Home-grown JF-17 aircraft better than existing F-16: Tanvir

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir M. Ahmed has said that JF-17 aircraft being manufactured in collaboration with China will be a sound fighter aircraft which in some respects is better than the existing F-16.

Talking to media at a book launching ceremony of ‘PAF Over The Years’, he said about 60 to 70 per cent manufacturing of the aircraft is being undertaken in Pakistan.

The engine is presently coming from Russia but later it will be developed by China, he informed.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir M. Ahmed said talks are underway with China in connection with the acquisition of AWACS and a high-tech aircraft FC-20. “This mix will reduce our dependence on any single country’s assistance,” he noted.

He said the F-16 aircraft acquired recently as well as the modern weapons would further add to the technological advancement of the Pakistan Air Force.

He said a contract has been signed with USA for acquiring 18 new F-16 aircraft besides weapons and systems of electronic warfare and reconnaissance. This acquisition will be subject to the annual certification by the USA, he added.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir M. Ahmed said four used F-16 have been received while 10 more such aircraft will arrive during the next year.