JF-17 draws ‘significant attention’ at Dubai Airshow; multiple countries show interest in acquiring battle-proven fighter
The JF-17 Thunder Block-III drew significant attention to emerge as a “major focal point” at the Dubai Airshow 2025, with several countries expressing interest in the battle-proven fighter aircraft, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The fighter has proved its combat capabilities during two conflicts with arch-rival India in 2019 and 2025.
The biennial airshow is being held at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport from November 17-21, with aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on display as well.
A statement by the military’s media wing added that an “MoU (memorandum of understanding) was signed with a friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking another significant milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial partnerships”.
“Demonstrating increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry, several countries expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder,” said ISPR.
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the Dubai Airshow 2025. The contingent features the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the renowned Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, reflecting Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous military aviation.
The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet equipped with an advanced radar and long-range, beyond-visual-range missiles capable of undertaking a wide variety of combat missions.
During Pakistan’s conflict with India in May, the ISPR had said the plane’s supersonic missiles destroyed the S-400 missile system in Adampur. It was also used to carry out strikes across the Line of Control from inside the Pakistani airspace, in response to the Indian strikes in Balakot in April 2019.
The ISPR further said Chief of the Air Staff Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held a series of high-level engagements with air chiefs from friendly countries on the event’s sidelines.
He also held comprehensive discussions with UAE Defence Undersecretary Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi and Air Force & Air Defence Commander Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi on strengthening cooperation in advanced training, fostering collaboration in emerging aerospace technologies and enhancing the mechanisms for effective operational coordination.
“The UAE military leadership lauded PAF’s modernisation 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.
