ISLAMABAD - Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleiman has said that the induction of JF-17 Thunder into the PAF combat fleet will go a long way in the history of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Pak-China strategic relations.
Addressing 11th International Fighter Conference in United Kingdom, the Air chief said the JF-17 project was indeed a great achievement for the PAF and was an outright reflection of PAF’s inbuilt strength; technological acumen and perseverance of its personnel, who had made this dream come true.
In the conference, Pakistan Air Force delivered a comprehensive presentation on development and service-entry of the JF-17 aircraft into PAF. He said that the PAF had come a long way from a small force in its formative years to a modern, war experienced and efficient air force.
This progressive journey had resulted in the indigenous development of JF-17 Thunder aircraft. “The programme underwent various challenges which were successfully overcome by committed operational and technical teams. Resultantly, performance of the aircraft has far exceeded expectations. In terms of gains, JF-17 project has provided cutting edge operational capabilities at an affordable cost, he said.
The project worked under the direct supervision of Chiefs of the Air Staff. The success of the programme from conception to fruition is a tribute to successive air chiefs who nurtured it. “Co-produced with China, the aircraft offers the best replacement for PAF’s ageing fleet which is currently more than 75% of its inventory,” he said.
In addition to providing affordable replacement of vintage fighter aircraft, the project is helping country’s national economy by providing job opportunities to a large number of civilian population through domestic production. Moreover, it has also introduced cutting edge technology in the country for use in numerous civilian fields.
The number of JF-17 aircraft inducted corresponds to an enhancement in capabilities to meet PAF’s operational requirements. This is in-line with PAF’s new capability-based developmental strategy. The aircraft has also made its mark internationally by participating in air shows in UK, China and Turkey. It will also participate in Dubai Air Show next week, he said.
