ISLAMABAD: The Republic of Turkey has finalised a deal with Pakistan to buy Super Mushak trainers, said a defence production ministry spokesperson.
“The deal is in the last stages of finalisation and is going to be signed very soon,” said Durya Amir, from the ministry of defence production.
Two other defence deals between the two nations are also in the final stages, added the spokesperson.
Development of a fleet tanker for the Pakistan Navy in collaboration with Turkey has also been finalised.
“Launching ceremony of the fleet tanker for the Pakistan Navy is planned for August 2016. The ceremony would be attended dignitaries from both countries,” elaborated the spokesperson.
In a separate deal, an MOU has been signed for the mid-life upgrade of Agosta 90-B submarines of the Pakistan Navy. The upgrades would be undertaken by the Turkish firm STM.
The latest defence contracts between the two countries will further enhance the existing defence ties.
It is not known how many aircraft Turkey would be buying.
The Super Mushshak is an advanced variant of the Mushshak basic trainer, and is produced at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
The aircraft is already in service with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and South Africa. Nigeria bought the aircraft in early 2016 and Qatar bought the trainers in June this year.
Basic flight training is provided on the aircraft for aspiring pilots.
Super Mushshak aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was also put up for static as well as aerial display in the Dubai Air Show last year, with certain nations expressing interest in the aircraft.
The aircraft has a service ceiling of 22,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 268km/h. Range of the aircraft is reported at 814 kilometres.
dawn.com
