Harsha Kakar
kakarharsha@gmail.com
In recent days Islamabad has been pushing the narrative of increased global demand for the Pak-China manufactured JF17 aircraft. Pakistan and China both claim that their aircraft (JF10 and JF17) brought down a Rafale in Operation Sindoor, without an iota of evidence, with the intent of increasing their global sales. French intelligence reports mention of a joint Pak-China disinformation campaign to discredit the Rafale in favour of Chinese products, especially in SE Asia.
Suddenly, out of the blue Pak began making daily announcements on sale of the JF17. On 07 Jan, Pak media mentioned Bangladesh would procure JF17s, 08 Jan, the Saudis suddenly appeared on the horizon, 09 Jan, the Sudanese came running, and a couple of days later it was Indonesia’s turn. A few days earlier, Libya, Sudan and Iraq were supposedly jumping for the aircraft. If the intent is to play a narrative, then Pak handles should have displayed intelligence, so at least it could be believed.
Even Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif, was brought into narrative building. He mentioned in an interview, ‘we are receiving so many orders (for the JF 17 aircraft) that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months.’ The JF17 aircraft is 58% produced in Pakistan and 42% in China, though Pak announces it as its own product.
Chinese handles were also roped in. The intent was to push Chinese and Pak manufactured aircraft as compared to the Rafale, especially as demand for their equipment is losing steam amid inputs on failure of Chinese air defence equipment in Venezuela, after Pakistan. Even nations which procured JF17s earlier, have regrets.
Nigeria had procured three JF17 jets. As per reports, these possess ‘sluggish manoeuvring, limited avionics, and outdated radars,’ in addition to ‘frequent technical glitches and difficulties in basic maintenance of the aircraft’s systems.’ JF17s have proved to be ineffective even in counter-insurgency operations where there is little retaliatory fire. In desperation, Nigeria has gone onto procure Italian M-346FA jets and the JF17s are in cold storage.
Another nation which made the blunder was Myanmar. This was because of Chinese influence. Jets were delivered between 2019-21. Myanmar has been forced to ground most of its fleet largely due to ‘structural cracks and other technical glitches soon after delivery.’ Inputs indicate that Myanmar declared them ‘unfit for operations.’ Pak engineers failed to repair them resulting in strained ties between the two states. Myanmar was compelled to procure SU 30 from Russia.
China has claimed its JF10 achieved success in Sindoor. The truth is that no nation has expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft due to ‘performance and reliability issues,’ despite China’s fake narratives. Carried by Chinese propaganda on success in Sindoor, Indonesia did show interest, but soon realized the truth. It continued with its purchase of Rafale aircraft.
The recent visit of the Indonesian defence minister to Pakistan led to the head of Pakistan’s lying machine, its DGISPR, announcing that Jakarta was interested in the JF17. This input flowed only from Pak. The Jakarta times mentioned on the visit, ‘(it) focused on discussing general defence cooperation, including strategic dialogue, strengthening communication between defence institutions, and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.’ There was no mention in considering any Pak equipment, let alone the JF17. Why would a nation purchasing 66 Rafale aircraft purchase poor quality, unreliable JF17s.
A similar story was of the sale of these aircraft to Saudi Arabia, in exchange for the USD 2 Billion loans provided by Riyadh, which Pak can never repay but only request that they be rolled over. The announcement was again made by Pakistan’s DGISPR. When questioned, Pakistan’s own foreign office spokesperson mentioned he had no inputs.
There was also no confirmation from Riyadh that such a discussion had even taken place. If such a procurement does take place, it would never be for the Saudis but for possibly the Sudanese faction which it backs. Why would Saudi Arabia, operating F 15s and Eurofighter, while seeking to acquire the F 35, purchase failed and outdated JF17s.
Azerbaijan had in late 2024 placed orders for 16 JF17s with Pak. In Nov last year, five of these aircraft were flown as part of a military parade. It is unknown if it has taken delivery of the balance aircraft. Inputs mention that it remains unhappy even with those it procured as they have not performed upto accepted standards. Azerbaijan is keen to upgrade its air fleet from old Soviet era aircraft.
There are also reports of possible sales to Bangladesh, Libya, Iraq and Sudan. In the case of Bangladesh, there is no confirmation from Dacca, only from Pakistan. It is possible that Pakistan offered Bangladesh the aircraft but announced it as a sale to boost their global standing. Similar one-sided statements have been the case with Libya, Iraq and Sudan.
Nations display interest whenever equipment is offered as part of a visit, solely from diplomatic courtesy. Rejection comes later. The Indo-US F35 offer from Trump is an example. Moving forward with procurements is a different ballgame. The aviation world is aware that the JF17 has poor reliability and avionics and hence are suitable only for display in ceremonial flypasts, not operations.
The fake Pak-China narrative of downing Indian rafale aircraft is what has worked initially to their advantage. The world ultimately saw through the game, aware of losses suffered by Pak and the failure of Chinese air defence equipment and missiles. However, a few, close ally Azerbaijan, under sanctions Libyan regime or unable to procure costly aircraft like Iraq and Sudan have been compelled to consider this failed product.
Pak media personalities, embedded in global media outlets have begun pushing this narrative, on behalf of their DGISPR, largely quoting unnamed sources. Nations which make the mistake of procuring them would face the Nigeria and Myanmar example where they would be compelled to discard them for their low quality, poor reliability and no back-up service.
Pakistan’s JF17 narrative gained pace as India announced plans to procure 114 plus Rafale aircraft. This was possibly aimed at its own public to assuage them that additional Rafale should not be a concern, as the JF17 is a world favourite. Frankly, any narrative emerging from Pakistan must be considered with bags of salt.
The author is a Major General (Retd)
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