China & Pakistan upgrade fighter aircraft used against India in February: Report

Yang Wei, a Chinese legislator and chief designer of the China-Pakistan co-developed fighter jet said the development and production of the JF-17 Block 3 were under way and the aim was to enhance the jet's informatized warfare capability and weapons, Global Times reported.

Military analyst Wei Dongxu told Global Times that the JF-17 Block 3 was expected to be fitted with an active electronically scanned array radar, which can gather more information in combat, enabling the fighter jet to engage from a farther range and attack multiple targets at the same time. A helmet-mounted display and sight system could also allow pilots to aim whatever he sees.

Pakistan is the main user of the JF-17.

Wei said with the new modifications, Pakistan could further share information between the fighter and other platforms, taking advantage of the whole combat system to defend against opponents such as India.

The JF-17 is often described by its manufacturer and military observers as an advanced and cost-effective fighter.

"It is currently contending with India's Tejas and South Korea's FA-50 in Malaysia's new fighter jet purchase plan, with the JF-17 being the most competitive option," Wei said.

Myanmar and Nigeria have reportedly purchased this fighter aircraft.