ADS

Monday, November 23, 2009

First JF-17 Thunder fighter plane handed over to PAF by PAC





















Pakistan on Monday formally joined the international community of fighter aircraft manufacturers as JF 17 Thunder, the first ever multi role state of the art rolled out of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra and was included to the fleet of Pakistan Air Force. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest at the ceremony that marked a milestone in the Sino Pak joint venture in air defence system. Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naik, Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Defence Minister Ch Ahmed Mukhtar, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, Pakistan’s ambassador to China Masood Khan and three services chiefs attended the ceremony.

The sophisticated JF 17 Thunder, painted green in the colour scheme of national flag appeared with grandeur as the Prime Minister unveiled the fighter jet before the audience. Manufactured with the cooperation of China, the event has been termed as a beginning of new era of Pak China friendship. Addressing a select gathering of local and foreign dignitaries and PAF officials, the Prime Minister said the goals of progress and prosperity could not be achieved without achieving self reliance in the defence production.

He termed the manufacturing of JF 17 Thunder aircraft as the “achievement of an important milestone” in the government’s ongoing efforts to attain self reliance.The Prime Minister assured full cooperation, support and patronage to the PAF in its projects and congratulated the entire nation, adding the national project would be remembered as a landmark in the country’s history.

Referring to present challenges, the Prime Minister said the fast changing technology intensive battle arena required intense involvement of air power which had emerged as a major player in conflict scenarios. He said the role of air force also becomes vital in tackling the threat posed by the forces of extremism and militancy.
Under these circumstances, he said, a modern air force was a national requirement adding the government was making sincere efforts for a strong and well equipped Pakistan Air Force. He said the PAF had repeatedly proved equal to the task even in most challenging times, measuring up to the expectations of the nation in safeguarding the sacred soil and skies of the country. In the recent drive against militants, PAF side by side with Pak Army was endeavouring to root out terrorism from the country, he added.

The Prime Minister said, “The PAF has been able to achieve, both in the form of meeting its operational requirement by co developing a fighter aircraft and developing Pakistan’s Aviation Industry.” He said following the example of Kamra, there should be more similar centres of excellence in other fields, to attract youth towards a more constructive approach to life that leads to a better and more prosperous future.

He appreciated that the JF 17 programme had provided employment to about 5,000 people.The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s firm resolve in eradicating ignorance, illiteracy and backwardness to carve a respectable place for the country in the comity of nations.Referring to long and trust worthy relations between Pakistan and China, the Prime Minister said, “It is not trade or economics that we collaborate and cooperate for, but our association and fraternal ties bind us in the everlasting embrace of friendship.” He said, “China has always stood by us in our hour of need its unflinching support and willingness, to go an extra mile for Pakistan, has been a source of great strength for the people of Pakistan.”

The Prime Minister said there has been significant contribution by China towards the socio economic development of the country. Gilani thanked the Chinese friends for providing PAF the required technical assistance for the programme. The Prime Minister said the Chinese calm sagacity, futuristic thinking and willingness to stand by its friends, even in the era of terrorism and extremism promised not only hope and stability but also acted as an example for others.

He also mentioned the Chinese cooperation in many other projects in the country and said it was a pride for the nation. He especially highlighted the projects including Gwadar Deep Sea Port, Korakoram Highway, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Heavy Electrical Complex and Saindak Copper Project where China is helping the country. He lauded the PAF’s initiative for appreciating and putting to use the tremendous potential of Pakistan and jointly developing the industrial infrastructure.

Chief of the Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman highlighted the efforts of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra in establishing itself as a hub of aviation industry. He lauded the support of Chinese government and Aviation Industries of China without which, he said the project would not have succeeded. He said that 40 JF 17 Thunder aircraft would be produced by PAC Kamra within next three years and would be inducted in PAF replacing the existing aircraft. He added that the first JF 17 Squadron would be established shortly.

China’s ambassador Luo Zhaohui on behalf on the Chinese government appreciated the technical acumen of PAC Kamra in acquiring complex skills and expertise in fighter aircraft manufacturing. He said the collaboration between the two peace loving countries in air defence was a major step for the region’s peace.
Earlier Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, Chairman PAC Board Kamra in his welcome address gave an overview of the JF 17 project and highlighted the benefits of co production in terms of incorporation of modern technologies of manufacturing and skill enhancement of personnel.

