ANALYSIS: JF-17 Thunder —Ikram Sehgal
One must not forget to mention all those airmen who remained associated with the project since its inception and their constant belief that such a monumental task could be achieved
Air power has a dominant role in
modern warfare. Unable to defend itself against air assaults of its adversary, the nation will be at a serious disadvantage in any conflict. Modern-day warfare has seen a paradigm shift, with unconventional warfare replacing conventional war as the dominant strategy. Because of its capability of destruction of threat by precision strikes while avoiding collateral damage, airpower remains a major determinant in the outcome of all kinds of military conflicts, seen to good effect, both in Swat and now in South Waziristan.
Acknowledged as one of the most professional forces in the world, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF’s) proven excellence will be force-multiplied with the induction of the JF-17. Having suffered grievously because of the sanctions in 1965 and in 1990, the PAF vowed ‘never again’ and took a quantum leap in deciding to design and develop its own fighter aircraft. This is a story of excellence, of determination in the face of odds, of dogged tenacity and of friendship and solidarity.
In the 80s the PAF envisaged designing, building its own fighter aircraft to meet future requirements. M/s Northrop Grumman was approached for the initial design. Because of the heavy investment required and other factors, the project (Saber II) was continued under Chinese Assistance but was not pursued vigorously.
In 1990 when sanctions were imposed under the Pressler Amendment, this project died. Pakistan had suffered such sanctions earlier too in 1965. Such embargoes proved to be the proverbial blessing in disguise. Lacking the experience, know-how and the industrial infrastructure for the task, the PAF turned to China. Always a reliable friend, China acquiesced to co-development of the Super 7 (later designated as the JF-17 project) in Chengdu.
To have credible human resources that could undertake the task of designing and developing a fighter aircraft, PAF dispatched its aircrew, engineers and technicians abroad for studies. A paucity of funds forced all other PAF requirements to be frozen by late Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir in 2001.
Within a period of just 30 months, the first JF-17 prototype flew in September 2003 in China. The JF-17 made its triumphant debut in Pakistan on March 23, 2007 when two aircraft took part in the Pakistan Day Flypast.
With the start of serial production of the aircraft at PAF Kamra, June 30, 2009 became a Red Letter day in the annals of PAF’s chronicles. A lightweight and low-cost multi-role fighter aircraft with high manoeuvrability and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability, the JF-17 has Mach 1.6 capability with advanced aerodynamics configuration and high thrust. It can operate over long distances and is well suited to undertaking a broad spectrum of offensive and defensive missions. Fulfilling a multi-role task, this aircraft is meant to eventually replace the ageing fleet of A-5s, F-7s and the Mirages in the PAF inventory, and thus become the PAF’s mainstay.
The success story of the indigenous JF-17 development stands out in sharp contrast to many aviation failures — the American F-111, the Israeli Lavi and the Indian Tejas being some examples of abject failures. The PAF is the only air force in the world to successfully take on the challenge of designing and developing a fighter aircraft.
Though large in number, the bulk of Indian Air Force (IAF) planes are old and outdated. The IAF fleet of MiG series fighters needs refurbishing and replacement. There have been recurring delays in the Request for Proposals (RFPs) for a multi-role combat aircraft in the form of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, in design and under perpetual development for almost 30 years. Among engineers, journalists and scientists in the aviation industry, the Tejas is sometimes called the ‘Last Chance Aircraft’ because of the false starts and failure. Using GE F404-IN20 engines because the indigenous ‘Kaveri’ engine developed at a whopping cost of Rs 20 billion was not only overweight, it lacked the thrust required, the LCA is now scheduled to enter service in 2011.
The JF-17 will restore to an extent the strategic imbalance in conventional weapons between Pakistan and India and help retain the balance of power in South Asia. A report published in The Times of India (May 18, 2008), highlights India’s threat perception “with Pakistan getting new F-16s from the US and JF-17 Thunder jets from China. IAF plans to counter ‘the threat’ by progressively deploying its most potent Sukhoi-30MKI fighters on the western front”. India feels ‘threatened’ every time Pakistan acquires military hardware for its legitimate defence needs, conveniently forgetting that its own massive build up and modernising of its armed forces still gives it a whopping 4:1 superiority in numbers.
The unflinching support and willingness of China to go an extra mile for Pakistan will remain a source of great strength for the people of Pakistan. China has always stood by Pakistan in its hour of need. Its invaluable role in the development of the JF-17 allowed the PAF to achieve its long cherished dream of indigenously manufacturing a fighter aircraft of its own. The leadership of the Chinese government deserve our gratitude for their vision and willingness to back friends and provide wholehearted technical and financial support. With an uninterrupted trust bond that has survived numerous geo-strategic challenges and changes, Pakistan-China relations are unique in this world. Good relations with China are the real cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The Aviation Industries of China, especially M/s CATIC, made an immense contribution to the project.
After 2010 the aircraft will be available for re-export through China. This will expedite and enhance the production capacity of the PAF because of economies of scale. Many friendly countries are showing interest in the aircraft, among them Azerbaijan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco and Sri Lanka.
The JF-17 was the prime project for all the air chiefs of the PAF since 1991-1992 as well as successive Air Boards. One must not forget to mention all those airmen who remained associated with the project since its inception and their constant belief that such a monumental task could be achieved.
This JF-17 project frees the Pakistani air defence sector from foreign shackles and adds a prestigious chapter to the PAF’s story of continuing excellence. The entire nation is rightly proud of the PAF. They have always come through when the nation needs them the most.
To paraphrase Winston Churchill, so many depend for so much on so few!
The writer is a defence and political analyst. He can reached at
ikram.sehgal@pk.g4s.com
