Turkey to provide 34 T-37 aircraft to Pakistan free of cost

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD/ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkey signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement Wednesday under which Turkey will provide Pakistan with 34 ‘T-37 fighter cum training aircraft and its spare parts on a gratis basis.’

The agreement was signed after the conclusion of the 11th Meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) in Ankara.

From Pakistan's side, the agreement was signed by Director General Defence Procurement Major General Naveed Ahmed while from the Turkish side, Chief of Logistics Major General Serdar Gulbas signed the documents.

A joint communiqué from both Pakistan and Turkey was signed by Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak and Gen Yasar GULER, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff.

Defence Ministry spokesman Narita Farhan told media that the T-37 is a jet trainer light combat aircraft and Turkey, on Pakistan’s desire, extended a fleet of 34 aircraft along with spare parts to Pakistan.

Defence Secretary Lt. Gen (Retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak during the visit highlighted Pakistan’s defence capability and its relevance in the current global scenario.

Khattak said both working groups did considerable work to review progress on decisions taken in the last HLMDG meeting as well as deciding on the new agenda related to security issues and defence cooperation.

The secretary defence expressed desire to further expand cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries, from strategic to joint venture levels.

He said the HLMDG meeting proved very successful and expressed satisfaction over the unanimity of views on the subjects negotiated.

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Malik

Oct 28, 2015 06:01pm

Another obsolete aircraft added to inventory....good going!

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Arsalan

Oct 28, 2015 06:05pm

Nothing in this world is free!

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ASAD IQBAL

Oct 28, 2015 06:12pm

http://defence.pk/threads/t-37-crash-in-turkey-kills-paf-pilot-on-exchange.153481/page-5 our trainer already crashed and died due to these aircraft in 2012 in turkey.

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from Twincity

Oct 28, 2015 06:14pm

@Malik it is 'fighter cum training aircraft' will help to train them and will allow more hours of training in the Air.

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Ammar

Oct 28, 2015 06:16pm

It is an obsolete aircraft. Even Bangladesh grounded its T-37 fleet. Someone is benefiting here and it sure is not PAF.

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Saad

Oct 28, 2015 06:22pm

First of all the aircraft depicted is a K-8, not a T-37. As far as I can remember, PAF had T-37s back in the day and retired them. Why do we need these again?

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Malik

Oct 28, 2015 06:24pm

@from Twincity Only 3 countries are still operating this aircraft. (1) Columbia (2) Ecuador, and yes you guessed it right - Pakistan. It it was such a decent aircraft for training, 17 other countries would not have put it out of commission.

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M Jamal

Oct 28, 2015 06:24pm

Turkey is a tested friend of Pakistan.Providing of the training jets is another feather in the friendship of both the countries.

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pakistani

Oct 28, 2015 06:25pm

Absolutely obsolete aircraft! Turkey shoved them towards us because of storage isn't cheap.

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pro bono publico

Oct 28, 2015 06:43pm

US Air Force retired T37 in 2009

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Kamran

Oct 28, 2015 06:43pm

One man's trash is another man's treasure!! Winter clean up time :) Jet retired over 15 years back, I hope Pakistani technicians can make it safe.

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khan

Oct 28, 2015 06:44pm

@pakistani "Absolutely obsolete aircraft! Turkey shoved them towards us because of storage isn't cheap." Yes, we are doing them a favor. Pakistan always looking to help others.

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Kamran

Oct 28, 2015 06:46pm

@M Jamal Bro, there is no friendship on world stage! It is also foolish to think that Saudis is our friend, you don't need enemies after that.

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Oct 28, 2015 06:48pm

Sultan Erdogan's small contribution to an already established theocratic (PUB) country, and to showoff what a truly big brother Turkey is.

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Ghaznavi

Oct 28, 2015 06:51pm

Turkey is indeed a true friend of Pakistan.

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Ghaznavi

Oct 28, 2015 06:52pm

@Arsalan "Nothing in this world is free!" Please elaborate ! its not polite to question a friendly gesture.

