Several countries show interest in JF-17 Thunder Jet

Pakistan is holding negotiations with different countries for export of indigenous manufactured multi-role JF-17 thunder fighter jets.

This was stated by Deputy Chief Project Director of JF-17 thunder jet Air Commodore Khalid Mehmood in an interview with our correspondent Zahid Hameed.

He said several countries have shown keen interest in the acquisition of Pakistani fighter jet and negotiations in this regard are at different phases of completion.

JF-17 Thunder

The air commodore said the low cost and high capability and performance has made the fighter jet very competitive in the international market. He expressed the confidence that this aircraft will soon become part of the air forces of other countries.

Khalid Mehmoud said serial production of the JF-17 is continuing in the country and currently two squadron of the aircraft are flying in Pakistan. He said Pakistan Aeronautical complex has the capacity to annually develop sixteen JF-17 jets which can be enhanced up to twenty five. In case we received any order of export‚ we will be able to deliver it after meeting the requirements of Pakistan Air Force.

Responding to a question‚ the air commodore said that production of fifty JF-17 jets will complete by next month. Further research and development has been carried out to upgrade the fighter jet. Production of another fifty improved version of JF-17 block-2 will be completed in the next three and a half years. He said Russian made engines are being used in the jet and order has been given for these engines for the production of Block-2 jets.

Rejecting the impression that Russia has expressed concerns over the use of its engine in the aircraft‚ he clarified that these engines are very efficient and there is no reason to reject them.