Pakistan is in talks with several countries for the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, and the air force is hoping to finalise some orders at the ongoing IDEAS 2016, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said on Thursday.
“JF-17 is a very potent aircraft. We are in talks with many countries and there will be a number of orders for the supply of the jets,” Sohail Aman said. “This is not just business, such deals would further strengthen Pakistan’s defence ties with friends.”
The PAC JF-17 Thunder, or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong, is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China.
It may be mentioned here that Pakistan is already providing Super Mushshak Trainer aircraft to Turkey, Nigeria and Qatar.
Sohail Aman said Pakistan, manufacturing Mushshak and JF-17 aircraft, was further contemplating manufacturing of technologically-advanced fighter jets. “We cannot depend on foreign suppliers for our needs. Pakistan Air Force is negotiating strategic partnership with China, Russia and two other countries for manufacturing of more aircraft.”
The PAF also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a French company on technical collaboration in production of JF-17 Thunder jets. As per the MoU, the French company will provide technical assistance to the Pakistan Air Force for electrification of JF-17 Thunder jets.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman stated that Pakistan Air Force Airpower Center of Excellence (PAF-ACE), scheduled to be operational by 2018 end, would offer Masters and PhD programs in aviation and avionics.
Talking to newsmen at IDEAS 2016, Chief of Air Staff said research would be the prime area of focus at PAF-ACE, which would be one of the very few airpower centers of the world and the first of its class in the region.
“Land for the center has already been selected, subjects for the courses have been finalised and infrastructure is being developed. It would be completed in two years,” Sohail Aman said.
The institute would link operations, research and doctrine to orchestrate air campaigns with air combat tactics. The institute would enhance PAF's capability to undertake complex, demanding future challenges and counter terrorist operations.
“Establishment of this facility would further strengthen the relations of Pakistan Air Force with friendly air forces of the world,” Sohail Aman said.
