Why is Iran Interested in Buying JF-17 Fighters From Pakistan? IRIAF has shown keen interest in the purchase of 40 JF-17 Thunder Block II, and 160+ Block III aircraft from Pakistan. This substantial order has the potential to generate revenues exceeding $20 billion during the 20 year life cycle of the aircraft, and is currently the largest aircraft order outside of the western hemisphere. Iran had earlier unsuccessfully tried purchasing these aircraft directly from China during it's official unveiling in a 2003 Chinese air show.
The JF-17 began its life modestly at the cusp of third-fourth generation aircraft technology in 2010 after only seven years of development. In comparison, Indian HAL Tejas program is now in it's 33rd year of development, and it's first squadron has finally been made operational. There are two reasons behind it'd Iranian request. Firstly, the strategic alliance between India and Iran which began in early 2000′s is beginning to unravel due to the impending US military withdrawl from Afghanistan. The US is now in the process of dismantling it's wartime alliances and understandings. The second reason behind Iran's interest in the JF-17 program is that it is the only successful low cost combat aircraft program in the developing world. Pakistan is a country that is in dire need of foreign exchange and, under normal circumstances, would even be willing to barter the aircraft against supply of oil from Iran
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