Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet could soon get a major boost, as reports suggest that Uzbekistan may be close to buying the aircraft. Despite historically tense relations with the Taliban-led Afghanistan, Uzbekistan is considering replacing its aging air fleet with Pakistan’s JF-17 jets. Various report indicate that discussions between Islamabad and Tashkent are nearly finalized. According to Pakistani defense sources, Uzbekistan is in the final stages of making a decision to acquire the JF-17. The jet has been developed jointly by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG).

Although the JF-17 has often faced criticism regarding its performance and reliability, especially after its reported failure in Myanmar, Uzbekistan is still ready to proceed with the deal. In Myanmar, the jets reportedly underperformed, and Pakistan distanced itself from the aircraft’s maintenance.

So far, there’s been no official confirmation from the Uzbek government regarding the deal. However, social media footage has surfaced showing what appears to be an Uzbek air force pilot training on a Chinese-origin fighter jet, suggesting that preparations may already be underway.

A source within Uzbekistan’s defense industry, which operates under the country’s Ministry of Defense, has reportedly confirmed the deal. It’s also claimed that China has given its approval for the transaction. If the deal goes through, it would reflect growing strategic ties between China and Uzbekistan. It would also make Uzbekistan the fourth country to operate the JF-17—joining Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan itself.

The Pakistan Air Force currently uses around 140 JF-17 fighter jets, including multiple variants such as Block I, Block II, and the advanced Block III models.

One of the key advantages of the JF-17 fighter jet is its low operating cost. However, despite being showcased as a Pakistan-made aircraft, it is entirely designed and developed by China. Its assembly takes place in Pakistan mainly for presentation purposes, while Pakistan remains heavily dependent on China for spare parts and components.

The JF-17 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and has an operational range of around 1,200 kilometers. The aircraft weighs about 6,586 kilograms when unloaded and is built to fly with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 12,700 kilograms. It comes equipped with seven hardpoints and can carry up to 3,600 kilograms of weaponry. This includes beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, precision-guided munitions, electronic warfare pods, and external fuel tanks.

There’s speculation that Uzbekistan might use the JF-17 jets for operations against ISIS in Afghanistan. While Uzbekistan and the Taliban have maintained a somewhat neutral relationship, there’s a lack of deep trust between the two. Some analysts believe that Pakistan may be strategically offering these jets to Uzbekistan to keep Taliban influence in check in the region.