JF-17 Thunder Has Bright Prospects in Market

[Abu Zolfiqar]

ZHUHAI (APP) - Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), said on Tuesday that Pakistan-China joint production JF-17 Thunder fighter jet has bright prospects in the international aviation market.

It has many added features which make it much more attractive than any other fighter aircraft of its category, said the Air Chief.

A low price tag and much less maintenance and operational cost compared to the other planes of its class make it attractive for the buyers, he said.

The PAF Chief said this while talking to the media after attending the 8th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition that would continue here at China’s southern coastal city neighbouring Macau, till November 21.

During the six-day exhibition, 35 countries and regions are participating.

Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang was the chief guest at the show. Former Prime Minister Li Peng and PLA Air Chief and senior party leaders were also present on this occasion.

Pakistan, having the second biggest fleet of aircraft after host China, is participating for the first time in this exhibition.

As many as 10 K-8 trainer aircraft and three JF-17 fighters are taking part in the show that demonstrates the all-weather and time-tested friendship between the two countries.

While talking about the plane, the Chief of Air Staff commented that it has all state-of-the-art features. He particularly mentioned its supreme avionics essential for a modern combat aircraft.

There is likely to be big demand of this type of aircraft in the international market, as it meets all the requirements that are needed by a modern air force, at a very affordable price, he said.

To a question regarding further expansion of cooperation between Pakistan Air Force and China, Rao Qamar Suleman replied that the two brotherly neighbouring countries have a long history of cooperation in all fields particularly defence.

He expressed the confidence that with the passage of time these bonds of friendship would further consolidate.

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