These six fighter jets prove that high performance doesn’t always mean high cost. From the Gripen to the JF-17, they balance strength, technology, and value for air forces worldwide. Explore which jets deliver the best combat power for their price.

6 fighter jets that give the best value for their cost and combat power

According to reports, Argentina is planning to buy 12 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-conduct-joint-military-drills-with-j-20-fighters-missiles-and-drones-404552">JF-17A</a> Block III fighters from Pakistan.

The Argentinian government has reportedly included the $664 million Pakistan jet deal in a draft budget for 2022 in Parliament.

The JF-17 Thunder has been jointly built by Pakistan and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The jet deal report comes after the&nbsp;UK reportedly blocked&nbsp;South Korean fighter jets to Argentina.

Argentina had also reportedly tried to buy Sweden's JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in 2015 but the deal fell due to the UK government's pressure, reports claimed.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rafale-jets-unsettle-china-rafales-no-match-for-j-20s-says-global-times-317338/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Argentinian Air Force had retired Dassault Mirage III interceptor aircraft from its fighter fleet and has been scouting for options.

Pakistan's Aeronautical Complex(PAC) headquartered in Kamra, Punjab had delivered 14 JF-17 jets to the Pakistan Air Force last year which was produced by Chinese and Pakistani technicians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-dogfight-over-himalayas-between-indias-rafale-vs-chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-who-wins-326656">In Pics:&nbsp;In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins?</a>

In May 2019, China had delivered the first JF-17 fighter jet to Pakistan after overhauling it. The overhaul of the jets had reportedly taken place in 2017 after a contract was signed between the Chinese government and Pakistan in 2016.

The Chinese-built JF-17 fighters have reportedly become the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force after the US imposed restrictions on the sale of F-16s&nbsp;under the Pressler amendments.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

According to reports, Argentina is planning to buy 12 JF-17A Block III fighters from Pakistan. The Argentinian government has reportedly included the $664 million Pakistan jet deal in a draft budget for 2022 in Parliament.

According to reports, Argentina is planning to buy 12 JF-17A Block III fighters from Pakistan. The Argentinian government has reportedly included the $664 million Pakistan jet deal in a draft budget for 2022 in Parliament. The JF-17 Thunder has been jointly built by Pakistan and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The jet deal report comes after the UK reportedly blocked South Korean fighter jets to Argentina. Argentina had also reportedly tried to buy Sweden's JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in 2015 but the deal fell due to the UK government's pressure, reports claimed. Watch: The Argentinian Air Force had retired Dassault Mirage III interceptor aircraft from its fighter fleet and has been scouting for options. Pakistan's Aeronautical Complex(PAC) headquartered in Kamra, Punjab had delivered 14 JF-17 jets to the Pakistan Air Force last year which was produced by Chinese and Pakistani technicians. In Pics: In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins? In May 2019, China had delivered the first JF-17 fighter jet to Pakistan after overhauling it. The overhaul of the jets had reportedly taken place in 2017 after a contract was signed between the Chinese government and Pakistan in 2016. The Chinese-built JF-17 fighters have reportedly become the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force after the US imposed restrictions on the sale of F-16s under the Pressler amendments. (With inputs from Agencies)

Argentina planning to buy  JF-17 fighters from Pakistan: Report

Pakistan Air Force(PAF) is all set to induct&nbsp;China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jf-17-used-to-shoot-down-indian-aircraft-says-pakistan-military-205603">JF-17 </a>fighter aircraft manufactured by Pakistan's aeronautical company.

According to reports, Pakistan's&nbsp;Aeronautical Complex(PAC)&nbsp;headquartered in Kamra, Punjab has&nbsp;delivered 14 JF-17 jets to the PAF.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/balakot-terror-camps-targeted-by-indian-air-force-last-year-reopens-again-349221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The dual-seat fighter jet is set to&nbsp;be inducted into the Pakistan Air Force fleet in a ceremony on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The fighter is jointly produced by China and Pakistan technicians. In May last year, China had delivered the first JF-17 fighter jet to Islamabad after overhauling it.&nbsp;

PAF had test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet which included night capability to engage a variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy.

The exact details of the "indigenous capability" wasn't shared by PAF.

In 2007, China had delivered the jets for the first time which was later commissioned by the PAF.

According to reports, the overhaul of the Chinese fighter jet&nbsp;began in November 2017 after a contract was signed between the two countries in 2016. The overhaul of the jet included feature repairs, maintenance and replacement of old components.

However, the JF-17 fighter mostly relies on Russian engine supplies even then Pakistan hopes it will give its Air Force an edge over the Indian Air Force(IAF)&nbsp;which recently acquired Rafale fighter jets from France.

India is set to buy 36 Rafale jets by 2022 with 8 currently stationed at Ambala&nbsp;Air Force base near the Pakistan border.

