The JF-17 Thunder (Urdu: ایف-١٧ ), or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong (Fierce Dragon; Chinese: ; pinyin: Xiāo Lóng), is a multi-role light fighter jet that can be operated in a variety of weather conditions. whose development is the result of the cooperation of the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAC) of China, the Pakistan Air Force, and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). The naming of the JF-17 Thunder is the Pakistani version, while the JF stands for Joint Fighter. And according to the Chinese version, this aircraft is called the FC-1 Xiaolong which in English is defined as Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon.
According to some literature, the development of the JF-17 Thunder began when Pakistan signed an agreement with China to design a new fighter jet in 1995. Initially this aircraft was named FC-1/Super 7, but in 2003 the name was changed to JF-17 Thunder. And the first prototype underwent flight tests on August 25, 2003 and entered service on March 12, 2007.
The JF-17 Thunder can be compared to the US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Pakistani Air Force is using this aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Mirage, F-7, and A-5. Pakistan plans to have 200 to 250 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
As a light fighter, the JF-17 is capable of accelerating up to a speed of Mach 1.6. Can strike targets at all flight speeds and altitudes. To carry out surface attack missions, this aircraft can do it at long distances. An advanced flight control system has been installed on the JF-17 which combines conventional and fly-by-wire controls to provide highly agile maneuverability.
The JF-17 uses an engine with advanced air contours that has great thrust but is low in fuel consumption. So do not be surprised if the JF-17 is touted as a fighter that has advanced technology but is cheap. The price of 1 JF-17 is estimated to be only a third of the price of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Because of this factor, China is optimistic about its plan to export 300 units of JF-17 Thunder to several countries in Africa and the Middle East.
At this time Pakistan is still the main country using the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. According to the news, Pakistan Air Force operates 2 JF-17 squadrons, and of course the number of JF-17 squadrons in the country will continue to grow. Pakistan can be proud as a country that designs and manufactures advanced fighter jets because this is a testament to the achievements of advanced technology in the world of military aviation that they have succeeded in doing.
