Pakistan joins fighter makers exclusive club
ABDUL AHAD
KAMRA - With the induction of two JF-17 Thunder aircraft into Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan has joined the exclusive club of few countries that are manufacturing fighter aircraft.
This Joint Venture with China has not only reinforced Pakistan Air Force’s capability to defend country’s airspace but would also thwart any aggressive designs against Pakistan, if any.
Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed stated this while briefing local and international media about the latest induction of supersonic JF-17 Prototype-6 aircraft into PAF here on Friday. He was replying to a questioner that if Iran were attacked what would be the response of Pakistan.
The JF-17 fighter jet has jointly been designed and developed by the engineers, pilots and technical staff of China and Pakistan.
He said Pakistan has already received two JF-17 aircraft, which made their debut at national day parade on 23rd of this month.
The air chief said with the sanctions repeatedly imposed on Pakistan, Islamabad was able to look for alternative sources of air power. It went for a joint venture of the aircraft with Chinese company CATIC and signed an MOU in this respect.
He said today, JF-17 is state-of-the-art weapon system. Light weight, all weather, day/night multi-role aircraft, JF-17 has potent combat capabilities both for defensive and offensive notes.
Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood told a questioner that Pakistan would get six more fighter jets during the current year and would get 15 to 20 more aircraft next year. He said Pakistan would start serial production of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft from next year and would be able to replace all old aircraft by 2015.
He said the 4th Generation JF-17 Thunder aircraft could be upgraded into the 5th Generation jet and for that reason tests and evaluation is continuing. It could be made an alternative for the F-16 aircraft, he added.
He said talks for 18 new F-16s are going on with the US and hopefully Pakistan would get them by 2010. He said talks on 24 pre-used F-16 planes are also going on and within 12 to 18 months they would be delivered to Pakistan.
When asked about the US commitment on F-16s, he said US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates gave assurance to Pakistan that it won’t commit the mistake of leaving Pakistan again. The air chief, however, stated that if that would be the case PAF is looking for alternative countries including China and others.
When asked whether JF-17 aircraft would carry nuclear warheads, he replied that JF-17 is a very capable and potent platform.
It has all the capabilities of the 4th generation aircraft and can be upgraded into the 5th generation fighter.He said Pakistan is also looking forward to get two squadrons of J10 fighters from China, which have bigger platform, better radar system and carry more weapons.
On the question of export of JF-17 Thunder to other countries, the air chief said the fighter plane is a joint venture of Pakistan and China and after getting certification it can be exported to other countries at a very low cost.
On the issue of Russian engine of the aircraft, the air chief said the matter is between China and Russia and Pakistan has been assured that there would not be any impediment to the project.
He replied to a question that PAF has the capability to counter Indian planes, which have the capability to drop bombs from the range up to 25-30 kilometers above the ground.
He also hinted at starting mid life update programme for F-16s in Pakistan but said it would take some time.
The JF-17 design features include High maneuverability and BVR capability, effective air to ground capability, long range operational radius and endurance, excellent take-off and landing performance, weight and low cost, advance aerodynamic configurations, operational efficiency, large thrust and low SFC turbofan engine and service sealing of 16,500 metres.
The Nation.
http://nation.com.pk/daily/mar-2007/31/index6.php
