Pakistan Air Force Successfully Rolls Out First Indigenously Overhauled JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet

In another significant milestone, Pakistan Air Force successfully rebuilds the JF-17 Thunder facility indigenously, enhancing the competitiveness of PAF and an imperative step towards self-reliance.

To mark this occasion, a roll-out ceremony was held at the Aircraft Rebuild Factory Kamra, today. Out of the first four JF 17aircraft, two were overhauled in China whereas, the other two were indigenously overhauled at Kamra. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the chief guest at the roll-out ceremony.

Addressing at the occasion, the Air Chief said, “We are living in a technology-intensive world, where self-reliance and indigenization are key to effectively address modern challenges. PAF has been relentlessly pursuing these goals and has achieved remarkable capability”. He further said the JF-17 overhaul is indeed a significant achievement, which could not have been achieved without the dedication and hard work put in by the officers and technicians of Aircraft Rebuild Factory.

Out of the first four JF-17 aircraft, two were overhauled in China while the rest were indigenously overhauled.https://t.co/3srl12inw9

— The Express Tribune (@etribune) September 27, 2019

Chief Mujahid Anwar Khan attributed the remarkable achievement to the hard work and efforts of Pakistan Air Force technicians and officers. He also added the support of Chinese aviation industries including in the journey towards self-reliance.

He also appreciated the continuous support of Chinese Aviation Industries including the top management of AVIC, CATIC, CAIC, and CADI in our journey towards self-reliance. Air Marshal Ahmer Shehzad, Chairman PAC, Mr Yang Ying, President of China National Aero-technology Import and Export Corporation Mr Wang Wel, Vice President Aviation Industry Corporation of China Zhan Jianping, President China Aviation Industry Corporation along with other senior civil and defence officials were also present at the occasion.

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Air marshal Ahmed Shehzad, chairman PAC; Yang Ying, President of China National Aero-technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC); Wang Wel, vice President Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC); Zhan Jianping, president China Aviation Industry Corporation (CAIC) along with other senior civil and defence officials were also present at the ceremony.

Pakistan and China initiated the project and jointly developed the JF-17 Thunder jets after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 1995.

In June 1999, the contract to jointly develop and produce the Chengdu FC-1/Super 7 was signed. The project was to be 50:50 partnerships.

JF-17 Thunder jets played a key role in aerial combat with India in February earlier this year. Pakistan military currently deploys two major variants of the fighter, Block I variant which entered the PAF fleet in 2007, and Block II variant which entered the production in 2013.

Approximately, 25 jets of Block II variants are produced annually in Pakistan, which plans to suspend its production in favor of the upcoming JF-17 Block III in the early 2020s.