RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jet emerged as a major focal point at the Dubai Airshow 2025, drawing significant international interest as Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a “friendly country” for the jet’s procurement, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter, has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade.
The JF-17 fighter jet has seen extensive operational use in recent years, taking part in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions across multiple theatres. The aircraft was used in counterterrorism operations and in Operation Swift Retort during the 2019 aerial skirmish with India.
The aircraft was deployed in combat roles during the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India. During the May conflict, Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale jets.
Outside Pakistan, the JF-17 has been used by the Nigerian Air Force in counterterrorism operations and by Myanmar’s air force.
Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that the Pakistan Air Force contingent has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Dubai Airshow 2025. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, led the PAF delegation.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held series of high-level engagements with Air Chiefs from friendly countries, on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025@PAFFalconsPK @DGPR_PAF @DubaiAirshow @uaeembassyisb @UAEmediaoffice @ForeignOfficePk #DubaiAirShow #PakistanUAE… pic.twitter.com/BbXPzw7Srm
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) November 20, 2025
The Pakistan Air Force contingent features advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the renowned Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, reflecting Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous military aviation, ISPR stated.
“During the event, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III emerged as a major focal point, drawing significant attention from defence analysts, aviation specialists and visitors,” ISPR stated.
“The aircraft’s 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,” the military’s media wing stated.
Demonstrating increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry, several countries 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.
On the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held a series of high-level engagements with Air Chiefs from friendly countries on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025, the ISPR said.
During the visit, the Pakistan Air Force Chief also held comprehensive discussions with Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence UAE, 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 the mechanisms for effective operational coordination.
The UAE military leadership lauded Pakistan Air Force’s modernisation initiatives and growing indigenous capabilities with a shared resolve to further strengthen military engagement through joint exercises, professional exchanges and forward-looking partnerships, ISPR stated.
