Pakistan begins making first ââ¬ËIslamicââ¬â¢ fighter jet
DUBAI: Pakistan has started indigenous production of JF-17 Thunder ââ¬â billed as the Islamic worldââ¬â¢s first fighter jet ââ¬â which will be inducted into the Pakistan Air Force by December, 2006. ââ¬ÅWe are ready to export the aircraft to friendly countries, especially the Arab states,ââ¬Â disclosed Air Marshal Aurangzeb Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Board, in an interview with Khaleej Times, at the conclusion of the Dubai 2005 Air Show. He said that the fighter jet, JF-17 Thunder, was expected to be on static display and also take part in aerobatics at the Dubai 2007 Air Show. ââ¬ÅThe manufacturing of all-weather JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role and light weight fighter aircraft, marks a significant milestone towards technological advancement by the PAC,ââ¬Â Khan said. ââ¬ÅThis initiative by an under-developed country like Pakistan needs to be encouraged so that we are able to help our friends,ââ¬Â he added. He said that the PAC has co-ventured with CATIC of China on the development and production of the JF-17 Thunder whose prototype is flying. ââ¬ÅAt the PAC in Kamra, Pakistan, we are doing 58 per cent of the airframe and majority of the avionics in addition to stuffing, final assembling and flight testing,ââ¬Â Khan said. agencies