JF-17 fighters have reportedly become the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force after the US imposed restrictions on the sale of F-16s in the 1990s under the Pressler amendments.

Pakistan Air Force(PAF) is all set to induct China's JF-17 fighter aircraft manufactured by Pakistan's aeronautical company. According to reports, Pakistan's Aeronautical Complex(PAC) headquartered in Kamra, Punjab has delivered 14 JF-17 jets to the PAF.

Pakistan Air Force(PAF) is all set to induct China's JF-17 fighter aircraft manufactured by Pakistan's aeronautical company. According to reports, Pakistan's Aeronautical Complex(PAC) headquartered in Kamra, Punjab has delivered 14 JF-17 jets to the PAF. Watch: The dual-seat fighter jet is set to be inducted into the Pakistan Air Force fleet in a ceremony on Wednesday. The fighter is jointly produced by China and Pakistan technicians. In May last year, China had delivered the first JF-17 fighter jet to Islamabad after overhauling it. PAF had test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet which included night capability to engage a variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. The exact details of the "indigenous capability" wasn't shared by PAF. In 2007, China had delivered the jets for the first time which was later commissioned by the PAF. According to reports, the overhaul of the Chinese fighter jet began in November 2017 after a contract was signed between the two countries in 2016. The overhaul of the jet included feature repairs, maintenance and replacement of old components. However, the JF-17 fighter mostly relies on Russian engine supplies even then Pakistan hopes it will give its Air Force an edge over the Indian Air Force(IAF) which recently acquired Rafale fighter jets from France. India is set to buy 36 Rafale jets by 2022 with 8 currently stationed at Ambala Air Force base near the Pakistan border. JF-17 fighters have reportedly become the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force after the US imposed restrictions on the sale of F-16s in the 1990s under the Pressler amendments.

Pakistan Air Force to induct indigenously built China's JF-17 fighter jet: Report

An F-16 fighter jet belonging to the Pakistan Air Force crashed in Islamabad on Wednesday while carrying out rehearsals for the country's Republic Day parade to be held on March 23.

The plane crashed in a jungle near Shakarparian area of the capital, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said in a statement.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/on-pakistan-national-day-camels-parade-china-jets-on-show-740">On Pakistan National Day, camels, parade &amp; China jets on show</a>

The plane was carrying out routine exercises for the Pakistan Day parade when it crashed, it said, adding that the PAF has ordered an inquiry into the cause of the crash.

There was no immediate word on the fate of the pilot or co-pilot. Security forces have cordoned off the crash site.

Smoke was rising from the crash site and rescue efforts were going on to contain the fire, the statement said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/17-killed-as-pakistani-army-plane-crashes-into-residential-area-239357">Death toll rises to 17 as Pakistani army plane crashes into residential area in Rawalpindi</a>

Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day, also known as Republic Day commemorates the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940, and the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan.

The annual military and cultural parade is organised in the capital Islamabad to commemorate the demand for a separate homeland for Indian Muslims which was made through the resolution passed by the All India Muslim League in Lahore.

Air show by the PAF is an integral part of the parade and its intensive rehearsals are organised weeks ahead of the parade day.

Traditionally, locally-made JF-17 Thunder and American F-16 feature prominently in the air show.

Last month, a trainer aircraft of the PAF crashed near Mardan. A Mirage aircraft had crashed near Shorkot city of Punjab's Jhang district the week before.

In January, two PAF pilots were killed after a training aircraft crashed near the M M Alam Base in Mianwali.

&nbsp;

An F-16 fighter jet belonging to the Pakistan Air Force crashed in Islamabad on Wednesday while carrying out rehearsals for the country's Republic Day parade to be held on March 23.

An F-16 fighter jet belonging to the Pakistan Air Force crashed in Islamabad on Wednesday while carrying out rehearsals for the country's Republic Day parade to be held on March 23. The plane crashed in a jungle near Shakarparian area of the capital, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said in a statement. Also see: On Pakistan National Day, camels, parade & China jets on show The plane was carrying out routine exercises for the Pakistan Day parade when it crashed, it said, adding that the PAF has ordered an inquiry into the cause of the crash. There was no immediate word on the fate of the pilot or co-pilot. Security forces have cordoned off the crash site. Smoke was rising from the crash site and rescue efforts were going on to contain the fire, the statement said. Also read: Death toll rises to 17 as Pakistani army plane crashes into residential area in Rawalpindi Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day, also known as Republic Day commemorates the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940, and the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan. The annual military and cultural parade is organised in the capital Islamabad to commemorate the demand for a separate homeland for Indian Muslims which was made through the resolution passed by the All India Muslim League in Lahore. Air show by the PAF is an integral part of the parade and its intensive rehearsals are organised weeks ahead of the parade day. Traditionally, locally-made JF-17 Thunder and American F-16 feature prominently in the air show. Last month, a trainer aircraft of the PAF crashed near Mardan. A Mirage aircraft had crashed near Shorkot city of Punjab's Jhang district the week before. In January, two PAF pilots were killed after a training aircraft crashed near the M M Alam Base in Mianwali.

