Avionics in JF
17 Thunder
Block 3
Advanced Systems Enhancing Combat
Capability
August 30, 2025
Agenda Introduction to JF 17 Thunder
Block 3
Key Avionics Systems
Radar and Sensors
Cockpit and Display Systems
Communication Systems
Electronic Warfare Capabilities
Avionics Integration and
Benefits
1. Conclusion
Introduction
Background of JF 17 Thunder Block 3
Introduction to The JF 17 Thunder Block 3 is the
JF 17 Thunder latest variant of the lightweight,
multi-role fighter jointly developed by
Block 3 Pakistan and China, designed to
replace older fleet models with
advanced technology and cost
efficiency.
Avionics Upgrade Significance
Block 3 integrates cutting-edge
avionics including AESA radar,
enhanced electronic warfare systems,
and modern cockpit interfaces,
boosting survivability, target
acquisition, and pilot effectiveness in
complex combat scenarios.
Avionics Systems
Key Avionics Systems Overview
Mission The mission computer is the central processing unit that
Computer manages all avionics functions, integrates sensor data,
and controls weapons systems. It enables rapid decision-
making and real-time battlefield awareness.
Flight An advanced digital fly-by-wire flight control system
Control improves aircraft stability, maneuverability, and
System responsiveness, allowing pilots to execute complex
maneuvers with greater precision and safety.
Navigation Equipped with GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain
System following radar, the navigation system ensures accurate
positioning and route planning in all weather conditions
and contested environments.
Avionics
Radar and Sensor Systems
Active Electronically Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Electronic Support Measures
System (ESM)
Scanned Array (AESA)
Radar
AESA radar offers rapid beam IRST passively detects and ESM detects and analyzes
steering without moving parts, tracks heat signatures from electromagnetic signals from
providing high resolution, multi- enemy aircraft and missiles, adversaries, offering early
target tracking, and improved enabling covert surveillance warning of threats such as radar
resistance to jamming, crucial and engagement without radar emissions and missile launches,
for situational awareness and emissions that could reveal the enhancing threat identification
targeting. jet’s position. and countermeasure
deployment.
Avionics
Multi- The Block 3 features large, high-resolution MFDs that
Cockpit and Function
Displays
provide real-time data on navigation, targeting, and
system status, enabling pilots to access critical
Display (MFDs) information quickly and intuitively.
Systems
Helmet The HMDS projects vital flight and targeting
Mounted information directly onto the pilot’s helmet visor,
Display allowing for rapid target acquisition and enhanced
System situational awareness without looking down at cockpit
(HMDS) instruments.
Hands-On HOTAS enables pilots to manage weapons, navigation,
Throttle and and communications without removing their hands
Stick from the throttle and stick, improving reaction time
(HOTAS) and operational efficiency during combat.
Controls
Communication
Secure Voice Encrypted voice channels protect pilot communication
Communicatio Communicati
on & Data from interception.
n Systems Link Systems
Data link systems enable real-time sharing of tactical
information.
Supports network-centric warfare by linking multiple
platforms.
• Enhances coordination during complex missions with
low latency.
Satellite Satellite communication extends operational range
Communicati
beyond line of sight.
on & Tactical
Radio
Tactical radios provide multi-band, frequency-hopping
Systems
capabilities.
Ensures continuous and robust connectivity in contested
environments.
• Supports voice, data, and video transmission for
mission flexibility.
Electronic Warfare
Electronic Warfare Capabilities
Radar The RWR detects, identifies, and alerts the pilot of
Warning incoming radar signals from enemy threats, providing
Receiver early warning and enhancing situational awareness to
(RWR) avoid or counter attacks.
Jammer Advanced jammer systems disrupt enemy radar and
Systems communication signals, degrading their ability to track
or engage the aircraft effectively, thus improving
survivability in hostile environments.
Countermea Deployable flares and chaff confuse heat-seeking
sures: Flares missiles and radar-guided threats respectively, providing
and Chaff active defense mechanisms that increase the aircraft's
chances of evading missile attacks.
Integration
01 Seamless The avionics suite in JF 17 Block 3 integrates radar,
Avionics System
Integration
sensors, communication, and electronic warfare
systems into a unified platform, allowing real-time
Integration data sharing and coordinated responses for optimized
performance.
and Benefits
02 Enhanced Pilots receive consolidated, clear, and prioritized
Situational information from multiple sensors and communication
Awareness channels, improving decision-making speed and
accuracy during complex combat scenarios.
03 Increased Integrated avionics enable quicker threat detection,
Mission improved target acquisition, and automated
Effectiveness countermeasures, reducing pilot workload and
and increasing overall survivability in hostile
Survivability environments.
Metrics
Performance Metrics and Figures
500
150 km < 50 ms 95%
Mbps
Radar Detection Range System Response Time Communication Electronic Warfare
Bandwidth Effectiveness
Summary
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Block 3 avionics suite integrates cutting-edge radar, sensor,
communication, and electronic warfare systems, providing superior
situational awareness and mission precision.
Key avionics enhancements include AESA radar, multi-function displays,
helmet-mounted systems, and secure, robust communication links.
Electronic warfare capabilities like radar warning receivers and jammers
greatly improve survivability in contested environments.
Future advancements are expected to focus on AI-enabled avionics,
enhanced sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities for
improved decision-making and interoperability.
• Continuous improvements will maintain the JF 17 as a competitive,
cost-effective multirole fighter in modern aerial combat scenarios.
Thank You
