Pakistan may be heading toward a supply crunch as rising global interest in its JF-17 fighter jet begins to outpace production capacity, following the aircraft’s reported combat performance and growing appeal as a low-cost alternative to Western jets.
In recent months, at least five countries have shown interest in acquiring the JF-17, according to international media reports. The aircraft, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, gained renewed attention after Pakistan highlighted its performance during the May 2025 military clash with India. Since then, enquiries have reportedly come from Iraq, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Libya.
The JF-17 Thunder is jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra and China’s aviation industry. However, production remains limited to fewer than 20 aircraft a year, most of which are allocated to the Pakistan Air Force. Analysts say this leaves little room to accommodate large export orders without expanding manufacturing capacity.
The aircraft’s key advantage lies in its cost. Priced between $40 million and $50 million, the JF-17 is significantly cheaper than Western fighters such as the Rafale or F-16, making it attractive for countries seeking modern jets without high procurement and maintenance costs.
So far, confirmed exports remain modest. Azerbaijan ordered 40 jets in 2024, while Nigeria and Myanmar have inducted smaller numbers. If ongoing talks with countries like Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Libya and Indonesia result in firm deals, production demands could rise sharply.
Meanwhile, Pakistan faces its own fleet replacement needs, with hundreds of older aircraft still due for retirement. Defence experts note that expanding output would require fresh investment and long-term planning, a challenge given Pakistan’s current economic constraints.