For the past couple of days, numerous media reports have highlighted Argentina’s statement of buying JF-17 from Pakistan. Pakistan and China jointly manufacture this fighter plane.
JF-17 is a lightweight sort of combatant plane on which Pakistan made an essential financial contribution. Moreover, it is also a multi-role as well as economical aircraft.
According to The Week, this is not in Chinese service. It has been a part of the Pakistan Air Force for nearly a decade now. Furthermore, the soon-to-be-inducted JF-17 Block-III is currently being tested in China. The functionality of the new block is more advanced as it includes the famous AESA radar and some other major upgrades.
Argentina Buying JF-17 from Pakistan, a Probable Good News for Pak Government
The UK Time News researched the positive steps of Pakistan regarding this news. Pakistan Consulate General illustrated the happiness via a tweet. On the contrary, the Argentine Ministry of Defence has not confirmed the selection of a particular jet.
However, the ministry did support the inclusion of 664 million US dollars into the 2022 budget. Since the Falklands War against the UK, Argentina has not been investing in new fighting jets. It still depends on the classic Mirage III and V jets along A-4 Skyhawk planes.
France developed the former while the latter is the product of the United States. However, The UK Time News researched that the Mirage retired in 2015. Argentina is also trying to obtain aircraft from different countries. Such as South Korea’s FA-50 trainer light and Sweden’s Saab Gripen.
The prime reason behind this delay is the UK’s pressure. The aircraft that South Korea and Sweden are offering utilizes British equipment. Most particularly, Martin Baker’s designed ejection seats. Likewise, there were offers from Russia and Israel. The former’s aircraft is known as MiG – 35.
Israel is trying to vend the advanced version of Kfir. Earlier, this country also sold specific Mirage jets to Argentina. The JF-17 would prove a success in China’s strategic goals. Likewise, Argentina is determining a similar plan, a design from either China or Russia.
Additionally, Argentina buying JF-17 from Pakistan might also mark a milestone in owning an advanced aircraft. It also defies the pressure that Britain has been placing on Argentine since 1982. Presently, Argentine Air Force has zero supersonic fighter planes.
