But, I have read somewhere JF-17 speed is a maximum 1.6 mach and it also has a drag problem. JF-17 needs also a longer than normal time to reach a certain elevation in the sky. I do not know if it uses Chinese engines or not. Whatever we say, Chinese engines have not yet been perfected like the western ones. Even China itself uses Russian jet engines to its own PLAAF planes.JF17 block 2's KLJ-7V2 radar detection range is 100+km. It can also house C-802A which has a far greater range.
There was a lot of hype before this tender that we were about to get 8 Mig 29m to complete the squadron. Now it can be seen that BD has moved its priorities towards more range, radar and payload this time. Seems more like emphasizing naval engagement capabilities. Which again seems like countering MM's recent acquisition of JF17 with naval strike capability.