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PAF raises two squadrons equipped with JF-17 Thunder jets

Devil Soul

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PAF raises two squadrons equipped with JF-17 Thunder jets
Submitted 1 hr 20 mins ago

Pakistan has raised two squadrons equipped with the JF-17 Thunder combat jet that was developed jointly with China and plans to have a third squadron by early next year.
Serial joint production of the aircraft started in Pakistan in 2009 after extensive flight tests and the limited production of eight jets in 2007.
So far, two Pakistan Air Force squadrons have been equipped with JF-17s while the "third is planned to be raised by the beginning of next year", an official statement said.
The co-production of the jet is underway in "full swing" at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra in Punjab.
The JF-17 programme was started by the two countries in 1998 and the detailed design was finalised in September 2001.
The PAF showcased the jet at the ongoing Dubai Air Show, which was inaugurated yesterday. PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman attended the inaugural ceremony.
The JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China Aero-Technology Import Export Corporation, has been put on static and aerial display in the air show.
Pakistan has been plugging the JF-17 as a "cut price" combat aircraft for developing countries.
"In the present environment, when defence budgets are shrinking and air forces face difficulties in affording modern combat aircraft, the JF-17 offers a highly cost effective solution with cutting edge capabilities," the statement said.
The JF-17 is an all weather, multi-role, light combat aircraft. The jet is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, a complete glass cockpit and self- protection suite that enhances its combat potential.
The jets can be armed with a range of conventional and smart weapons, long range glide bombs, beyond visual range and short range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missile and air-to-surface missiles.
The statement said the JF-17 will soon have air-to-air refuelling capability, which will enhance its range.
PAF raises two squadrons equipped with JF-17 Thunder jets | Pakistan | News | Newspaper | Daily | English | Online
 
Good news! At last Pakistan is breaking the shackles of the US of A. Now they need to dump the F-16 and Orions too! Because they are a bargaining chip where spares are concerned. They can shut the tap as and when they like, putting the PAF in a fix.
 
So 36 planes?? Does this include the 8 units made before 2009 Feb? In which case, does this mean that Pakistan has assembled 28 planes in 2.5 years? This doesnt seem right...
 
So 36 planes?? Does this include the 8 units made before 2009 Feb? In which case, does this mean that Pakistan has assembled 28 planes in 2.5 years? This doesnt seem right...

China+Pakistan... read the first post "Serial joint production of the aircraft started in Pakistan in 2009 "
 
So 36 planes?? Does this include the 8 units made before 2009 Feb? In which case, does this mean that Pakistan has assembled 28 planes in 2.5 years? This doesnt seem right...

actually the 1st order of 42 a/c has been completed - add the 8 SLP a/c and we get a total of 50.

2 sqds of 16 a/c have been inducted.
the 3rd sqdn induction is imminent (by mid-year 2012)
the 2nd tranche of 50 a/c will start production in the 2nd half of 2012.

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 AM ----------

by end 2013 it is expected that 100 a/c will be inducted (this is the plan - delays do take place eg; the unfortunate crash of a JFT under test which was earmarked for the 3rd JFT squadron)
 

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