The Prime Minister was presented two souvenirs, including a painting of JF 17 Thunder made by Squadron Leader Adnan Siraj and a handmade carpet weaved with the impression of the same fighter aircraft. In visitor’s remarks, Gilani termed the production of the aircraft as “a testimony of the time tested all weather Pakistan China friendship.”

The JF 17 Thunder, the light weight and low cost multi role fighter aircraft has high maneuverability and BVR capability. It has advanced aerodynamics configuration and high thrust. The JF 17 Thunder will replace the ageing fleets of A 5s, F 7Ps and the Mirages in the PAF inventory thus fulfilling a multi role task.

APP

29 comments:

The truth of the matter is that this plane is not even used by the Chinese and its Italian avionics have been studied carefully by the Israelis and passed on to the Indians.

Farzana Shah
Journalist- The Asian Age

Wake up journalist, open your eyes and do some research
JF-17 isn’t using the Italian avionics

Its isn’t used by the Chinese because first aircrafts are going to the PAF because of its urgent requirements.

Initially I was disgusted by silly comments by this ignorant journalist but then she solved my problem by stating that she is a journalist working for The Asian Age. One can only expect that kind of garbage from a journalist working for that third rated publication.

As a matter of fact, JF-17 and J-10 belong to almost the same Chinese technological class but are geared towards different deployment scenarios and pertinent operational requirements. Chinese are not taking JF-17 for the PLA air force at this point is due to various reasons. First, Pakistan’s needs these birds almost immediately and that was why the plane was optimized for Pak needs. Second, Chinese feel more comfortable to use only their home developed technologies including engines, avionics, radars, etc. They are fast progressing towards that goal and Pakistan too will be enormously benefitted by those Chinese strides. Every country has its own threat perceptions and deployment scenarios. JF-17 suites very well to Pakistan’s requirements and so is true for many other developing countries. That perspective offers a potentially huge benefit to this new bird.

Many people are skeptical about the capabilities of this plane simply due to their ignorance. The third generation of Chinese planes are generally equivalent to fourth generation planes in the global aviation industry and Chinese fourth generation plane is roughly in the same class as the fifth generation plane from other countries. JF-17 is indeed a Chinese third generation plane that accords it a status of traditional fourth generation plane with some technological features belonging to fifth generation.

Regardless if it belongs to third or fourth generation, it is indeed a big achievement for Pakistan to produce/manufacture the plane locally. It is more than merely assembly of semi or completely knocked down kits. It really required many years of meticulous planning, strenuous efforts, and vast investments of human and material resources.

Even though JF-17 currently offers an excellent thrust ratio, the plane has huge potential of improvement in its performance. Just by gradually replacing the metallic parts by the use of composite material will give it a huge boost to its performance.

I hope the production of this plane will truly serve as a strong R&D basis for domestic aviation industry in Pakistan. Continued Chinese cooperation has been crucial in the past but that partnership will bring even bigger benefits for Pakistan in future too. Long Live Pak-Chine Friendship

what a mindless journalist she is

know nothing about planes,

isrelis do not know its avionics

at all, but is very capable like f16, all tested side by side.

its big achievement for pak air force, miss shah wake up

wait till we get the j-10 and

also f 15 eagles soon from usa

very soon, also drones etc etc

Why is it painted GREEN?....

This is a great achievement for Pakistan. I am an Indian, and I am truly jealous. The plane basically shows the middle finger to the U.S who has been meddling in South Asian Affairs for years upon year without any consequences. The West imposes sanctions at will, without any reprocussions.

Finally their Largest Arms importer in South Asia has stuffed the Middle Finger in the Face of Capatilist Defence Firms whos only agenda is to cause instability, for the marketing of their weapons.


India and Pakistan should form an alliance which should be Economic and Military. If India and Pak cooperate, Pakistan can be turned into PowerHouse along with India.

Also most people are foolish to think the Chinese have any control in the matters of Pakistan.

