Pakistan has received the first improved JF-17 Fighter-Jet from China.
This news comes at the heels of Indian media claiming that Pakistan has reassigned its US-made F-16 fighter-jets in hopes to prevent substantial damages in case of strikes from New Delhi.
According to the Global Times, Pakistan is receiving upgraded JF-17 fighter-jets from China under a joint project that aims to develop and produce the multi-role fighter-jet.
Chinese air defense expert, Fu Qianshao was quoted saying that this upgrade represented the JF-17 project’s trial and error stage and would help set standards for future upgrades through this experience.
He said,
Under the framework of China-Pakistan cooperation, Pakistan’s aviation industry will continue to develop.
Upgrades
Among the various upgrades, the fighter jet has received a new engine and its airframe is being replaced aside from repair and maintenance.
The JF-17 Thunder, also known as the CAC FC-1 Xiaolong or “Fierce Dragon”, was first delivered in 2007 and it was jointly produced by the Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). The jet needs an upgrade after more than a decade of use.
The Global Times said that the JF-17’s Block 3 will see major changes by Chinese experts as they seek to add a new helmet-mounted display, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a sight system for the pilot.
Indian Media Reports
Economic Times, an Indian newspaper quoted government sources that despite months since New Delhi conducted an “air raid” on an alleged terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan Air Force is still concerned about the safety of its US-made F-16 fighter jet.
The sources further said that the F-16s have been randomly reassigned to satellite fields from their homes bases in a bid to prevent losses in case of another Indian strike.
Via Sputnik News
Jointly produced…
Hahahaha
Yet we have the face to boast such claim.