Pakistan all set to start sale of JF-17 Thunder planes from next year
- October 24, 2013, 9:04 pm
- National News
- 188 Views
ISLAMABAD, Oct 24 (Online): Pakistan has decided to start sale of state of the art JF-17 Thunder combat planes developed in collaboration with China to other countries from next year.
According to sources a sum of 100 million dollars has also been released to Pakistan Ordinance Factories Wah in connection with upgradation of its machinery.
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has carried out upgradation of Cobra Helicopters presently under use of army besides installing high tech system therein.
Pakistan will also import modern helicopters from Turkey. Ministry of Defence Production sources said as many as 42 JF-17 Thunder planes have been developed so far under joint venture with China. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been assigned target of exporting 5 to 7 JF-17 Thunder planes next year and discussions in this regard are under way with Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Qatar and other friendly countries.
Ministry of Defence Production officials have expressed optimism that Pakistan would succeed in exporting these modern planes in the next year.
Sources said Heavy Industries Taxila has manufactured prototype of Buraq vehicle to defuse land mines and remote control explosive material.
It has also been learnt Pakistan is continuing talks process with Turkey to acquire T 120 high tech helicopters from the latter. Pakistan is also endeavoring to launch a joint venture with Turkey with reference to manufacturing of these helicopters. If both the countries don’t agree over it then Pakistan will execute agreement with Turkey to purchase these helicopters.
Sources said that PAC Kamra has refurbished several helicopters being used by Army Aviation. Pakistan has acquired these helicopters from US and they have now been upgraded. Modern technology has been installed therein while US voiced its concern over it.
On the other hand finance ministry has released 100 million dollars out of 200 million dollars to POF Wah for replacement and upgradation of machinery.
