Iran needs a small, inexpensive ($15–$20 million), and nimble fighter jet to compliment its upcoming twin engine fighter jets due to its low financial resources and geopolitical environment. The JF-17, when combined with Airborne Warning systems, can provide Iran's defence requirements across its 2 million square kilometre area.
Israel, Iran's regional competitor, had previously outfitted the F-35 with AIM120 air-to-air missiles with a 120 km range. The JF-17 Block 3 version is armed with AESA radar and 92km-range PL-12/SD-10[1] air-to-air missiles, which have an effective detection and stand-off distance of around 90km against the F-35, to combat this. As a result, the Iranian air force's fighters will be much more resilient to stealth aircraft. The Iranian air force will be able to reduce the standoff differential if Iran also purchases a few AWACS.
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