?? Old interview and I think [emoji848] not sure if this info is valid ?? Please advise
Armiya.az interview with retired three-star Marshal of the Pakistan Air Force, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, one of the founding fathers of the project to create a joint JF-17 Chinese-Pakistani fighter Shahid Latif.
- By the end of 2019, Azerbaijan plans to receive from Pakistan the first batch of tactical fighter jets JF-17 Thunder. How do you evaluate this contract between Baku and Islamabad?
- This contract is mutually beneficial for both our countries. For Pakistan, it will open up new opportunities for the sale to our partners of a high-tech fighter produced by him. This contract will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. And, of course, the 4th generation F-17 Thunder fighter will play an important role in strengthening the Azerbaijani Air Force.
- Please tell us about the technical characteristics of this fighter. Moreover, as far as we know, you personally took part in its development.
- Fighter JF-17 meets all modern requirements and is able to form the basis of a modern and powerful army. This fighter was put into service in five squadrons of the Pakistan Air Force; it came to replace the outdated F-7 fighters (MiG-21 variant) and Mirage III / S.
The modern design of the JF-17 includes a block approach, the same as that of the most versatile F-16 (Falcon) aircraft. JF-17 has all the necessary operational and technical characteristics that provide the advanced capabilities of modern fighters. He has a powerful package of weapons and avionics, which put him on a par with modern aircraft of the last generation.
JF-17 has the ability to refuel in the air, has a launch mode beyond visual visibility (BVR mode - “Beyond Visual Range”) with target acquisition along a target designation path, has an early warning system, that is, AWACS. For the uninformed, I will explain that the airborne radio detection and guidance complex is an electronic reconnaissance and control system installed on an aircraft and intended for the long-range detection of enemy targets (in the air, on the ground, on water), targeting means of destruction or interception. Such systems are designed for use in hostilities.
- By the way, about the fighting. How effective are these fighters in the highlands?
“Due to the presence of a very powerful avionics package and day / night aiming capabilities, the JF-17 is able to accurately perform operations in mountainous areas. These capabilities have already been tested by the Pakistani army in the war against terrorists in the highlands.
- What other countries besides Azerbaijan showed interest in this fighter?
- As far as I know, Egypt, Iran, Burma, Malaysia have already shown interest in them. There is a possibility that Egypt and Iran will purchase these fighters in large quantities.
- What other military products of Pakistani production may be of interest to Azerbaijan?
- In addition to the JF-17, Pakistan can offer Azerbaijan various military equipment of its own production for the ground forces. For details, contact the General Staff of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan has something to offer its friends.
Bahram Batyev