PAF's F-16 jet crashes in Islamabad during Pakistan Day parade rehearsals

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27.&nbsp;

The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-radars-catch-four-pakistani-f-16s-flying-close-to-the-border-in-punjab-207239">shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India</a> and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces.&nbsp;

"The event of 27 Feb is part of history now," the statement says.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The terror group JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

On February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

It was the first time in over 40 years that the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16.&nbsp;

The ISPR statement however says "no Pakistani F-16s was hit by Indian airforce" and that two Indian jets "were shot down by PAF".&nbsp;

"As regard PAF action for strikes across LOC it was done by JF17 from within Pakistan airspace. Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF," the statement said. &nbsp;

And that is also when it began to get interesting.&nbsp;

"Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial. Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self defence," the statement said.&nbsp;

"India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self defence," the statement added.&nbsp;

Apart from the ambiguously-worded statement — "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial" — it is thought that Pakistan's possible use of F-16s may violate the country's end-user agreement on the planes with the US. &nbsp;

India has taken up Pakistan's possible use of the F-16s with the US, supplying it with fragments of an AMRAAM missile it says was fired by the F-16s. lndia says Pakistan does not have any other fighter plane that can be fitted with an AMRAAM missile.&nbsp;

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27. The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces.

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27. The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces. "The event of 27 Feb is part of history now," the statement says. The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The terror group JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. On February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets. It was the first time in over 40 years that the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16. The ISPR statement however says "no Pakistani F-16s was hit by Indian airforce" and that two Indian jets "were shot down by PAF". "As regard PAF action for strikes across LOC it was done by JF17 from within Pakistan airspace. Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF," the statement said. And that is also when it began to get interesting. "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial. Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self defence," the statement said. "India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self defence," the statement added. Apart from the ambiguously-worded statement — "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial" — it is thought that Pakistan's possible use of F-16s may violate the country's end-user agreement on the planes with the US. India has taken up Pakistan's possible use of the F-16s with the US, supplying it with fragments of an AMRAAM missile it says was fired by the F-16s. lndia says Pakistan does not have any other fighter plane that can be fitted with an AMRAAM missile.

Did Pakistan use F-16s on February 27? It says that's 'immaterial'

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-balakot-airstrike-narendra-modi-government-has-evolved-new-security-doctrine-204805">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot</a> as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later.

"The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International.

A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive.

The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement.

The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence."

He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. 
At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet.

"Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time.

"Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. 
Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region.

"Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.

He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same.

Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region.

On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles.

Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.&nbsp;

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack. Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later. "The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International. A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive. The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement. The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence." He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet. "Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time. "Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region. "Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency. He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same. Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region. On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles. Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.

JF-17 used to shoot down Indian aircraft, says Pakistan military

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/how-china-armed-pakistans-air-force-with-jf-17-thunder-backbone-of-paf-201317">"smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter </a>jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/how-pakistans-ghauri-compares-with-indias-agni-missiles-201095">The Pakistan Air Force (PAF)</a> also said that experiment marked a great milestone for the country as the weapon has been developed, integrated and qualified solely through indigenous efforts of Pakistani scientists and engineers.

"The successful trial has provided JF-17 Thunder a very potent and assured day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy," the PAF said on the Chinese-made aircraft. 
&nbsp; 
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan lauded the efforts of scientists and engineers. He also congratulated the PAF personnel on the achievement of this monumental indigenous capability.

"Pakistan is a peace loving nation but if subjected to aggression by adversary, we would respond with full force," the PAF statement quoted Anwar as saying. 
The exact technical details of the weapons test-fired were not shared by the PAF.

The JF-17, which was previously referred as FC-1 Xiaolong, a single-engine multi-role light fighter was being jointly produced by Pakistan with China for several years with engines supplied by Russia.&nbsp;

The trial comes amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed over&nbsp;40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also said that experiment marked a great milestone for the country as the weapon has been developed, integrated and qualified solely through indigenous efforts of Pakistani scientists and engineers. "The successful trial has provided JF-17 Thunder a very potent and assured day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy," the PAF said on the Chinese-made aircraft. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan lauded the efforts of scientists and engineers. He also congratulated the PAF personnel on the achievement of this monumental indigenous capability. "Pakistan is a peace loving nation but if subjected to aggression by adversary, we would respond with full force," the PAF statement quoted Anwar as saying. The exact technical details of the weapons test-fired were not shared by the PAF. The JF-17, which was previously referred as FC-1 Xiaolong, a single-engine multi-role light fighter was being jointly produced by Pakistan with China for several years with engines supplied by Russia. The trial comes amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed over 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet

How China armed Pakistan's Air Force with JF-17 Thunder - backbone of PAF

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