Web Desk
Pakistan’s Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has announced that Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has officially started production of the Fourth Generation JF-17 Thunder Block III advanced fighter aircraft.
At a ceremony held on Wednesday at PAC in Kamra , some 80 kilometres from the capital, Islamabad, 14 dual-seat aircraft were handed over to the PAF for multiple purpose including training of pilots.
The dual-seat JF-17 aircraft are fully mission capable for entire spectrum of combat operations and will boost PAF’s operational readiness besides fulfilling the training needs of PAF.#PrideOfPakJF17 pic.twitter.com/zwNvGFLMcC
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) December 30, 2020
According to media reports, the JF-17 Thunder Block 3 of the PAF will be operational with a new radar.
JF-17, a Multi Combat Aircraft, is jointly built by Pakistan’s Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong said that China congratulates Pakistan for the 17th Block-II Dual Seat joining its air defense fleet.
“Pakistan Air Force Block III is a very important project,” he said, adding “Cooperation in defense production is an example of our friendship.”
On the occasion, the Air chief thanked China for helping Pakistan in achieving this milestone.
Despite its meagre defense budget, Pakistan’s Kamra Complex has delivered more than 100 home-made JF-17 Block One and Block Two aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force since November 2009.
