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PAF to acquire 36 5th generation combat aircraft from China: PAF Chief |
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ISLAMABAD
Nov 19 (APP): Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed on
Wednesday said 36 high‑tech combat aircraft (CF‑20) would be inducted in the PAF
fleet by 2010. These 21st century ‑ 5th
generation ‑ aircraft are of Chinese origin and would provide an extra punch to
the air force after induction, he said, while answering questions after a
briefing to the visiting participants of National Media Workshop being organised
by National Defence University at the Air Headquarters.
Air Chief
Marshal Tanvir said that modalities are being discussed to acquire two squadrons
of the aircraft for the PAF.
He said
that the FC‑20 aircraft has been selected after hectic and lengthy deliberations
besides considering a long list of the similar category aircraft of various
origins.
He said the engine of the aircraft would be
manufactured by Russia which is based on most modern technique called reverse
technology.
He said
that first squadron of indigenously developed fighter aircraft with the help of
China ‑ JF‑17 (Thunder) would be inducted in the PAF fleet in the first quarter
of 2009, enhancing agility of the air force whereby increasing its reach beyond
350 nautical miles.
In addition
to that, he said that after laborious day in and day out efforts, the PAF has
acquired the night‑war capability, due to which the country’s defence has been
made further impregnable.
This
capability has brought the PAF among a few air forces around the globe which
have the ability to carry out war operations during night times. “This
capability had become imperative to be achieved especially in the prevailing
global and regional situations,” PAF chief said.
He
said that the roll out of first batch of F‑16 (C & D) aircraft for Pakistan
would be held in USA in January next, where he himself would be present to
witness the auspicious occasion. The US would supply improved version of F‑16
aircraft to be inducted in the PAF by 2010.
In the
surveillance field, he said the Swedish company would supply three SAAB
surveillance aircraft to PAF by September next year while contract for acquiring
four AWACS systems from China has already been signed.
He said
despite economic constraints, all the important programmes of PAF are being run
uninterrupted with the aim to make it a real force to meet the
challenges.
In reply to another question, Air Chief
Marshal Tanvir said that UAV technology was achieved earlier and drones are
being manufactured indigenously.
Earlier,
the participants were given a detailed briefing by the Vice Chief of Air Staff
covering various aspects. Senior officers of PAF and National Defence University
were also present.
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Chinese Premier Visit to Pakistan |
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Presidential address to the joint sitting of parliament |
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