By this sell of "Thunders", it'll significantly help to carrying on the fighter program for the next advanced level. And some of other African-Latin American customers will actively think to grab some squadrons for their airforces also. Heres the main news:
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is close to finalising an order for the
purchase of one or two squadrons of the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft
co-produced by Pakistan and China, a senior Pakistani Ministry of
Defence official told IHS Jane's on 2 December.
Speaking at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS)
2014 in Karachi, the official said the NAF finalised its recommendation
for the purchase of 25-40 JF-17s after NAF chief air marshal Adesola
Nunayon Amosu visited Pakistan in October. AM Amosu's engagements in
Pakistan included a visit to the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at
Kamra, north of Islamabad, where the JF-17 is manufactured.
So far, the PAC has produced 50 Block 1 JF-17s and began work on
another 50 Block 2 variants in late 2013. Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
officials have told IHS Jane's that a Block 3 variant is being
planned. While the JF-17 has PAF capability plans, it has so far failed
to find an export customer.
COMMENT
PAF officials have described the JF-17 Block 3 as a
fourth-generation-plus fighter, a term that is used to describe Western
aircraft such as Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60s, the Saab Gripen,
Eurofighter Typhoon, and Dassault Rafale, among others.
Western officials have previously said that a first successful export
of the JF-17 holds the key for the programme's long-term sustainment.
Potential export customers mentioned as likely candidates for the JF-17
have included Egypt, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Venezuela.
Senior PAF officials have promoted the JF-17 as costing much less
than comparable fighters produced by Western manufacturers. However,
prospective customers are likely to consider established manufacturers
ahead of PAC, which is a relative newcomer to the international market.
