Web Desk (MNN); The JF-17 Thunder Block-III emerged as a key highlight at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where Pakistan signed an MoU with a friendly country for the purchase of the advanced fighter jet.
According to a statement issued by ISPR on Thursday, multiple countries have shown keen interest in acquiring the combat-tested aircraft.
The JF-17 has demonstrated its operational strength during conflicts with India in 2019 and 2025. The airshow is taking place at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport from November 17 to 21.
ISPR stated that the interest shown by various nations reflects growing global confidence in Pakistan’s aviation capabilities. The newly signed MoU marks another milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial cooperation.
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent is participating in the airshow, showcasing the state-of-the-art JF-17 Block-III and the Super Mushshak training aircraft.
The Block-III variant is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter equipped with advanced radar technology and long-range, beyond-visual-range missiles suitable for diverse combat missions.
During the May conflict with India, the JF-17 Block-III reportedly used its supersonic missiles to destroy the S-400 missile system in Adampur.
It was also deployed for precision strikes across the Line of Control while operating from within Pakistani airspace, following Indian strikes in Balakot in 2019.
ISPR further said that Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held a series of meetings with air chiefs from allied nations on the sidelines of the event.
He also met UAE Defence Undersecretary Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi and Air Force and Air Defence Commander Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi to discuss enhanced cooperation in advanced training, emerging aerospace technologies and operational coordination.
The UAE military leadership praised the PAF’s modernisation efforts and expanding indigenous capabilities, expressing a shared intent to strengthen bilateral defence ties through joint exercises, professional collaboration and forward-looking partnerships.
