Latest news with #JF-17Thunder
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
More worry for China, Pakistan, Turkey as after Philippines, this country plans to buy BrahMos from India, it is..
During the most recent India-Pakistan war, modern Chinese-built jets faced off against a combination of Russian and French fighters. While the battle of J-10C vs Rafale drew the most attention, even more interesting was the contest between the JF-17 Thunder and the Indian Su-30MKI – India's version of Russia's Su-30. It seems the two fighter jets may soon face each other again — this time in the highly charged Caucasus region. Pakistan has just signed a US$4.6 billion defense deal with Azerbaijan to provide 40 JF-17 Thunder fighters, and a further US$2 billion investment package. Azerbaijan initially ordered a total of 16 JF-17s due to technical issues with their air force's Soviet-made MiG fighters, but this new deal has authorized an enlargement of the order to 40 aircraft in total. Pakistan recently signed a US$4.6 billion defense agreement with Azerbaijan to supply 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, along with a US$2 billion accompanying investment package. Azerbaijan had initially ordered 16 JF-17s from Pakistan, but the new contract expands that purchase to 40 aircraft. According to The EurAsian Times report, JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft that was co-developed by Pakistan and China. It was constructed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in cooperation with the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), and is intended to carry out a variety of missions, including air interceptions, ground strikes, anti-ship attacks, and aerial reconnaissance. The delivery of the 40 jets is likely to take place in stages over several years, and training programs for Azerbaijani pilots and technicians will also be included, reported EurAsian Times. Azerbaijan has been embroiled in a longstanding feud with Armenia, similar to the India-Pakistan conflict. Since 2020, there have been three brief wars—September 2020, September 2022, and September 2023—between the two nations. The wars all resulted in Baku tightening its control over the Nagorno-Karabakh corridor, an area internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians that was previously under Armenian rule. Since then, there has been a tenuous peace along the border, but tensions are high with both countries in an arms race. Another contentious issue is the Zangezur Corridor—a potential route that would connect all of Azerbaijan to connect with its Nakhchivan exclave without having to go through Armenian Syunik Province. With all these other potentially unresolved issues, the situation is ripe for escalation at any time, and Armenia must remain vigilant. Thus, Armenia cannot ignore the rapid modernization of the Azerbaijani Air Force, especially because its air force is in dire straits at the moment. A report published by Eurasian Times stated that Armenia urgently needs to upgrade its Air Force. The country has very few fighter jets, approximately only 10-15 Su-25 Frogfoot aircraft, and many of which may have been lost in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Currently, Armenia has only 4 Su-30SMs bought from Russia in 2019, and has yet to receive a weapons package from Russia for the fighter jets. Now, Armenia has approached India to buy Su-30 fighter jets. At the end of October 2024, Armenia was interested in buying 8-12 Su-30MKIs from India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the negotiations have begun again with Armenia looking to buy 8-12 Su-30MKI fighter jets from India. However, Yerevan is once again considering purchasing 8-12 Su-30MKI fighter jets from India after Azerbaijan indicated a deal with Pakistan for 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. India produces the Su-30MKI fighter jets at HAL Facility under a license agreement from Sukhoi. India is notable for having one of the largest fleets of Su-30s in any nation in the world, with the Indian Air Force operating almost 260 of them. In December 2024, New Delhi signed a contract with Moscow to produce 12 more Su-30s where indigenous content exceeds 62%.
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Pakistan Deputy PM To Visit Bangladesh As Dhaka Tilts Towards Islamabad After Hasina's Fall
Last Updated: Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, will visit Dhaka to boost ties. Both nations agreed on visa-free entry for diplomats. Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month to boost ties with Bangladesh. This is the first visit of Pakistan's foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years since Hina Rabbani Khar's trip. Pakistan and Bangladesh are giving a fresh impetus to improve bilateral ties after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime in August last year. After arriving in Dhaka on August 23, Ishaq Dar will hold bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and is likely to meet Muhammad Yunus. Pakistan's foreign office is yet to finalise the schedule of Dar's visit. According to a top diplomatic source, Dar and Hossain met during the International Conference on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations. They discussed the bilateral ties and agreed to visit each other's countries. Pakistan-Bangladesh Visa-Free Agreement Pakistan and Bangladesh have, in principle, agreed to allow Visa-Free Entry to their Diplomatic and Official Passport holders' staff for smoother travel and entry. Bangladesh's Home Minister and retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury signed an agreement with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the latter's visit to Dhaka. Both nations have recently signed a visa-free entry agreement for diplomats and government officials. Sources claim that this agreement will particularly benefit military officials from both sides, enabling easier movement and more direct engagement. After the visit by Pakistan's top political delegation, a security delegation from Islamabad is likely to visit Dhaka in a couple of weeks to discuss military, security and strategic cooperation between the two nations. A high-level military delegation from Bangladesh recently visited Pakistan to explore avenues for enhanced military and strategic cooperation. The delegation toured Heavy Industries Taxila, Pakistan's primary defence production hub, and expressed interest in Pakistan's weapons industry, including Khalid tanks, mortars, drones, and the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistan's SIFC To Facilitate Bangladeshi Investments