Pakistan plans to buy J-10 multi-role jets from China

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Islamabad, Apr 5 (UNI) Pakistan is planning to buy two squadrons of the J-10 Multi-role Combat aircraft from China.

''Pakistan Air Force (PAF) may buy two J-10 squadrons from China as part of its plan to replace ageing aircraft of its fleet,'' sources told UNI.

The J-10 built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) is the next generation multi-role fighter for China's Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which features a compound delta-wing design with canards placed higher in front of the main wing and behind the canopy.

The light weight airframe is powered by the Russian built AL-31FN engine, which is a modification of the Su-27 and Su-30 AL-31F power plant.

According to officials, the jet can stay in the air for an extended period without needing to refuel.

Pakistan and China are already engaged in negotiations to finalise a concrete proposal in this regard. ''The PAF may give some concrete proposal to the government for purchase of the jets next year,'' sources said.

The J-10 can be armed with the Russian R-73 and R-77 or Chinese PL-8, PL-10, and PL-11 air-to-air missiles as well as a wide variety of air-to-ground weapons. The aerodynamically unstable design is controlled by a digital fly-by-wire system.

Pakistan's cooperation with China in defence dates back to 1960s when Beijing helped Islamabad build heavy industries for indigenous production of tanks and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex to overhaul the whole range of aircraft its air force is flying.

Pakistan and China also jointly conceived and manufactured JF-17 (Thunder) combat aircraft. The PAF, which has already been delivered two Thunders, plans to induct six more jets this year and a total of 200-250 birds by 2015.

UNI

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