In India, we learn in Undergraduate Level Political Science that Pakistan is only using China, as it has a need for some of its goods. The Chinese can never impose their will on the Pakistanis, economically or militarily, since I guarentee in any war between Pak and China, 2/3rds of China will be occupied by the Pakistanis.

Reason for this is, the Indian and Pakistani soldiers were way more nationalistic, and join the Armed forces for patriotism. Since the Armies of India and Pak may pennies compared to the Pennies, it shows these countries are basically only in it for the protection of the homeland.

Unlike the Chinese which only join because the army pays better money then working in a textile company.

Only fools can think of war scenarios between Pakistan and China. These two countries are natural allies with their national interests overlapping so perfectly that no one can really think of any clash of interest whatsoever. Both countries have benefitted in past and surely will be doing so in future too. It's all due to their common interests. All Pakistanis say Pak-China Dosti Zindabad.

One of the guy made comments on JF-17 avionics, I am qouting here his comment "isrelis do not know its avionics at all, but is very capable like f16, all tested side by side.".

There is no point making comment of the technology because it has been reverse engineered oj F-16 as Pakistan gave F-16 to china (as they are good at reverse engineering)to reserve engineer it.

That is one of the reason, recently USA made a lot of push on Pakistan that new F-16 handed over to Pakistan should not be passed to China.

BTW congratulation to PAK for chinese made fighter which they claim indigeously made. I really hope that it does work well for them unlike Chinese made mobile phones,looks cheap and attractive but does not last long.

good, very good aircraft considering its price.chinese have to market it so that it will sell like hot cakes in the developing world.

Agree. $15M/copy; F16-class performance; open architecture.

Beautiful.

Great achivement for pakistan, but it is the same aircraft which enter production in less then 1000 days before its first test flight, this is same project which was rejected (Twice) first by Russia, then plan was send to China which rejected the same, then Pakistan shown interest, still PLA AF dont want this great aircraft.

This aircraft is in PAF before any Initial operational cleariance, this aircraft has not done any weaponisation test so far.

It is kind of strange aircraft, with even strange history.

It is a strange plane only for incapacitated minds just because they still think of JF-17 as a plane that was rejected by this and by that. The initial project design might have been impressed by some prior project, which is not very uncommon in any case. But just by looking at the evolution of JF-17’s design, over its entire development time, since the time of its very first version, one realizes that JF-17 is not a copy of any other plane in the world. This plane, however, attains a number of good features from both western and Russian aviation worlds. Modular approach, standardized systems, and ultra-simple serviceability make this plane distinguished from all others. Such a mix of powerful features, available at very economic costs, is some thing that one can justifiably be proud of. Contrary to extraneous maintenance of Russian planes and hugely expensive serviceability of Western planes, JF-17 offers a very cost-effective maintenance and serviceability. Remember, it is only the first version of Thunder. Its modular approach allows new more powerful and effective systems, as these become available over the due course, be incorporated easily and quickly. But, to me, the greatest advantage that Thunder has brought for Pakistan is the freedom with which Pakistan can upgrade, modify, or change any system in JF-17 at will. There is no restriction whatsoever in doing that. Only the sky is limit for that. Compare this with, for example, F-16 where you need American nod before adding, enhancing, or changing any of its sub-system.

i mudt say that jf-17 has been

tested and tested by our airforce/

otherwise we shall not take it

0i am a pakistani but also pro

indian,

Nice Fighter, I only wish the Indians knew how to utilize their resources to become more productive, not only in Defence, but in other sectors which will benifit the society at the lower levels.

Great Achievement for Pakistan by the way. Maybe Once relations improve, the Pakis can teach the Indians on how to be more productive in defence aquisitions and development.

Only Wish our Chai Drinking, Biskoot Eating bastard Babus can learn something from our Blood Brothers across the border in Pakistan.

They should focus more in Higher Level Delegations and Army to Army cooperations, rather than just showing up in the News daily to speak a few rubbish words to gain votes for the Vote Bank Politics.

