For the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2025 was a year of undisputed vindication. The JF-17 Thunder did not just fly; it roared across international headlines, proving its mettle from the cold heights of the Himalayas to the prestigious runways of the United Kingdom and the desert sands of Dubai.

1. Combat Proven: The May 2025 Aerial Stand-off

The most defining moment for the JF-17 narrative occurred in May 2025. During a brief but intense aerial skirmish, the PAF deployed a lethal combination of the JF-17 Block III and the J-10C.

Atleast 3 Rafales, 1 Mig-29 and 1 Su-30MKI were shot down according to verified physical evidence (OSINT), official admissions, neutral millitary analysis (CHPM, RUSI, SWJ) and Global media reporting.

Equipped with the KLJ-7A AESA radar and the long-range PL-15E missiles, the Thunder effectively established a “no-go zone” for the adversary. This engagement firmly established the JF-17 as the dominant work horse of air power in South Asia, proving that technology and pilot skill outperform sheer numbers.

2. Global Recognition: Stealing the Show at RIAT 2025

In July, the Thunder traveled to the UK for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025. Sporting a stunning “lightning” livery, the JF-17 Block III became an instant fan favorite.

• Spirit of the Meet: The PAF contingent was awarded the “Spirit of the Meet” trophy.
• Long-Range Capability: The aircraft completed its longest-ever flight from Pakistan to the UK, supported by non-stop air-to-air refueling—a feat that silenced critics of its operational range.

3. The $4.6 Billion Breakthrough: Azerbaijan Induction

October 2025 marked the most significant export milestone in Pakistan’s history. Azerbaijan officially inducted its first batch of JF-17 Block III fighters. The deal, valued at $4.6 billion for up to 40 aircraft, including munitions and training, signaled a geopolitical shift. When these jets soared over Baku during the Victory Day parade on November 8, they represented a new South Caucasus airpower alliance led by Pakistani technology.

4. Dubai Airshow: The World Queues Up

The Dubai Airshow 2025 (November) was the victory lap. The JF-17 Block III’s aggressive maneuvering displays drew gasps from global military delegations.

• The Secret MoU: Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an undisclosed “friendly nation” for a major procurement deal.
• Rising Interest: Reports from the airshow confirmed that Iraq, Libya, and Bangladesh have moved into advanced negotiations to replace their aging fleets with the battle-proven Thunder.

Conclusion: A 4.5-Generation Legend in the Making

It is no longer just a “budget fighter”; it is a network-centric, AESA-equipped, battle-hardened platform that offers the best “kill-per-dollar” ratio in the world.

The events of 2025 have proven one thing: When the Thunder strikes, the world listens.

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The export prospects of JF-17 Thunder continue to grow. Successful sales of 16 aircrafts to Myanmar and 3 to Nigeria (with option for more) have been concluded.

Currently, publicly we know that the talks are going on with Argentina, Azerbaijan and Iraq. JF-17 was also the leading contender for Malaysia’s procurement program but the deal could not materialize due the the South China sea dispute and ultimately JF-17 tender was not submitted by Pakistan or China.

Argentina: Fuerza Aérea Argentina (Air force) has had a tough time trying to re-arm it’s combat forces due to budgetary constraints and export restrictions by UK. This leaves Argentina with very limited options of trying to procure a capable fighter aircraft. All these factors play to the strengths of JF-17. Pakistan faced similar scenarios of import restrictions and budgetary constraints and JF-17 project was designed from get-go to counter these factors. Argentina has allocated USD 664 million for purchase of 12 JF-17 Block IIIs. USD 20 million is for supporting infrastructure. This allocation has been made but the final decision is yet to occur. Argentina would find it difficult to procure any other aircraft that matches the capabilities of JF-17 Block IIIs at such prices. However, political opposition is still possible. US would likely make an aggressive proposal to counter the expansion of Chinese defense exports in South America.

Azerbaijan: The defense attaché of Azerbaijan recently reiterated the interest in buying JF-17. Politically, the relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan have improved greatly over the last few years especially after Nogorno-Karabakh conflict, where, Pakistan, along with Turkey & Israel provided significant support politically and in military’s equipment and training to Azerbaijan leading to a complete Azerbaijanian victory over Armenia and restoring Azerbaijan’s sovereignty in the region. There was little political cost for this support for Pakistan, given that internationally, the region was recognized as Azerbaijan’s territory and Pakistan does not have significant economic links with Armenia. This upsurge in relations could possibly help close the deal. Currently, Azeri air force is equipped with obsolete 5 Mig-21s, 10 Mig-29s and 12 Su-25s. Jf-17 Block IIIs would provide significant upgrade in combat capability of Azeri air force.

Iraq: There have been reports of significant talks between Pakistani and Iraqi defense officials to conclude a deal to purchase 12 JF-17s Block IIIs. Officials on both sides remained tight-lipped publicly as is often the case with defense related purchases. Iraqi airforce has been one of the largest in the Arab world if not the most modern when compared with the rich Gulf states. Post-war, IQAF’s most significant purchase has been of around 36 F-16IQ Block 52s. The lack of Lockheed-Martin contractors support due to budgetary and security issues has led to significance downgrade operational readiness of the F-16s. Less than half of the F-16 fleet has some semblance of combat readiness operationally currently. JF-17 Block IIIs compared to Block 52s are not only cheaper to procure (~$50m vs ~$85m) and operate, but also provide significant avionics advantage. Block IIIs are equipped with AESA radar compared to F-16’s pulse dopplers, providing a generational gap in radar technology. JF-17 Block IIIs will also come equipped potent arsenal. F-16s delivered to Iraq are without AIM-120s, lacking capability to engage in beyond-visual range combat, while JF-17s could come armed with PL-15 Long range air-to-air missiles. In modern air combat, that’s as good as being un-armed, as if entering a combat with a sword while your opponents are carrying rifles. JF-17s would also come with no political strings attached.

So overall, there are talks ongoing, but as is the case with defense procurements, there are often strong elements of geo-politics overshadowing the capabilities of the platform. Until a deal is inked and planes have landed at customer locations, things remain fluid, nothing is done until everything is done.

PAF is set to acquire PL-15 long range Air-to-air missile. PL-15 boasts a range in excess of 200km, exceeding the range of Meteor and all other AAMs currently in region. PL-15 has a next-generation AESA seeker, allowing it to withstand intense EW and maintain lock. PL-15 will allow JF-17 to out-range all opponents it is likely to face and project credible threat against Meteor-armed aircraft. Rafale’s longest-range AAM is Meteor, with range in excess of 100km. The key feature of Meteor is it’s ‘ramjet’ engine, allowing the missile to maintain high kinetic energy even in terminal phase.