2.Pakistan JF-17 Thunder
Manufacturers: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
The Pakistan Air Force is the main user.
Program Cost: $82 million* Unit Cost: $500,000*
The PAC JF-17 Thunder is a joint venture between Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. The multirole combat aircraft is in its fourth generation, and it was designed to replace three different PAF combat planes. The JF-17 can be used for several roles, including ground attack, interception, aerial recon, and anti-ship warfare.
©Peter R. Foster, IDMA/SShutterstock
The JF-17 can deploy a very diverse arsenal, including air-to-surface, air-to-air, and anti-ship missiles. It can also carry a Gsh-23-2 twin-barrel autocannon, and it has a top speed of Mach 1. 6. 58% of its airframe is produced in Pakistan, while China finishes out the other 42%, making this a clear joint venture.
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