Pakistan formally inducts JF-17 Thunder in PAF combat school

Published January 26, 2015
Visitors stand next to the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar "IDEAS 2014" in Karachi December 2, 2014. - Reuters/File
Visitors stand next to the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar "IDEAS 2014" in Karachi December 2, 2014. - Reuters/File

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Monday formally inducted JF-17 Thunder fighter jets into its combat school.

In a special ceremony held at the Combat Commanders’ School at PAF Base Mushaf, the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets — often called the ‘Pride of Pakistan’ by military men — were formally inducted in the country’s defence force.

The jets carried out a display that was met with applause by a jubilant crowd that had gathered for the ceremony. The pilots were later greeted by children who presented them bouquets of flowers. Air Marshal Sohail Aman, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) who was the Chief Guest at the occasion also met the air and ground crew.

The induction of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets had begun in 2007 and has been continuing since then. The PAF currently has two JF-17 Squadrons that are actively engaged in different operations. The inclusion of the aircraft is being termed a major milestone towards self reliance and enhancement of operational capability.

The JF-17 Thunder — an indigenous war fighting machine co-developed by Pakistan and China — is a light weight, all weather multi-role fighter jet. It is equipped with a modern state-of-the-art avionics suite and an advanced cockpit layout. The fighter jet has the capability to carry out air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes, and can be fitted with beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles.

A Pakistan army soldier stands guard near a combat aircraft, jointly developed by China and Pakistan - AP/File
A Pakistan army soldier stands guard near a combat aircraft, jointly developed by China and Pakistan - AP/File
Visitors walk past a model of a JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft during the International Defence Exhibition - AFP/File
Visitors walk past a model of a JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft during the International Defence Exhibition - AFP/File

Opinion

Editorial

Rebuilding a dream
Updated 14 Aug, 2024

Rebuilding a dream

"True" independence — and not in the sense of a political slogan — can only be achieved when Pakistan’s children are assured of a better tomorrow.
A general’s arrest
14 Aug, 2024

A general’s arrest

A PAKISTAN Army general who had once seemed all-powerful has been arrested by his own institution for a list of...
No exceptions
14 Aug, 2024

No exceptions

CAREER civil services officer Rashid Mahmood Langrial, who recently became the ninth person to be appointed head of...
School massacre in Gaza
Updated 13 Aug, 2024

School massacre in Gaza

Can Tel Aviv’s assertions that it is ready to discuss a ceasefire really be taken seriously in the aftermath of such bloodbaths?
Bottomless pit
13 Aug, 2024

Bottomless pit

AT a time when the masses are struggling to put two decent meals on the table, the scale of fiscal malfeasance and...
Countering hate in UK
13 Aug, 2024

Countering hate in UK

THE anti-racism counter-protests witnessed across the UK last week brought a moment of relief to the country....