Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets, which is made in China, rely on Russian engines to fly.
These fighter jets are powered by the Russian RD-93MA engine. However, a new dispute between India and Russia may arise over this engine. India has been asking Russia not to supply this engine to Pakistan.
According to recent reports, Russia has decided to supply the RD-93MA engine to Pakistan, ignoring India’s objections.
This advanced powerplant, manufactured by Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC)-Klimov, forms the propulsion backbone of Pakistan Air Force’s most advanced JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, developed jointly with China.
India has long requested Russia not to sell the engine directly to Pakistan.
However, Moscow has disregarded New Delhi’s objections and decided to continue engine supplies.
Reports claim that even after the recent India-Pakistan conflict, India had urged Russia to halt the engine supply.
JF-17 is a 4.5-generation fighter jet, which Pakistan manufactures indigenously with China’s assistance.
The initial variants of this fighter jet Block I and Block II were often described as low-cost, mid-level combat aircraft.
The Block III is an advanced fighter jet.
This variant is equipped with an AESA radar, helmet-mounted display, advanced electronic warfare systems, and China-made PL-15 long-range missiles.
Pakistan claims that the JF-17’s capabilities are on par with the Rafale and Su-30MKI.
Experts, however, dismiss this claim. Still, just as the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force, the JF-17 serves as the backbone of Pakistan’s Air Force. The majority of fighter jets in Pakistan’s fleet are JF-17s.
Experts, however, dismiss this claim. Still, just as the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force, the JF-17 serves as the backbone of Pakistan’s Air Force. The majority of fighter jets in Pakistan’s fleet are JF-17s.
Pakistan has also been trying to sell the JF-17. It is believed that with Russia’s powerful RD-93MA engine, the JF-17 will enter the market with much greater strength.
A report by Defense Security Asia claims that the RD-93MA engine could prove to be a game-changer for the JF-17 Block III. Compared to the older RD-93, the RD-93MA offers greater thrust, improved fuel efficiency, longer service life, and higher thermal resistance.