JF-17 Thunder steals spotlight at Dubai Airshow

Pakistan signs MoU with friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder

Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow, marking another significant milestone after the country signed an MoU with a friendly nation for the aircraft procurement, the military’s media wing said.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the JF-17 Block-III emerged as a major focal point at the event, drawing strong interest from defence analysts, aviation specialists and visitors.

“Its cutting-edge technology, strong combat capabilities and proven operational performance in Marka-e-Haq reinforced its reputation as a highly capable and cost-effective multirole fighter jet,” the ISPR said.

The statement added that growing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry was evident as many countries have expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder.

“In a noteworthy development, an MoU was signed with a friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking another significant milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial partnerships,” it stated.

On the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, held a series of high-level engagements with air chiefs from friendly nations.

He also met Lt General, Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Defence, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander UAE Air Force and Air Defence.

“The discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in advanced training, fostering collaboration in emerging aerospace technologies, and enhancing mechanisms for effective operational coordination,” the ISPR said.

The UAE military leadership lauded the Pakistan Air Force’s modernisation drive and growing indigenous capabilities, expressing a shared commitment to deepen defence cooperation through joint exercises, professional exchanges and forward-looking partnerships.

A Pakistan Air Force contingent has also arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Dubai Airshow 2025. The contingent includes the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the renowned Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, highlighting Pakistan’s expanding expertise in indigenous military aviation.