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Iraq Decides To Purchase 12 JF-17 Block-3 Multi-Role Next Generation Fighter Jets From PAKISTAN:
After Argentina, Brotherly Country Iraq has decided to purchase 12 numbers of JF-17 Block-III Next Generation Multi-role Fighter Jets from PAKISTAN for a whopping $664 Million. Reportedly, Iraq would be the Second customer of PAKISTAN’s Next Generation JF-17 Block-3 Fighter Jets after Argentina. Argentina also decides to purchase and induct 12 numbers of JF-17 Block-3 Thunder Jets into its arsenal.
The report has confirmed from the reliable sources as the Iraqi Government has set aside more than $600 million funding to the purchase of JF-17 Thunder Block-3 Fighter Jets, along with its lethal munitions and spares from Brotherly Country PAKISTAN.
Iraq has shown keen interest in PAKISTAN’s Next Generation JF-17 Block-III Aircraft right from its development stages. Now, Iraq would be the first Western Asian countries to procure such state of the art and cutting-edge fighter jets from PAKISTAN.
It is pertinent to mention that the high-profile delegation of Iraq’s Ministry of Defense led by the Deputy Commander Iraq Air For Major General (Pilot) Muhammad Majeed Mahdi Mahmood visits held One on One, high-profile and important meetings with PAK AIR CHIEF, CHIEF OF AIR STAFF (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar at AIR HQ Islamabad.
Reportedly, Iraq is not the first country which has shown interest in PAKISTAN’s Next Generation Fighter Aircraft, as Argentina also previously agreed to acquire 10 numbers of single seat and 2 numbers of dual seat variant of JF-17 Thunder Block-III Fighter Jet from PAKISTAN. Brotherly country Malaysia is showing keen interest in this fighter aircraft to replace its fleet of older fighter jet.
PAKISTAN has also showcased Major Defense Expo in Karbala, Iraq few weeks back. In the defense exhibition, PAKISTAN showcased its sophisticated military hardware, including JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets, AL-Khalid Main Battle Tanks and AZMAT Class Missile Boats, amongst others.
Moreover, the CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza also visited Iraq back in March this year. During the visit, CJCSC General Nadeem Raza held One on One important meetings with the Top Military and Civil Leadership of Brotherly Country Iraq, including Iraq Defense Minister Jummah Enaad Saadon Khatab Al Jibori, Commander Iraqi Air Force Lieutenant General Shahab Jihad Ali and Iraq Chief of Staff General Abdul Ameer Rasheed Tar Allah Al Lami.
Iraq to purchase 12 numbers of PAKISTAN’s Next Generation JF-17 Block-III Fighter Jet from PAKISTAN . . . ??????✈️✈️✈️??????@OfficialDGISPR@DGPR_PAF@dgprPaknavy#Pakistaniat_InOurBlood#pakistan_giftofallah#PAKISTAN #Russia pic.twitter.com/NKW2d1Ypol
— PAKDEFENSE.OFFICIAL (@PAKDEFENSE_COM) September 27, 2021
JF-17 Thunder Block-3 is PAKISTAN Next Generation Hi-Tech Fighter Jet of PAKISTAN that is packed with state of the art technologies, including KLJ-7A AESA Radar, Helmet Mounted Display Sight, Latest Avionics, Electronics and Counter Electronics Warfare Suite, Lethal Munitions, amongst others.
Several countries have shown keen interest in this Fighter Jet and Iraq would be the second buyer of this jet after Argentina. Reportedly, Malaysia is also seriously considering for acquiring JF-17 Thunder Block-3 4.5 Generation Fighter Jets jointly developed by PAC Kamra and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of CHINA.
Malaysia is looking to purchase 18 numbers of Multi-role 4th Generation Fighter Jets to replace its older fleet of fighter aircraft. JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a serious contender for Malaysia amongst, South Korea KAI FA-50, Italy’s Leonardo M-346 Master, Russia’a Yakolev Yak-130, Czech Aero Vodochody L-39NG
Malaysia is now seriously considering JF-17 Thunder Block-III is as a serious contender for its next generation fighter program.
Features of JF-17 Thunder Block-III Fighter Jet:
The JF-17 Block-3 Next Generation fighter jet is a single-engine and multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by PAKISTAN Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra and Chendu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of CHINA.
58% of the components of JF-17 Thunder Block-III is indigenously developed in PAKISTAN, including wings, vertical stabilizers and front fuselage, while 42% components are completed in CHINA. Whereas, the final assembly of the Aircraft completed in PAKISTAN.
The JF-17 Block-3 is a Next Generation Supersonic fighter jet fully capable to perform different combatant air missions, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) integrated battle, air interdiction, combat air patrol (CAP), standoff range precision ground strikes, long-range precision Maritime Strikes, electronic warfare and anti-radiation SEAD/DEAD missions.
Moreover, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III has a maximum speed of Mach 2 or 2,460 kmph and it is also integrated with the hi-tech Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system.
The primary weapon of JF-17 Block-III is PL-15 Long Range Air to Air Missile (LRAAM) that has a maximum range over 25 kilometers. It is also armed with the GSh-23 or GSh-30 mm twin-barrel cannon for suppressive fire on aerial targets.