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Rehman Sattar

Oct 28, 2015 07:02pm

@Saad they're now used in simulated target practice. Like the US air force uses it's early batches of F16s for war scenario simulation. ( Aggressor squadrons). Plus in war time the same old aircrafts act as decoy. Every country saves them. That is why even US Air force still flies early batches of F-5s and F-16s.

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Shaam سے

Oct 28, 2015 07:05pm

T37 was retired by all major countries in the late 90's. Disaster waiting in wings...

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Adnan H

Oct 28, 2015 07:11pm

This is against the self-esteem and pride of the nation, how can Pak government get into such a deal. No nation rises with such attitude, very poor decision by the establishment as well.

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Kandhkoti

Oct 28, 2015 07:13pm

A friend in need is a friend is indeed. Of course , There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world but something like mutual help does exists between friends.

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N.Sid

Oct 28, 2015 07:15pm

Just the other day Nation was celebrating when Edhi declined the 1 crore donation from Modi, India and here comes this anti-climax. Such short lived happiness. No nation can progress and rise in the comity of nation with such 'free lunch' attitude. Either you pay for it or don't get it, people of Pakistan has high pride and self-esteem, whats wrong with the government...

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Zia

Oct 28, 2015 07:16pm

Its trainer-fighter plane not actual combat aircraft. Its purpose is to train pilots and not a bad choice to use better planes for training rather 50s era planes. That's why its free of cost :)

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Aurangzeb Syed

Oct 28, 2015 07:19pm

Does this deal mean the end of the K-8 Karakorum jointly developed China-Pak jet trainer and light combat aircraft project? If not so, how can you keep both, I don't understand. Can some "in the know" circle making this decision explain? Although these T-37 are 'free', but has anyone raised the question about the strategic price Pakistan could end up paying? Pakistan should further develop the K-8 project and not rely on U.S developed jet trainer.

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Must read this..

Oct 28, 2015 07:22pm

Thanks to Turkey. T-37 are ideal for training ,and obviously these will be helpful for our PAF.

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Hyder

Oct 28, 2015 07:34pm

Sir It is a thank you for awarding costly metro bus network and possibly a bait to win other lucrative and costly projects in future. Thanks

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Kpk

Oct 28, 2015 07:40pm

By the time I saw the heading I was more interested in pictures than the theory. We can use the spare parts may be sell it on Afghanistan. They can use it for sprays on poppy fields etc

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Third Party

Oct 28, 2015 07:41pm

Do they even fire or just fly in sky !!

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Kandhkoti

Oct 28, 2015 07:43pm

@ASAD IQBAL The tragic incident must have happened owing to trainer's mistake and not fault in training aircraft. Otherwise, all the training aircrafts would have meet the same destiny.

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Bilal

Oct 28, 2015 07:44pm

Nothing is free. Hope they not asking to join new front against Assad, Iran and Russia in Syria.

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Kpk

Oct 28, 2015 07:46pm

Good one

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shafiquk

Oct 28, 2015 07:47pm

I wish someday a friendly country provide free buses or trains for the common people of pakistan. I dont see this day coming.

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M.Saeed

Oct 28, 2015 07:56pm

These aircraft have been retired since 2009!

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Suleiman Khan

Oct 28, 2015 07:57pm

These could be good ground attack against TTP

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Muhammad Usman

Oct 28, 2015 07:59pm

Great friend Turkey Thanks alot

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Shahpur

Oct 28, 2015 08:12pm

This is an old, obsolete airplane.

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Lucky Star

Oct 28, 2015 08:12pm

It is not the aircraft that counts, it is the person sitting in the aircraft that counts. Your comments show your complete ignorance in defense matters.

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Progressing

Oct 28, 2015 08:14pm

Although they are old,hopefully they have been refurbished,and @ARSLAN,you are on the money brother,nothing is free,but I do have faith in the decisions being made on military level,unlike our politicians.Some times you have to scratch each others back in order to achieve your goals.

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Lucky Star

Oct 28, 2015 08:19pm

Turky is also all weather friend who unlike Iran, and so-called Arabian brethren is never influenced by negative propaganda of India. Turky is the only friend after China, Pakistan can depend on.

