ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has outlined plans to boost production of its JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter jet as demand grows from potential overseas buyers, defence officials and industry sources said.
Pakistan is working to increase its annual output of the JF-17, produced jointly by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, as part of an expanded defence manufacturing strategy.
Currently, JF-17 production runs at roughly 20 aircraft per year. Officials familiar with defence manufacturing say upgrades and expansion at PAC’s main facility in Kamra could allow output to rise significantly, with capacity expected to double by the end of 2027.
Interest in the aircraft has been driven by its comparatively lower cost and recent operational exposure. Pakistan has held export discussions with more than a dozen countries, with several talks reported to be at advanced stages, covering fighter jets, training aircraft and related defence systems.
Officials say the production expansion forms part of a broader push to strengthen Pakistan’s defence exports and position the local aerospace industry in international markets, aiming to generate long-term economic returns.
