The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) officially handed over 14 locally-manufactured 4th generation JF-17 Thunder Block-III jets to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in a ceremony on Wednesday.
Addressing the handing over ceremony, which was held at Kamra, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan termed the aircraft’s arrival a “significant milestone” in the history of the country. He also praised the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF) team of the PAC for completing the project in time despite the complications caused by the pandemic, calling the PAC the “backbone” of the PAF’s combat readiness.
Furthermore, he thanked the Chinese Aviation Industry for its continuous support and stated that the project could not have been completed without the support of Chinese experts. He also acknowledged the media for emphasizing on Pak-China friendship on various fronts and requested them to keep doing so. The Chinese ambassador Nong Rong also spoke at the occasion, congratulating Pakistan on becoming self-sufficient in developing advance fighter jets. He also expressed the hope of strong ties between the two countries and continued collaboration in the future.
The JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a dual carrier fighter jet equipped with a long-range superior radar system and advance firing capability. The JF-17 Thunder proved their combat readiness in the “Operation Swift Retort” against India in 2019.