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Lucky Star

Oct 28, 2015 08:21pm

@ASAD IQBAL How many died in Pakistan in F-16 and in old Mirages? Count those and then comment.

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Rahim

Oct 28, 2015 08:22pm

We need A10s or AC 130 gunships for ground attack against terrorists. What do we need these obsolete T37s for?

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Shahzad

Oct 28, 2015 08:23pm

There is no free gift in this world.

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Lucky Star

Oct 28, 2015 08:23pm

@Kamran They will, do not worry.

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lafanga

Oct 28, 2015 08:25pm

First of all nothing is for free so there must be something provided in return which cannot be disclosed openly. Secondly T37 trainers have proven record around the world. Aircraft was first developed in 1957 but upgraded many times over the decades. As long as it's airworthy it can be used. US airforce is still using upgraded B52 since 1952 so please educate yourself before commenting about Pakistan making a bad decision.

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Lucky Star

Oct 28, 2015 08:27pm

@N.Sid If you don't pay Taxes, government has to protect the nation whatever government can do without taxes.

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Irfan

Oct 28, 2015 08:27pm

@Ammar today people even do not throw junks they just sell it and these are air-crafts man

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Taimur

Oct 28, 2015 08:28pm

Another metro project on the way?

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Lucky Star

Oct 28, 2015 08:28pm

@Bilal Assad needs to and Iran needs to stop meddling in Arabs affairs.

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mike

Oct 28, 2015 08:29pm

@Malik what do u mean another obsolete .....can u name previous obsolete aircraft inducted.....these will used to canibilize as spares for existing fleet...not for operational reasons as they r not combat worthy ....choose ur words wisely as it speaks of one's ignorance

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Waseem

Oct 28, 2015 08:36pm

Someone from PAF has to comment about the plan to set up a junkyard in PAF T-37 is quite an obsolete, and under performing aircraft than our own K-8P jet trainer, which Pakistan can build up at marginal cost. I believing these 34 are in addition to 54 T-37B collected from USAAF under excessive defense article. In either case, look like PAF is starting their own charter plane service.

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Haroon

Oct 28, 2015 08:37pm

I thought Pakistan manufactured own trainer aircraft and was looking for export orders. So why is there a need for used and obsolete aircraft??

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Abdul Malik

Oct 28, 2015 08:37pm

T37 are nothing more than junk age old aircraft.

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fawad

Oct 28, 2015 08:38pm

Great...

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Arslan

Oct 28, 2015 08:39pm

These will be useful for operations in Afghanistan against TTP and the emerging IS there - when the time arises for such operations.

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Arslan

Oct 28, 2015 08:42pm

@Suleiman Khan Yes brother, others don't seem to realise that these are for the hostile elements (TTP and IS) in our Western neighbour.

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Shiraz

Oct 28, 2015 08:52pm

The pictures with this article are those of K-8 ! T-37 is NOT a fighter. I have no idea at all that what are they going to do with these as PAF has already decommissioned all of its T-37s and replaced them with superior K-8.

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A.M.K

Oct 28, 2015 08:54pm

The T-37 served as the U.S. Air Force's primary pilot training vehicle for over 52 years after its first flight.Introduction 1957 ,Retired 2009 (USAF) ,Produced 1955–1975 ,Number built 1,269 .It was phased out in favor of the Beech craft T-6 Texan II between 2001 and 2009. The T-6 is a turboprop aircraft with more power, better fuel efficiency and more modern avionics than the T-37.

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syed abbas

Oct 28, 2015 09:06pm

@Malik its a trainer .....obsolete is your Indian way of thinking dont see any hope for you either

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SHAHID MAHMOOD

Oct 28, 2015 09:12pm

@Malik This is a well proven trainer, and it is for training purpose only. Free, that is good. No need to spend more money on a trainer that wont be any better than this.

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asim

Oct 28, 2015 09:33pm

Why are we still begging other nations for handouts??? So embarassing!

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Tahir Khan

Oct 28, 2015 09:44pm

This is bad. Why for free .. being obselete is one concern but then what is it we will be paying back . perhaps a different favor.

