ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday was formally handed over 14 state-of-the-art indigenously developed JF-17B Thunder Block-III dual carrier fighter jets with far more advance technology than Rafael jets that doomed the so-called supremacy of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan addressing the handing over ceremony of the newly built JF-17B Thunder jets here at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra termed the inclusion of jets in national fleet as a significant milestone achieved in the history of the country.
He said JF-17 Thunder was proved as a battle tested aircraft during successful expression of mastery in Operation Swift Retort against IAF intrusion of territorial sovereignty on February 27, 2019.
Air Chief commended the in time completion of the project by the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF) team of the PAC involved in the development of the advance generation of the JF-17B Thunder and Block-III jets version.
“The year of 2019 has been very challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic as it disturbed life all over the world. It also inflicted serious impacts on the PAC project of JF-17B Thunder Block-III as the entire complex has remained under lockdown.”
Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar proudly said that PAC Kamra had upheld its traditions despite the most challenging times of the pandemic. “I would like to commend the entire team and PAC leadership including Chairman PAC and Managing Director AMF for their concerted efforts to meet the project deadlines.”
PAC, he said was the backbone of PAF operational readiness and had displayed their capabilities to meet challenges with limited resources at the optimum level.
The Air Chief also extended his gratitude to Ministry of Defence Production and Chinese Aviation Industry for their continuous support. “JF-17B and Block-III production marks the achievement of a significant milestone as it will play an important and significant role in geostrategic milieu due to the technology installed in the modern aircraft.”
He mentioned that the project’s completion was not possible without the assistance of Chinese experts, engineers and technicians and this project had further solidified Pak-China friendship and bilateral defence ties.
The Air Chief acknowledged the role of media at all levels including print, electronic and social media for highlighting Pak-China friendship and collaboration under CPEC and JF-17B Thunder production.
He urged the media to further promote the Pak-China ties and collaboration in a positive manner.
“PAF has demonstrated its capabilities time and again and is ever ready to thwart any aggression of the enemy with a crushing response,” the Air Chief expressed his resolve.
PAC Chairman Air Marshal Syed Nauman Ali briefed the participants over the project details and highlighted that JF-17 Thunder would be the shining symbol of cooperation between Pakistan and China.
He said due to COVID-19 lockdown in PAC the technicians and experts completed the project in due time despite many odds where the Chinese experts supported extraordinarily PAC for meeting the programme targets.
Air Marshal Nauman resolved that PAC would stand committed to fulfil the sacred duty of augmenting fighting force and strength to defend the country’s aerial sovereignty.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong said that PAC’s successful acquiring of the capacity to build JF-17B Thunder Block-III aircrafts has set up a perfect model of Pak-China friendship. “Pakistan has become self-sufficient in developing JF-17 Thunder and an advance fighter aircraft producing country in the world. JF-17 Thunder has finally become the backbone of Pakistan’s defence.”
He hoped that it would further strengthen defence ties between Pakistan and China. “Pakistan and China’s close collaboration will bring more success in the future.”
The PAC has developed the capacity to produce advance 4th generation JF-17B Thunder Block-III jets manufacturing capacity. The latest JF-17B was a dual carrier aircraft equipped with long range superior radar system and advance precise firing weapon that gave it a cutting edge over IAF acquired Rafael jets famous vast range to detect airborne targets.
The Chinese Aviation industry representatives addressed the ceremony via video messages and PAC School children also presented a national song whereas the Air Chief visited the facility and observed the newly built aircrafts.
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