Iran is considering purchasing Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Block 3 fighters. This has surprised experts, as it was expected that the Iranian Air Force would be replenished with Russian Su-35 fighters, writes Bulgarian Military.
The JF-17 Block 3 tactical single-engine fighter was developed by the Chinese corporation Chengdu Aircraft Industry and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, radar and advanced electronic warfare systems.
As the publication's journalists note, Iran had previously planned to acquire the Su-35, a twin-engine, heavy multirole 4++ generation fighter. It is equipped with the Irbis-E radar, which detects targets at a distance of up to 400 km.
The Su-35 is equipped with a powerful AL-41F1S engine. Thanks to it, the fighter has exceptional maneuverability. The aircraft is compatible with a wide range of weapons, including R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles.
It is possible that Iran is seeking to create a "hybrid fleet," by purchasing Chinese and Russian fighters.
Specifications of JF-17 Block 3:
- Pilot — 1
- Length — 14.3 m
- Wingspan — 9.4 m
- Flight speed — 1910 km/h
- Flight range — 3,482 km
- Maximum take-off weight — 13,500 kg
- Engine — РД-93
Specifications of Su-35:
- Pilot — 1
- Wingspan — 14.75 m
- Length — 21.95 m
- Maximum take-off weight — 34500
- Engine — АЛ-41Ф1С
- Maximum speed at high altitude — 2.35 Mach
- Range — 3600 km
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