated into the Tejas jet, replacing mechanical flight controls with an electronic interface.
On the other hand, according to the PAF, the JF-17 Block III aircraft offers superior maneuverability, extended range, and enhanced combat capabilities. It features a single-seat variant and incorporates advanced technological developments, including the NRIET/CETC KLJ-7A AESA radar. This radar, developed by the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET), can track 15 targets simultaneously and engage four targets at once.
It has a three-axis digital fly-by-wire flight control system and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. Additionally, it is equipped with a Helmet-mounted Display and Sight (HMD/S) system jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