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Steve Boston USA

Oct 28, 2015 09:47pm

@Ammar How it can be? they are FREE

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BD Mukul

Oct 28, 2015 09:48pm

@Ammar Bangladesh has bought 8 brand new Yak-130 fighter jet from Russia which will provide training for 5th generation aircraft to BAF pilots.

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Abdul Karim

Oct 28, 2015 09:55pm

Wow - thank you turkey. These are top in the class.

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aKZIs

Oct 28, 2015 10:07pm

@Malik if someone give you 1995 Corolla free of cost, you'd never say no.. would you?

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Arslan

Oct 28, 2015 10:07pm

We are all too ill-informed to judge PAF's decision. PAF pilots are considered the best in the world for dog fights so these trainer jets surely can't be anywhere as bad as most here are claiming them to be. PAF has 2 pilots for every plane as a policy so having additional jets at no upfront cost is actually a good thing.

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En Jay

Oct 28, 2015 10:15pm

Would be a bigger help when Turkey build universities, schools or hospitals.

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Waleed

Oct 28, 2015 10:31pm

Nothing in this materialistic world comes for free. It may appear to be free but it would definitely have implicit costs that may be along with it, such as military cooperation against the militants fighting near the turkish border. If my memory serves me right, I had come across an article wherein it was stated that turkish is seeking Pakistan's assistance to fight the turkish whom the turkey look at as terrorists. I hope i am not the only one to have made the right guess.

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Rohit

Oct 28, 2015 10:34pm

It is not the aircraft that counts, it is the person sitting in the aircraft that counts. Your comments show your complete ignorance in defense matters.@Lucky Star Truer words have not been said......Its your will to fight....thats all that matters.....just look at Taliban and US

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Satt

Oct 28, 2015 10:45pm

@N.Sid Edhi sahab is not what he is because of being a Pakistani or a Muslim but because he is a 'pure human' a man with heart and substance.If he would be living in any part of the world he would be the same man.So what he does is completely his deeds but Pakistani governmental and its military represents Pakistan so their decision is Pakistan's decision.

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Shah

Oct 28, 2015 10:50pm

Good gesture by Turkey. Any air craft for training is good, as long as it is safe and Pakistan technical staff can learn from it develop it further. Whats the harm? A question to all the negative comments.

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Taimoor Khan

Oct 28, 2015 10:57pm

We are making K8 trainers, why we are buying older T37s?

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pakl

Oct 28, 2015 11:12pm

I see comments of old tech.But old can be gold,I am sure they are 100% more reliable than decaying Chinese junk

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50 tech

Oct 28, 2015 11:14pm

T37 was star of 1950's best in class.

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Oct 28, 2015 11:17pm

Stop gathering junk even if its free of cost.

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Waqar

Oct 28, 2015 11:26pm

May b they are obsolete & junk . But they are a gift from a friend which has stood behind pak in every situation . So b grateful thanks

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shawn

Oct 28, 2015 11:54pm

Its free of cost why not......

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Ahmed

Oct 29, 2015 12:08am

Some of these should be given to Kpk forest department for surveillance purposes.

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Pakistani

Oct 29, 2015 12:12am

Of course Turkey is a friend but should not give these obsolete aircraft. We need some thing new no matter high price. Free junk is not acceptable. We are already tired of Metro Turkey thank U, we do not need T-37.

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Omar

Oct 29, 2015 12:21am

We've had these aircraft for some time. We can rehabilitate them and allow our pilots to train more often. So overall this will be good for our pilots!

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Shahid

Oct 29, 2015 12:34am

What type of comments are these. Instead of thanking Turkey for the good gesture, we are here to find faults in the jets? Pakistan army/air force very well know about the trainers and their durability; and they may have there own plans to renovate them to as good as new -after all we do build our own Saab trainers (Mushaq) so no reason to doubt our ability to make T-37s as useful as any good jet trainer can be.

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Shahid Akbar

Oct 29, 2015 12:39am

Why are we so ungrateful.

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sami shahid

Oct 29, 2015 12:57am

good aircraft ! thanks to turkey

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moeed yusuf

Oct 29, 2015 01:07am

What about our promise to help them fight the Kurds. No mention of that? Our soldiers give their lives

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Shabbir

Oct 29, 2015 01:15am

We can dismantle it and then auction it in scrap market. Thank you Turkey for the honour.

