Pakistan Signs Agreement with Unknown Country for Sale of JF-17 Block III Jets

Pakistan has signed a memorandum of understanding with an unidentified country for the sale of JF-17 fighter jets.

The deal was finalized during the Dubai Airshow 2025, the Pakistan Air Force confirmed on November 20, as per reports. Speculation regarding the latest customer for the JF-17 has pointed to Ukraine, Qatar and Bangladesh.

The service stated, “A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been 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.” The buyer was not disclosed.

The MoU was concluded as Pakistan showcased the JF-17 Thunder Block III and the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft at the airshow in the U.A.E. The PAF said the Block III drew sustained interest from visiting delegations. According to the service, “Its strong combat capabilities and proven track record in Operation Marka-e-Haq have garnered intense attention from defence analysts and aviation experts.” It added that the aircraft’s manoeuvrability, avionics and weapons integration position it as a cost-effective multi-role platform.

The Block III—also known as the JF-17C—is the most upgraded variant of the Thunder series. The aircraft incorporates increased composite materials, an additional payload station and the Klimov RD-93MA engine, delivering roughly 91.2 kN of thrust. Pakistan reports a top speed nearing Mach 1.8, a service ceiling of about 16,900 metres and a combat radius of roughly 900 km on internal fuel.

The fighter supports a maximum takeoff weight of about 13,500 kg and carries up to 3,400 kg of ordnance across eight external stations, while retaining its 23 mm GSh-23 cannon.

Pakistan said multiple countries expressed interest in the JF-17 at the airshow. Azerbaijan had reportedly signed a contract for the Block III variant last year. Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also held meetings with visiting air chiefs, including U.A.E. officials, during the event.