RAWALPINDI: The JF-17 Thunder Block-III emerged as a “major focal point” at the Dubai Airshow 2025, drawing significant international attention, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Several countries have expressed interest in Pakistan’s battle-tested fighter jet, which demonstrated its combat capabilities during conflicts with India in 2019 and 2025.
The biennial airshow, held at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport from November 17-21, also featured aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). ISPR highlighted that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with a friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking a key milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial collaborations.
“Demonstrating increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry, several countries expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder,” the ISPR statement said.
The PAF contingent at the airshow includes the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, underscoring Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous military aviation.
The JF-17 Block-III, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, is equipped with advanced radar systems and long-range, beyond-visual-range missiles capable of executing a wide range of combat missions. During the May conflict with India, the ISPR reported that the fighter’s supersonic missiles successfully destroyed an S-400 missile system in Adampur. It was also used to conduct precise strikes across the Line of Control in response to India’s 2019 Balakot strikes.
On the sidelines of the airshow, Chief of the Air Staff Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with air chiefs from friendly nations. He also engaged with UAE Defence Undersecretary Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi and Air Force & Air Defence Commander Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi to discuss enhanced cooperation in advanced training, emerging aerospace technologies, and operational coordination.
“The UAE military leadership lauded PAF’s modernisation initiatives and growing indigenous capabilities, expressing a shared commitment to strengthen military engagement through joint exercises, professional exchanges, and forward-looking partnerships,” the ISPR added.
