NEWS

18 December, 2013 - Pakistan Aeronautical Complex formally handed over the 50th JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Pakistan Air Force in an impressive ceremony held on Wednesday, 18 December, 2013 at Aircraft Manufacturing Factory PAC Kamra. Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest at the 50th JF-17 aircraft rollout and launching of Block II JF-17 aircraft production ceremony. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence and Minister of Defence Production, along with the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff. Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Air Marshal Sohail Gul Khan presented the project review of the JF-17 aircraft production, which was followed by the handing over of 50th JF-17 aircraft document to Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt. This was followed by the address of Mr Liu Yuhai, Vice President AVIC China and Chief of Air Staff Pakistan Air Force. They acknowledged the capabilities achieved by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in strengthening the National Defence of Pakistan through self reliance.

In his address to a rolling out ceremony, the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s defense is the top priority of government. He added that the country’s new defense policy is being formulated keeping in view the ground realities. The Prime Minister said that JF-17 aircraft development and production is a major flag bearer in our journey towards self-reliance and industrialization and adds a glorious chapter in the history of Pakistan’s friendship with People’s Republic of China. The Prime Minister added that we have achieved a number of other important milestones in a short time during our journey of ever enduring friendship with China. Prime Minister said that the government will ensure fulfilment of the requirements of defence forces to make the country’s defence invincible. He also formally launched the Block-II JF-17 Thunder aircraft by riveting one of the structural frames of 51st JF-17 aircraft. During the ceremony, Pakistan and China also signed an agreement to establish a joint sales and marketing team for JF-17 Thunder. The products of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex were also shown to the Prime Minister and guests during a static display after the ceremony.