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Gary Li, who analyzes the People's Liberation Army for London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies
Two JF-17s, co-produced by China and Pakistan, have just made their international debut at an ongoing major international air show.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) received its first two JF-17 Thunder fighters from China in July 2007. Last year, the PAF started its own assembly line, which saw the first aircraft roll out in November.
In February, the PAF activated its first JF-17 squadron, with 14 aircraft in service and another 24 to be delivered from the initial contract batch. Pakistan's total requirement for this type of single-engine plane is reported to be as high as 250.
Li said the JF-17 is an "excellent aircraft", available at a cheap price (about $15 million each), with a good avionics system and good radar. "It is a successful product of a successful partnership Chinese design really shines."
Significantly, the plane fits into Islamabad's needs, as "countries like Pakistan or Egypt don't need F-22s", Li added.
China-made planes set to soar onto world market - People's Daily Online
Two JF-17s, co-produced by China and Pakistan, have just made their international debut at an ongoing major international air show.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) received its first two JF-17 Thunder fighters from China in July 2007. Last year, the PAF started its own assembly line, which saw the first aircraft roll out in November.
In February, the PAF activated its first JF-17 squadron, with 14 aircraft in service and another 24 to be delivered from the initial contract batch. Pakistan's total requirement for this type of single-engine plane is reported to be as high as 250.
Li said the JF-17 is an "excellent aircraft", available at a cheap price (about $15 million each), with a good avionics system and good radar. "It is a successful product of a successful partnership Chinese design really shines."
Significantly, the plane fits into Islamabad's needs, as "countries like Pakistan or Egypt don't need F-22s", Li added.
China-made planes set to soar onto world market - People's Daily Online