1. China considers what everyone else calls fifth generation as fourth generation so there is no way that the JF 17 is considered fourth gen in China.
2. If Brazil does indeed go down the Chinese route why would it go for the inferior JF-17 when it can get the J-10 B or may be the J-20 when the Chinese allow it for export. Also in the Horizon are the J-12 and J-16.
3. If Brazil seeks strategic ties with China it would be much better for them to co-operate with the Chinese directly without Pakistan being involved. And unlike Sino-Pakistani defense co-operation which is a one way street, Brazil’s decent aviation and defense industry can help the Chinese as well.
4. I doubt Chinese want to share the spoils of an export with Pakistan where it can have it all for itself.
The JF-17 is nearly as effective as an f-16 Block 52. Brazil does not have enemies that need anything better. The JF-17 Block II, said to start production later this year is perhaps slated to have the following improvement:
For a country which was offered Block 60+ F 16 and had Gripen NG, Super Hornet and Rafale F3 as finalists ‘nearly as good as Block 52’ is not good enough. While Brazil don’t have any enemies at the moment the Venezuelan Su 30s and (proposed) Su 35s will eat the Block 50s for breakfast lunch and supper.
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