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Aimal

Oct 29, 2015 01:19am

@Hyder Have we forgotten the money dwindling remote Power Station on Ships provided so kindly by Turkey that never delivered any electricity to any one but siphoned off the money ?

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Shakil Ahmed Khan

Oct 29, 2015 01:36am

Pakistan already have these t-37s from US last ones added in 2008.

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pakistani

Oct 29, 2015 01:37am

Thank you our brother country Turkey!

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lahori

Oct 29, 2015 01:45am

This aircraft was designed in late 40s (almost 75 years ago) and are only found in museums these days. Typically countries have to pay millions to dispose these aircrafts to the junk yards. I hope Pakistan is getting similar arrangement. BTW - These planes are so old and past their age that they are a danger to fly. Their best use is probable in museums.

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Rouf

Oct 29, 2015 01:57am

@Malik Why dont you do some research first before commenting on a subject you know nothing about... T37 are already used by PAF as stage 3 basic jet trainers, so adding 34 more free of cost is something to celebrate.

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Abdul Karim

Oct 29, 2015 02:06am

If we don't need them we can always sell it to less developed countries like Bangladesh and use that money to build or buy something useful to the army.

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Rouf

Oct 29, 2015 02:11am

@ Shaam سے So was Mirage 3/5 but PAF has been using it successfully to date, retirements plans are under way with JF17

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Rouf

Oct 29, 2015 02:12am

@Taimoor Khan FREE and already in service in PAF

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zafar Iqbal

Oct 29, 2015 02:26am

No harm done. We can always use them for scrap. We haven't lost anything, yaar. Chill everyone. We love our great Turkish brothers and they love us.

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Ali

Oct 29, 2015 04:04am

The veteran Cessna T-37 has served the PAF admirably since 1963. These trainers went through a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) in 1998, and the PAF has sourced parts from other friendly countries that have flown the T-37, to ensure their longevity. US Air Force transferred 59 T-37s to the PAF in recent years. PAF's impressive 6 aircraft aerobatic team "Sherdils" have flown T-37s in Pakistan and at International Air Shows. Turkish and Pakistan Air Forces have brotherly relations and have conducted joint tactical exercises. PAF F-16 Squadrons have flown to Turkey numerous times to participate in Exercise Anatolian Eagle and Turkish F-16 Squadrons have come to Pakistan for Exercise Indus Viper. Turkish Air Force gift of 34 T-37s is appreciated and gratefully accepted by the PAF.

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rana

Oct 29, 2015 04:06am

For all those expressing their usual negativity, This plane was being used by US for 52 years until 2009, when they retired it. It is still being used by turkey moroco. Its no longer a combat aircraft so anything cheaper for training is better.

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Rick_james

Oct 29, 2015 04:19am

Long live Pak-Turkey friendship.

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abp

Oct 29, 2015 04:29am

Do we really need air crafts? People need good education and health. Unfortunately, we have wrong priorities.

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Bitter truth

Oct 29, 2015 04:35am

Nothing is free in the world. Pakistan will pay one way or another

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Manmohan

Oct 29, 2015 04:42am

I would love if they could have given money or support to improve socio economic for country.

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Faisal Bajwa

Oct 29, 2015 04:43am

I love the Cessna Tweeti bird, I'd pay for one. There is no better basic jet trainer than a side by side instructor/trainee arrangement in the modern jet trainers. If it wasn't for the military industrial complex, these jets would still be upgraded and flown by the USAF Academy. Please don't undermine our beloved PAF's wisdom and judgment, they try their best to maintain highest levels of operational readiness while trying to minimize the burden on our exchequer. Thanks to our friendly nations and bravo to our PAF chain of command.

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sabb

Oct 29, 2015 04:56am

@Ammar dear bro.these fighter can be used for techtical pupose. more light and agile fighter for dog fighting. it will even give a run to su 35 fighter

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sabb

Oct 29, 2015 05:00am

@Malik these fighters are for techtical pupose.more light and agile.easy to maintaine.within no time in the air.these plains are great if you know how to use.they will give even a run to su 35 fighters.

