Pakistan now in the list of Fighter Aircrafts Manufacturing Countries
The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) has started serial production of JF-17 Thunder in collaboration with China according to Defense committee. PAC had the capability to manufacture 75 percent of avionics and 58 percent of air-frame of the fighter aircraft. Previously PAC had been overhauling engines and airframes. Mirage-rebuild factory is also part of the complex.
Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said “We will start production of this aircraft from the 30th of this month and Inshallah, the first made-in-Pakistan JF-17 aircraft will fly in Pakistan’s airspace by the end of this year”.
Pakistan and China signed an agreement in March for the production of 42 JF-17 fighters, which are expected to form the backbone of Pakistani aerial combat fleet in coming years.
Though Pakistan is facing a severe financial crunch, the production of the jets is being started with the cooperation of the Chinese government. Pakistan has invested $600 million in the JF-17 project.
Appreciating the role of technical staff, he said co-production of a fighter aircraft is not an easy task. “It is gigantic as well as highly demanding and challenging. Co-production is always an investment-heavy option, but the outcome is priceless.”
Earlier, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Karma, Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, presented an appraisal of the project activities. He specifically mentioned the state-of-the-art machines and equipment being inducted for the project and said that in most cases, these technologies are unprecedented in the country and represent a quantum leap in the technological ability of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. He also said that over 3,000 technicians have been extensively trained on aviation-related technologies which besides enhancing the pool of skilled manpower has created job opportunities for the ambitious youth of the country.
The ceremony was attended by Secretaries of Defence and Defence Production, members of JF-17 Board of Directors, Principal Staff Officers and representatives of CATIC, CADI & CAC.
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[...] year we’ve posted the news that Pakistan is now in the list of Fighter Aircrafts Manufacturing Countries. Now there is another good news that Pakistan’s first indigenous multi role fighter [...]
JF-17 Thunder shall lead to self suffiency and reduce our dependence on U.S. aircrafts.Now Pakistan may have more multi role fighters at lower cost with less fear of embargo on spares.