Pak launches avionics production line for JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft

Islamabad, May 29 (ANI): Pakistan has started the production of avionics and other important gadgets for the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

The equipments for the combat jets would be produced at the Kamra based Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

Speaking on the occasion of the launch of the production line for the latest avionics, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman described the project as a step forward in making the PAF 'self-reliant.'

"A strong air force is essential for the country's survival, therefore, it is important that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) gets self-reliant. Today's ceremony is an important step in this direction," The Daily Times quoted Suleman, as saying.

He also expressed satisfaction on the progress made in achieving the 'national objective of self-reliance in the defence industries.'

Speaking during the occasion PAC Chairman Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan said that besides the Chinese avionics, four indigenously designed and developed avionics systems were also being produced at the Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory.

He also presented an evaluation of the JF-17 avionics programme on the occasion.

Originally known as Super-7, the FC-1 Xiaolong or the JF-17 Thunder was developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation under a joint venture between China and Pakistan.

The PAF is likely to acquire 150 JF-17s, while China is expected to buy 250 for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) depending on the outcome of the evaluation.

Pakistan will initially produce 50 percent of the aircraft locally. The PAC had formally started the production of the JF-17 at the Kamra factory in April 2005.(ANI)