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Pakistan

Oct 29, 2015 06:18am

Could this be connected to The Metros and stuff in which the Deputy Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif figures. Surely Turkey benefitted as did The Dy PM.

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Shaam سے

Oct 29, 2015 06:34am

Just like a bygone era car or s/w is no good today, so are planes for training. If you are still training with a pencil and paper, you can't give an online exam using computers. Simple, Thank Turks and donate to a much needy country, that has no options. Else bureaucrats will scrap it and make a heyday.

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TANDi

Oct 29, 2015 07:23am

Donation from a brotherly brother country.

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Sonny Afridi

Oct 29, 2015 07:27am

I value our partnership with the Turks but why would we need these when we already are manufacturing the K8 (jet) and the Super Mushak (prop) aircrafts? Makes no sense.

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issak

Oct 29, 2015 08:06am

a perfect deal between Muslim brothers ...maybe one day Pakistan can return the favor by some other means!

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Oct 29, 2015 08:13am

Introduced in 1957 and retired by USAF in 2009. Turkish want to get the junk out and Pak is ready to take. i think Turkey is paying to get this out of their junk yard. Pak will refurbish it and make it new to fly again.

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qasim

Oct 29, 2015 08:32am

Good move. Gaddani ship breaking could not be restored but we have started new scrap industry.

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KM Ali

Oct 29, 2015 09:37am

Ridiculous decision to accept the T37 trainer/fighter, it is an obsolete jet. This 'free' thing is a setback for Pakistan's aviation industry. Why not go for the K8?

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Pakistan

Oct 29, 2015 10:46am

@Arsalan Friend I know that nothing is free but do you know anything about Turkey, Turkey is Pakistan's best friend.

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seeker909

Oct 30, 2015 02:11am

I have repaired many of them. They are very old.

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Sam

Oct 30, 2015 09:05am

Free of cost? Sounds fishy.

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Suresh

Oct 30, 2015 10:34am

@Saad You talk about Bangladesh as if it is some backward country! Look up! It is more progressive, educated, commercially active compared to Pakistan! They should start to look down upon you now!

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Qaiser

Oct 30, 2015 02:41pm

@Suresh u have a point but we are discussing air force and in that regard we look down upon u

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Malik

Oct 30, 2015 06:20pm

One response for all: It looks like I've ignited emotions of quite a few, some calling me ignorant while others challenging my Pakistani-at (if there is such a word). That said, there is nothing to be happy about acquiring units to cannablize them for spares for existing inventory of obsolete T-37 trainers. Like it or not - that's the truth! It speaks volumes on the effectiveness of these aircrafts when you see which are the only 2 countries apart from Pakistan who are still operating T-37: Columbia & Ecuador. T-37 was a good trainer but maybe a decade or more ago. Technology has changed manyfold and so should the training techniques/equipment. Yes, on the face of it, it's free but as the saying goes - there are no free lunches in the world.

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Malik

Oct 30, 2015 06:20pm

As for someone giving me an example of getting a free 1995 Corolla, well you're right, I won't say no. However, that's me as an individual. You can't compare one of the most prestigious military institutions in our country to an individual. It's like comparing apples to oranges. PAF needs to equip itself with superior flying machines considering India is in the process of buying of French Rafale jets which have a proven ability (regardless if it's just a trainer aircraft). Pakistan should be phasing these out gradually and adopting newer technology rather than adding to the inventory. I have no doubt about their agility and ease to operate but this technology suited us in the 90's, not anymore. It's time to adapt to changes and to introduce our pilots to the latest aircrafts.

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India@Peace.com

Oct 30, 2015 11:57pm

Great deal for Pakistan. Unlike Saudis, Turkey will prefer civilian infrastructure contracts as return of favor instead of permissions to hunt endangered birds.

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Royal Hubara hunter

Oct 31, 2015 09:05am

At least, from donated planes, they will make good scrap metal-sales revenue! Besides, what will delivery cost? If any are re-used, what about the repair costs?

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