Pakistan’s first indigenous JF-17 Thunder production started: SanaNews

KAMARA (SANA): Pakistan has begun serial production of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamara and first indigenously produced plane will fly at the end of this year.

Air Chief Martial Rao Qamar Suleman launched assembly production plant of the aircraft on Tuesday here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Air Chief said the indigenous production of JF-17 Thunder is a major step towards the long term goal of self reliance.

This is an historic event for Pakistan that it has joined the elite nations having the capability of indigenously manufacturing the modern fighter aircraft.

The Air Chief said Pakistan Air Force is the only Air Force in the world of having the capability of developing and producing fighter aircraft which is a milestone in the advancement of modern technology despite financial constraints.

He said the production of JF-17 is a symbol of long lasting friendship between Pakistan and China. He said it was the result of friendship with China that enabled us to develop and manufacture such a modern aircraft which will replace the absolute fleet of PAF.

He said we are heading significantly towards the goal of self reliance which was not an easy task that demands high devotion, finances and expertise. He said the JF-17 Thunder is an advanced multirole combat aircraft strategically designed through joint Pak-China efforts to address the specific needs of Pakistan Air Force.

Rao Qamar Suleman said the government of Pakistan made a heavy investment in this programme and provided every financial assistance and training facility of modern equipment to the technicians and engineers of PAF.

While describing the significance of Air power, he said that JF-17 aircraft will be the mainstay of PAF’s operational capability enabling PAF to conduct day and night multi-role operations. He said this capability has become imperative to be achieved especially in the prevailing global and regional situation.

The Air Chief Martial said PAF will roll out four to six JF-17 Thunder aircrafts at the end of this year and twenty-five every year.

He lauded the efforts of engineers and technicians of Aircraft Manufacturing Factory and Kamra Avonics and Radar Factory who had worked relentlessly for the last several years to bring this dream to reality.

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