Chinese Expert Says JF-17 Gaining Global Attention for Advanced Capabilities
BEIJING: A Chinese expert said on Wednesday that the JF-17 is an outstanding fighter jet equipped with advanced radar and weapon systems, noting that growing foreign interest reflects its increasing international recognition.
Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that the JF-17 fighter jet has attracted heightened foreign interest due to its strong overall performance.
He said the JF-17 is a top-tier fourth-generation fighter that has continued to receive upgrades to its radar, weapons, and communications systems, while maintaining relatively low procurement costs.
Wang added that another factor behind the rising foreign interest in China–Pakistan jointly developed weapons and equipment could be the air clash between Pakistan and India in May 2025, during which the systems demonstrated their capabilities in actual combat.
According to media reports, Indonesia and Pakistan are close to finalizing a defense deal involving the JF-17 fighter jet co-developed by China and Pakistan.
The JF-17 is not the only Chinese warplane Indonesia is considering. In October 2025, Indonesia’s defense minister reportedly said the country would procure China’s J-10 fighter jets.
Asked to confirm the reports, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said at a press conference in October that China adopts a prudent and responsible approach to the export of military products.
“We are willing to share the latest achievements of equipment modernization with peace-loving countries and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond,” Zhang said.
