Countries show interest in Pak-China's JF-17 Jets

BEIJING: Numerous countries across the globe are eager to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft mutually manufactured by Pakistan and China, told a senior official of Pakistan Air Force.
“We are receiving queries and expressions of great interest in the JF-17 Thunder from several countries in Africa, Middle East and from Latin America,” reported China Daily.

Pakistan has already had the opportunity of exhibiting the fighter jet 2 times in China’s International Airshow which is held in Zhuhai twice a year.
The JF-17 Thunder or FC-1 Fierce Dragon as it is called in China is a 3rd generation multi-purpose fighter jet co-manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Aviation Industry Corp of China .

PAC is liable for manufacturing as well as maintaining the Pakistan Air Force’s aircraft at home.

“Throughout my international trips, almost everybody I met inquired me regarding the plane and lots of countries said they would like to join this project,” Khan told.
The JF-17 thunder is “exceptionally capable jet” and its ability to move and avionics are fantastic, he added.

Chief director of the JF-17 project Mr. Javaid Ahmed , put into the statement. “The JF-17 thunder is among our top quality light-weight jets, equivalent to any sophisticated aircraft in  Pakistan Air Force.”
The PAC has already manufactured well over 40 JF-17s, he explained and added that the collaborative project between Pakistan and China on aircraft remains to be underway with engineers from both of the countries concentrating on improving the weapons and avionics.

Khan mentioned that the Pakistan Air Force could also participate in the development of some other aircrafts in the coming years.
His comments emerged soon after 6 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets accompanied the Boeing 747 with Li Keqiang onboard, who came to Pakistan just for a 2 day visit on Wednesday.

Leader of PAF's 16th Squadron Wing Commander Ronald Afzal told China Daily that “It is really an honor for all of us that our JF-17 Thunders are chosen to greet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.”

“We had chosen the top pilots within my squadron and properly trained them on escort formation at higher altitudes and also at lower altitudes 1 week ahead of Prime Minister Li's arrival” Afzal reported.

“As manufacturer of JF-17, we actually feel very honored to see our jets carry out this kind of prestigious mission and consider that the Pakistan Air Force selected the JF-17 to greet our premier since it has many Chinese components,” said Yang Wei, the principle developer of the jet at the Aviation Industry Corp of China.
Yang’s workforce will work with Pakistani counterparts to build upcoming variations of JF-17 Thunder, gradually giving the jet limited stealth capability and airborne refueling abilities, he explained.