According to top military sources, the Pakistan Army has set up a dedicated desk for Bangladesh at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters in Islamabad. This desk—similar to those already operating for Kashmir and Afghanistan—is headed by a Major General-rank officer designated as Director General, Bangladesh Desk. The Bangladesh Desk will oversee daily developments related to Bangladesh and coordinate with Pakistan's Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The SIFC will assist Bangladeshi businessmen and investors with smoother investment procedures, financial transitions, and visa facilitation. The ISI desk will also provide security and ensure hassle-free access for Bangladeshi military officials, top businessmen, and investors visiting Pakistan. Policy Shift After Regime Change In Dhaka Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, Dhaka has shown increasing interest in redefining its foreign policy orientation towards Islamabad. Pakistan has responded proactively, initiating military training programmes for Bangladeshi officers. Over the past year, more than 13 high-level security meetings have taken place between the military officials of both countries, reflecting growing bilateral defence cooperation. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: News world Pakistan Deputy PM To Visit Bangladesh As Dhaka Tilts Towards Islamabad After Hasina's Fall Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Recorder
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘China's strategic red line: unwavering support for Pakistan'
This is apropos a letter to the Editor titled above carried by the newspaper on Tuesday. This contrast with India's rapid attribution and response has underlined China's preference for due process over punitive adventurism, but with a red line: Pakistan's sovereignty is non-negotiable. Professor Gao's statements are matched by facts on the ground. Over 60 percent of Pakistan's current military arsenal originates from China. This includes: JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, co-developed with China, Yuan-class submarines, providing second-strike capabilities, HQ-series air defense systems, complementing Pakistani strategic depth and P-10 and P-15 cruise and ballistic missiles, enhancing Pakistan's tactical reach. Recent reports indicate the arrival of Chinese Y-20 cargo aircraft in Pakistan, allegedly delivering defense equipment and signaling readiness for joint preparedness. This growing military interoperability indicates that the China-Pakistan military alliance is not theoretical—it is active and deepening. Professor Gao underscored this in the clearest terms: 'You are talking about a war between Pakistan and India on the one hand, and then you are talking about an ironclad alliance between China and Pakistan, and China's full commitment to defend Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.' Professor Gao's statements expand China's security perimeter beyond its own borders. By stating that China's alliance with Pakistan would activate against 'any country' threatening its integrity, he has laid out a doctrine that potentially covers US operations, Indian offensives, or multilateral actions that challenge Pakistan's territorial claims or strategic interests. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
25-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Asim Munir In China, Meets Wang Yi As Islamabad Ramps Up Military Diplomacy
The visit comes as Pakistan, on the back foot after its clash with India over the Pahalgam attack, is doubling down on military diplomacy to reinforce strategic partnerships Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Field Marshal, General Asim Munir, is currently in China, where he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, CNN-News18 has learnt. During the meeting, China reiterated its firm support for Pakistan's efforts to combat all forms of terrorism. Beijing also expressed hope that the Pakistani military would continue to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions within the country. General Munir, on his part, said that strengthening friendly cooperation with China enjoys broad support across Pakistani society. He pledged that the Pakistani military will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Chinese citizens, enterprises and projects in Pakistan, while actively enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation with China. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan, on the back foot after its recent conflict with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, is aggressively pursuing military diplomacy to bolster strategic partnerships, diversify defence alliances, and reposition itself as a regional defence player. According to top military sources, these visits are not routine diplomacy, they are calibrated moves aimed at forging long-term military cooperation, securing defence deals, and aligning Pakistan with like-minded nations in a shifting regional security landscape. The Chinese leg of the tour was kept under wraps due to the sensitive nature of discussions, which reportedly centre around intelligence-sharing, defence procurement, and regional power balance in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of Pakistan's outreach is the promotion of Chinese and Turkish defence technology, particularly the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Bayraktar drones. These platforms are being pitched to countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Iran, with Pakistani military leadership highlighting their performance and affordability, especially following their reported use during the conflict with India. Earlier this year, defence ministers from Türkiye and Indonesia visited Islamabad, holding high-level talks on military training, joint production and regional security. Sources close to Pakistan's General Headquarters (GHQ) describe this wave of diplomacy as part of a long-term vision to reshape Pakistan's military partnerships amid changing regional dynamics. Munir has reportedly briefed top military forums that his earlier visits to Washington, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Baku and Tehran were 'highly successful diplomatic manoeuvres," establishing a wide network of defence cooperation. Through this series of engagements, Pakistan is seeking to move beyond traditional alignments and pursue shared security initiatives across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the broader Middle East. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
24-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried?