After all, The Pakis and the Indians need to cooperate for the betterment of the sub-continent and for the prosperity of their Nations. Otherwise the West will always remain ahead, and we will be at their mercy.

show us one one only one proof that weapons were tested in JF17...

a single missile fire shot.. not crappy cg one..

dont tell its done in complete secracy ...

if it is done in complete secrecy then why the hell you have a lavish ceremony to start assembling, finish assemblim. roll out ect ect...

PAF accepted it because it is wise to train its pilots on this bird so then when it attains the ioc they will be ready...

thats alll.. nothing. this may be a capable bird but still long way to go to come into that status...


others or just fanboy and nationalistic views.. they can not back with a single prooff.

We should look at the bigger picture, JF-17 project has given Pakistan - the technology and expereience to further enhance and develop military aviation hardware.

Amazing achievement. This fighter will form the backbone of PAF and guess what they have total control and the ability to change what they want on it. What did they have before that...crappy old planes, that they couldn't do anything with. They are training 5000 engineers for this project. Imagine what they will do in 5 years time? They are also planning to put ASEA radar in it, which will come with complete technology transfer. This aircraft in short changes the playing field for PAF.

Ps. I completely agree with Anonymous who posted @ November 24, 2009 7:34 PM

JF17 IS PRIDE OF THE PAKISTANI NATION .IT HAS NOT ONLY BOUGHT HONOUR BUT HAS INHANCED THE CAPABILITY OF P.A.F AS A WHOLE.

A SINGLE ENGINE FIGHTER COSTS LESS WITH ALL ITS MOVING PARTS WINGS FAUSLAGE ELECTRONICS MADE IN PAKISTAN.

THE POWER PLANT RD93/RD33 HAS THREE SOURCES OF SUPPORT ONE IS CHINA THE OTHER RUSSIA.PAKISTAN HAS TE CAPABILITY TO OVERHALL LOCALLY

AS FOR THE MISSILES, ALL MISSILES I WILL SAY ALL WHICH PAKISTAN HAS THEM IN ABUNDANCE AML9L/AMRAMM...(BEYOUND VISUAL RANGE)

FRENCH METRA-530/550-MICA SHORT AND BVR(BEYOUND VISUAL RANGE)

BRAZALIAN METIOR (ANTI-REDIATION) MISSILE THIS IS BVR (BEYOUND VISUAL RANGE)
ITALIAN ALL-ASPECT(ASPIDE) MISSILES MATED TO THE GIRAFIO RADAR.

CHINESE SD-10 THIS IS A BVR (BEYOUND VISUAL RANGE)

IF YOU WANT YOU CAN FIRE THE RUSSIAN R-73 THIS IS THE BVR WHICH THE RUSSIAN SU27/30-MKI OR CHINESE J11 USES AT ITS MAIN BVR

SD-10 RANGE AROUND 70KMS IS THE MAIN BVR(BEYOUND VISUAL RANGE)MISSILE OF CHINESE J11 A TRUE COPY OF RUSSIAN SU27/30.

SD10 IS ALSO THE MAIN BEYOND VISUAL RANGE MISSILE OF THE CHINESE J-10 FIGHTER BOMBER
PAKISTAN IS BUYING- 36 TWO SQNS
OF THIS AGILE SINGLE ENGINE FIGHTER COMPATABLE TO THE SU30/FA-18 AND ITS CONTEPORIES

THIS MISSILES SD-10 IS TIME TESTED BY P.A.F ON ITS F-7MG & THE PAF MIRAGES HAVING THE kamra built(GIRIFIO) RADAR,S
CHINESE/AMERICAN/FRENCH/ITALIAN/BRAZALIAN SHORT RANGE PLUS (BEYOUND VISUAL RANGE)..MISSILES ARE MATED TO THE GIRAFIO RADAR

PAF JF17 WILL ALSO CARRY STAND OF AIR TO GROUND/ANTI SHIP MISSILES(EXOCET/C802/Harpoon)
ANTI RADIATION MISSILES (METEOR) RAGE UNDER 100KM OF BRAZILIAN compatable ITALIAN/FRENCH/ AMERICAN PLUS PAKISTANS OWN STRATIGIC CRUISE MISSILE ...RAAD.
AND ALL (RUSSIAN) ie CHINESE COPIES

ALL SUCH MISSILE SYSTEMS ARE TESTED AND VALIDATED ON MIRAGE III/V- A5(FANTAN) ,F-7MG,S OR SOME OTHER AIRCRAFT OF PAF.

