Flypast during Qatar National Day Hints at Doha's Interest in Pakistani JF-17

A contingent of Pakistani JF-17 performed during the Qatar National Day Celebrations yesterday indicating of possible sale prospects to the Gulf state.

Images of the aircraft performing aerobatics were released by the Pakistani MoD.

The next iteration of the JF-17, the Block III, expected to come with an AESA radar together with improved weapons, communication and targeting capacity is said to be have interested several national including Malaysia, Qatar, Nigeria and some other nations in Asia and Africa.

The JF-17’s relatively low price and long service with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) together with a good performance record is a huge attraction for national unwilling to spend big money on competing jets such as the F-16 or Saab Gripen.

In June of this year, PAF officials briefed Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about the JF-17 jet. The Emir of Qatar reportedly took "keen interest" in the multi-role fighter aircraft.