These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried? In the past few years, there have been many reports about problems with Chinese weapons. Some Chinese missiles failed during tests in Pakistan, and Chinese fighter jets crashed in Bangladesh. Still, China continues to sell its low-cost weapons and aircraft to many countries around the world. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China sold weapons to 44 countries between 2018 and 2024. But this raises some important questions as to which countries are buying these weapons, and why? Especially when there are doubts about their quality. And should India be worried about this? What went wrong with Chinese weapons in Pakistan and Bangladesh? Missile and jet failures in Pakistan Shaheen-3 Missile Incident : On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan. : On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan. Problems with JF-17 Fighter Jet : Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors. : Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors. Issues with F-22P Navy Ships: China also built F-22P frigates for Pakistan's navy. These ships had engine problems and did not perform well. Their radar and sensor systems were also found to be faulty. Despite all this, many countries still buy weapons from China because they are cheaper compared to those from the US or Europe. But the reliability of these weapons remains a serious concern. Jet crashes in Bangladesh raise concerns over Chinese Weapons Bangladesh had procured K-8W jet trainers from China, but by 2018, serious flaws were discovered in their ammunition systems. Several jets ended up crashing, causing both financial and operational setbacks for the Bangladeshi Air Force. Back in 2017, Bangladesh also bought the FM-90 surface-to-air missile system from China. However, issues soon emerged in its radar and sensor systems, leading to doubts about its reliability. These repeated incidents have sparked major concerns over the quality of Chinese-made military equipment. Despite this, many nations continue to turn to China for arms due to their lower prices and flexible terms. Which countries are buying Chinese weapons? According to data from the SIPRI and RAND Corporation, between 2018 and 2024, at least 44 countries purchased arms and aircraft from China. Most of these buyers are developing nations, drawn by the affordability and accessibility of Chinese military exports. Between 2018 and 2024, around 77.3 per cent of China's total arms exports went to Asian countries, followed by 19.1 per cent to Africa. Here's a region-wise breakdown of major buyers and the Chinese weapon systems they've acquired: Here's a look at some of the key countries and what they've purchased: Pakistan – China's top defense client Pakistan accounts for a massive 63 per cent of China's arms exports. The two countries also co-develop certain weapons. Key acquisitions include: JF-17 Thunder fighter jets (jointly developed), J-10C multirole fighter jets, PL-15E air-to-air missiles, HQ-9 and LY-80 air defense systems, F-22P and Type 054A/P frigates, Wing Loong drones. Bangladesh K-8W trainer jets, FM-90 air defense systems, Type 056 corvette ships, C-802 anti-ship missiles. Between 2010 and 2020, Bangladesh's total military purchases from China amounted to around USD 970 million (Trend-Indicator Value). Myanmar Myanmar has deepened defense ties with China, especially post-2021 coup. Weapons acquired include: 17 JF-17 fighter jets, CH-3A surveillance drones, Y-8 transport aircraft, Type-43 frigates, Type-92 armored vehicles. CH-3A drones were reportedly used for surveillance against civilian protestors following the military coup. Thailand S26T submarines, VT-4 main battle tanks, Type 071E amphibious landing ships. Indonesia C-705 anti-ship missiles, FM-90 air defense systems. In 2017, a fatal accident involving Chinese-made arms raised fresh questions about their reliability. Sri Lanka Y-12 transport aircraft, Type 053H frigate. Africa: 19.1 per cent of Chinese Arms exports Nigeria: CH-4 drones, VT-4 tanks, SH-5 artillery. Algeria: CH-4 drones, HQ-9 missiles, C-28A corvettes. Ethiopia: SH-15 self-propelled howitzers. Côte d'Ivoire: VN22B armored vehicles. Sudan: FTC-2000 trainer jets, Type 96 tanks. Uganda: Type 85 tanks, SH-3 artillery. Zambia: K-8P trainer jets, Z-9 helicopters. Kenya: VN-4 and WZ-551 armored personnel carriers. Namibia: FT-9 jets, Type 07PA artillery. Cameroon: Type 07PA artillery, WZ-551 vehicles. Ghana: Z-9 helicopters. 🇹🇿 Tanzania: Type 63A amphibious tanks. Djibouti: WMA301 assault guns. Senegal: PTL-02 assault guns. Morocco: Sky Dragon 50 air defense systems. Egypt: Wing Loong drones. Tunisia: CH-4 drones. Middle East: Expanding Influence Saudi Arabia Has actively procured CH-4 and Wing Loong drones. Over 40 Chinese defense firms participated in the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh. United Arab Emirates Bought Wing Loong and CH-5 drones, diversifying away from U.S. suppliers. Jordan turned to China for CH-4 drones in 2015, after the U.S. denied a request for MQ-1s. Iraq Acquired CH-4 drones and FT-9 trainer jets. Oman Purchased C-802 anti-ship missiles. Iran, a long-time Chinese defense partner since the 1980s, Iran has received: C-802 and C-704 missiles, Type 92 armored vehicles, Tanks, aircraft, and missiles. South America Venezuela: K-8W trainer jets, VN-4 armored vehicles. Bolivia: K-8 jets, Type 92 armored vehicles. Peru: Type 90B rocket launchers.
