JF-17 Thunder

 JF-17 Thunder taking off to destroy India’s S-400 defence system

Introduction:

The S-400 system, valued at around $1.5 billion, was considered one of India’s most advanced defence assets.

Pakistan on Saturday launched the military operation ‘Bunyan Marsoos’ — Iron Wall, against India and targeted the several strategic installations, state media reported.

Seven sites in India were targeted including the key Pathankot air base, Udhampur air base, Gujarat air base. Rajasthan air base and Brahmos storage site, security sources said.

The operation was launched in retaliation to Indian missile strikes that hit several locations inside the country.

Earlier late Friday, India has fired missiles at three air bases inside Pakistan, however all assets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) remained safe, military spokesman said.

Director General Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry at a press conference confirmed that India fired the air-to-ground missiles at the Nur Khan base (Rawalpindi), Murid base (Chakwal) and Shorkot air base.

“By the grace of Allah Almighty, all PAF assets are safe,” he said. He warned India of a befitting response, saying “Now just wait for our response”. The DG ISPR said India also fired missiles and drones in Afghanistan.

He said India with its arrogance was pushing the region into destabilization. “We will not get impressed by this, and will fight with full force,” he added.

The JF-17 Thunder’s Arsenal

The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, serves as the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) modern combat fleet. Designed for affordability, agility, and multirole flexibility, the aircraft has undergone several upgrades, with the latest Block III variant bringing significant enhancements in avionics, weapon integration, and electronic warfare capabilities. In a mission targeting a high-value air defense system like the Indian S-400, the JF-17’s survivability and strike effectiveness would rely heavily on its onboard systems and external munitions.

Key Avionics and Capabilities:

• Radar: The Block III variant is equipped with the KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, offering improved tracking, jamming resistance, and targeting precision—essential in a contested airspace.

• Electronic Warfare (EW): The upgraded defensive suite includes radar warning receivers (RWRs), self-protection jammers, and chaff/flare dispensers to improve survivability against surface-to-air missiles.

• Data Links: Integration with real-time data links allows the JF-17 to receive targeting information from drones or AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems), reducing exposure time in enemy airspace.

Air-to-Ground Weaponry Relevant to S-400 Engagement:

1. CM-400AKG Supersonic Missile

   • Range: 100–250 km

   • Speed: Up to Mach 4

   • Role: Anti-ship and land-attack missions

   • Utility: This Chinese-made missile is potentially the JF-17’s most effective standoff weapon. Fired from outside the S-400’s engagement zone, it could be used to target radar installations or command vehicles.

2. Ra'ad II Air-Launched Cruise Missile

   
   
   

   • Range: ~600 km

   • Terrain-hugging profile

   • Low radar cross-section (stealth characteristics)

   • Utility: Designed for precision strikes against strategic targets, including air defense systems. Launching from a safe distance allows the JF-17 to stay outside of S-400 tracking range.

3. Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARMs)

   • Potential integration with Chinese ARMs like the LD-10 or CM-102

   • Role: Homing in on radar emissions, ideal for suppressing air defenses

   • Utility: ARMs could be launched as part of a SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) mission to disable the S-400’s radar temporarily.

4. Satellite-Guided Bombs and Glide Munitions

   • LS-6 or GB-series precision-guided bombs

   • Range: 60–100 km with glide kits

   • Utility: Useful for targeting fixed installations once enemy defenses are suppressed or distracted.

5. Drones and Decoys (Support Role)

   

• While not part of the JF-17 itself, integration with decoy drones or loitering munitions could be used to confuse or saturate the S-400’s radar, increasing the chance of missile penetration.

Analysis

In response, India closed the Wagah land border, revoked Pakistani visas, and announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23. Pakistan labelled any disruption to the treaty as an “act of war” and subsequently sealed the Wagah crossing on its side.

The situation further deteriorated on May 6 and 7, with explosions reported in several Pakistani cities including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Muridke, and Bahawalpur. Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that Indian airstrikes had targeted multiple locations. Pakistan responded with air and ground operations under a new military campaign named Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

Within the first hour of retaliation, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets, including four Rafale aircraft. Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that Pakistan had the capability to down more but exercised restraint. Indian media provided limited coverage, with one report by The Hindu later retracted.

International observers, including analysts on CNN, noted the downing of Rafale jets has challenged India’s narrative of regional air superiority. A senior French intelligence official also confirmed the loss of one Rafale aircraft to CNN—the first combat loss for the jet.

In addition, Pakistan’s armed forces reported intercepting and neutralising 77 Israeli-made Harop drones allegedly launched by India. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the drones were brought down using a mix of electronic warfare and conventional air defence systems. ISPR described the drone activity as a “desperate and panicked response” to Pakistan’s defence strikes.

Security sources confirmed that Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos is targeting bases identified as launch points for attacks on civilians and mosques. Pakistan also launched its Al-Fatah missile as part of the operation, in honour of children killed during recent Indian attacks.