THIS CAPABILITY WAS INTRODUCED IN CHINESE AIRCRAFT OF PAF F-6/F-7/A-5/MIRAGE III/V BY THE ENGINEERS OF PAKISTAN AIRFORCE.
ie AML9 SIDEWINDER MATED TO MIG 19/F6 WITH MARTIN BAKER EJECTION SEAT PLUS THE COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT OF PAF BACK IN 1966 under American Embargo


JF-17 HAS CAPABILITY OF CARRYING ALL SORT OF ORDINENCE BOMBS HAVING STAND OF GLIDE CAPABILITY WHICH ARE PAK MADE OR CHINESE-RUSSIAN COPIES

FOR THE SINGLE ENGINE .THE AIRCRAFT IS LIGHT AND AGILE BUT CAN EASILY REACH ALL GROUND ATTACK TARGETS IN RANGE OF THE F16 OF PAF. JF17 CAN DEFEND lENGHT /DEPTH OF PAKISTAN.

THIS AIRCRAFT IS FULLY CAPABLE TO PERFORM ALL PAKISTAN NAVAL MISSION.

IT CAN BE REFULED IN MIDAIR BY PAF IL78 MIDAS TANKERS (UKRANE).

JF17 WILL BE THE WORK HORSE OF PAF WORKING WITH THE J10/F16/J11CHINESE COPY OF SU27/30 ON THE HEIGHER END AND WITH MIRAGE III/V-F7PG & A5-FANTANS PLUS K8 AT THE LOWER END
THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO THE OFFICERS AND JAWANS OF PAKISTAN aeronotical complex AND PAKISTAN AIR FORCE.

there r videos in youtube showing its avionics capabilities

I wish Indian babus can learn something from their Pakistan counterparts. We are in a habbit of denying and playing down every Pakistani achievement. In the process, they have succeeded in making better missiles, good tanks, and now fighter planes. We are totering with LCAs and arjuns. It is strange that if Iranis test a missle system, it almost always fails. When Pakistanis test similar system, it almost always succeeds. Similarly India is struggling with almost all of its projects. Pakistan on the other hand succeeding in alomost all their projects. Our relations with Iran are getting soured now after a healthy start with the construction of chahbahar port. Pakistan is slowly getting into commanding position in Afghanistan even after starting from sctratch after Northern Alliance occupied Kabul with active Indian help.

Nobody 's saying anything about its Russian RD 93 Engines...any problems here?!

To those Indians who feel that our defence programs are slow in development, we must realize that we are undergoing an organic growth where in we are developing most technologies from scratch rather than reverse engineer them from existing stuff. Thus the end result is all round development, not just one fighter plane. India's LCA programme gave the DRDO the confidence to pursue development of three fighter planes at the same time. They are also developing military and civilian transport aircraft (SARAS). And such stuff takes time. For example, Eurofighter (of Britain, Spain, Germany) took 18 years from design to production even though these countries had significant experience of building such fighters. France's Rafale has an almost similar timeline. So the point I am trying to make is that even if we are slow right now, slowly as our own technologies mature, we will catch with the best in the world. We will be able to build our own aircrafts, fighters, space exploration jets customized to the last detail rather than make do with technologies that are not state of the art.

" India's LCA programme gave the DRDO the confidence to pursue development of three fighter planes at the same time."

I'm an Indian supporter but what you said is complete BS.

to anon 12:14
why india is trying to develop organic technology world is more interested in organic produce suppose to be good for health.why not india try to produce some organic vegetables and fruits instead of organic technology.never heard from anybody in the world organic technology lol

"To those Indians who feel that our defence programs are slow in development, we must realize that we are undergoing an organic growth where in we are developing most technologies from scratch rather than reverse engineer them from existing stuff."

LCA is a copy a French fighter and Ajunk tank tries to assemble different parts from Germany and Russia. "Organic growth" is just DRDO (DROP) fools fellow Indian.

And Mig 21 flying in India becomes coffin planes are due to the organic made in India parts.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Share

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More