Is Pakistan Likely To Sell Its Chinese-Designed JF-17 Fighter Jet To Iraq?

Pakistan's Chinese-made fighter jet, the JF-17, is likely to have found a new buyer, in Iraq. The potential sale of the JF-17 to Iraq marks a significant development in Pakistan's export of military aircraft.

It is reported that the Iraqi government has finally agreed to buy 12 JF-17 Block-III fighters worth $664 million, following the visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to Iraq from 5 June to 7 June.

Pakistan's cash-strapped economy will receive a significant boost if this deal with Iraq goes through, as it would result in a large inflow of cash to the country.

According to The Print, Iraqi News Agency (INA) quoted a Major General Yahya Rasool, who is the spokesperson of the Chief of Iraqi Armed Forces, stating that "Iraq has plans to purchase modern military equipment from many countries."

Pakistan currently operates around 150 JF-17 fighters with dozens of JF-17 block-IIIs, on orders.

The JF-17 Block-IIIs are the most advanced variant of the JF-17, equipped with a Chinese AESA radar, a wide heads-up display, an infrared search and track system, and missile approach warning systems.

They are capable of firing various long-range Chinese air-to-air missiles such as the PL-12 and PL-15.

The JF-17 jet is powered by a Russian RD-93MA after-burning jet engine, which is a detuned version of the MiG-29's RD-33 jet engine, the same engine that India has been manufacturing for over a decade.

The JF-17 is made by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, where about 58 per cent of parts are manufactured, while the rest 42 per cent is manufactured from China.

If the deal goes through, Iraq will become the fifth country to buy the JF-17 after Myanmar, Nigera, Malaysia and Azerbaijan.

Despite its export success, the JF-17 has faced challenges, as technical issues prompted Myanmar to ground its fleet of the aircraft