Egypt interested in buying JF-17 Thunder, says ambassador

E-Paper | March 12, 2026

RAWALPINDI: Egypt is interested in purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Sherif Shaheen told Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain during a meeting here on Friday.

The minister informed the ambassador that Pakistan was at present selling its traditional weapons to US, UK, Germany and some Far Eastern countries.

Know more: Pakistani jets garner interest at Dubai air show

He offered the sale of JF-17 Thunder and Super Mashak to Egypt and said Iraq had already signed an agreement with Pakistan for the purchase of 20 Super Mashak while a deal with Turkey for the sale of 52 Super Mashak had almost been finalised.

Rana Tanveer emphasised the need for joint venture in defence production between the two countries.

Ambassador Shaheen said Egypt was looking for collaboration with Pakistan in the defence industry.

A defence delegation from Egypt would visit defence production facilities in Pakistan to look into the possibility of buying defence-related products, he added.

The minister invited the distinguished guest to visit defence production establishments of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2015

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Zak

Dec 05, 2015 07:18am

Pakistan will be the leading defense supplier in the world and thus enhancing its global power and prestige.

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Inqelab Zindabad

Dec 05, 2015 07:27am

@Zak Good luck

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shazad

Dec 05, 2015 07:30am

JF-17 is better option for Egypt and most Muslim countries, than F16 or any other aircrafts however good they maybe. Reason is that, at time of need (even war), these countries may even get well trained, willing and reliable fighter pilots as mercenaries or whatever from Pakistan, something they may not be able to get with purchase of other aircrafts.

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Mr M. Tariq

Dec 05, 2015 07:43am

Good and well done Egypt JF 17 thunder is second to none and you should be very proud it is a Muslim made fighter plane.5 stars

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Bala korea

Dec 05, 2015 07:45am

@mmm putting just INITIAL lol lol lol

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Disparate

Dec 05, 2015 07:49am

@Zak Take it easy there is no need to be over excited. Hope it happens sooner than later but for now Pakistan needs to keep low profile and work hard.

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jamshed

Dec 05, 2015 07:50am

@Zak Aerospace work specially designing building, manufacturing jet fighters and aerospace systems and parts is not like building bycicle or even cars. We have very long way to go and it is just the beginning, a very humble one but fot your own education p[lease look at other nations who are trying to get their foothold in aerospace market and you will know how technically challenging this job is.But yes we are showing our presence more than ever and to continue on this path we will be needing heavy infusion of money and planning to go to next level.

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Satt

Dec 05, 2015 07:52am

How much the Egyptians paid for their interest?

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Mike,London

Dec 05, 2015 07:52am

What kind of weapons it sells to US and UK, some one please explain.

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Kalashnikov

Dec 05, 2015 08:00am

@Zak beyond amusement

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Haroon

Dec 05, 2015 08:01am

Pakistan should start the fifth generation fighter aircraft project right now. They should invite middle eastern countries to invest and collaborate in such project. Also PAF should invest some money on the Research and Development on Aircraft design, radars, jet-engines and avionics locally. JF-17 is equipped with Russian Engine and European Avionics. This should change in the future. Indigenous development is very very important for the progress.

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Ahmed USA

Dec 05, 2015 08:06am

Defence collaboration between Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt means creation of invincible Ground, Air and Sea power... Combined they have more than 600 F16s in addition to formidable Ground and Sea based assets... Acquisition of state of the art Jf17s will certainly ensure lasting peace especially in South Asian Ocean...

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anil sahu

Dec 05, 2015 08:06am

@Zak fake chest thumping

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Millat

Dec 05, 2015 08:39am

@Zak Yes we have technology, talent and top scientists in the world. Pakistan technology is world renowned. Even US has showed interest in Pakistani goods.

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pervez

Dec 05, 2015 08:44am

@anil sahu where is your LCA. We have active squadrons flying combat mission and sales achieved abroad. How many years has the LCA been on the drawing board and even your airforce doesn't want it. I bet you won't answer.

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Manish

Dec 05, 2015 08:45am

@Zak very funny dear

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S. A. M.

Dec 05, 2015 08:53am

I find it very strange. we have established sellers like USA Russia etc and amongst all these jets being bought from Pakistan. Turkey on the one hand has f16s and on the other buying made in Pakistan jets. I'm no defence expert and thus as a layman find it strange for above reasons. it would have been better if the news had drew a comparison between the well known aircrafts and those built by Pakistan. could it be they aren't expensive.

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Rattan

Dec 05, 2015 08:53am

@Millat can you please tell what technology from Pakistan has raised interest in USA

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rathorew

Dec 05, 2015 08:54am

@Zak Dream on, you really are very funny. Why do you not want Pakistan to become a force in intellectual matters and a world leader for peace and tolerance?

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Ovais Anzar

Dec 05, 2015 09:12am

@anil sahu I am a Pakistani, but I agree !!

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Sunil Varma

Dec 05, 2015 09:15am

@Zak we wish you great success !

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Fayaz Ahmed

Dec 05, 2015 09:20am

good news

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Uzair

Dec 05, 2015 09:20am

so much hatered and jealousy in response of ZAK's comments, Pakistan is a leading supplier within its own sphere, notable big ticket items include K-8, Super Mushaq, Armored vehicles by HIT and now JF-17.

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Casper

Dec 05, 2015 09:32am

thumbs up Pakistan

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Maxx

Dec 05, 2015 09:36am

@Uzair to add on a few more things here "Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) in particular has started exporting ammunition to Morocco, New Zealand and Thailand in recent months. “Pakistan have also exported 400 semiautomatic MP5 carbines to the United States and are selling weapons in advance economies like Germany as well,” said POF Director Exports Tabassum Rahman. According to him, POF-produced weapons, besides being reliable, had an edge over competitors in terms of price.

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Dec 05, 2015 09:44am

@Maxx Isn't an MP5 an German smg build under license just cheaper.

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Justice

Dec 05, 2015 09:46am

FBR need watch sales contract very closely to make sure no one take any commision from these sales, our corrupt politicians can't be trusted.

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abdullah

Dec 05, 2015 09:49am

@anil sahu .dude life is short.why so much of hatred and negativity.If they can do it than its good .if not than atleast they tried.Well it will be good if india would try to sell tejas after they are worth competing.ryt now as we know it is still being tested .so better luck with that.Lets not hate each other and live in peace.life is short.wether you hate us or we hate you we will still exist as neighbours.

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sana

Dec 05, 2015 09:50am

@Millat Yes who can say Pakistan is third world country , we are even ahead of so called first world countries in all aspects, Pakistan is the only first world country in south Asia.

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sonny afridi

Dec 05, 2015 09:51am

@Rattan Probably you don't understand sarcasm

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Tapish

Dec 05, 2015 09:51am

It will be greater delight when Pakistan sells defence hardware to India.May we reach such levels of friendship and pragmatism.

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sonny afridi

Dec 05, 2015 09:52am

@Uzair Dont forget world class Khalid Tanks.

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Yousaf

Dec 05, 2015 09:56am

Good if we export but at what price, what will be the profit and where will the money go once we have it. Is it going to swiss banks or reinvested in Pakistan?

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sonny afridi

Dec 05, 2015 09:56am

@Kalashnikov Yes Pakistan can be the cheapest place to manufacture and hence we can be leading manufacturing power which leads to development of other fields, Pakistan has bright future ahead no matter how many try to pull us back ,we will soon be one of the most powerful nation in the world.

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Maxx

Dec 05, 2015 09:59am

@mb Yes they have modified it, are lighter and cost effective. According to officials, POF has also started selling its prized POF Eye – a rig that allows the user to look and shoot around corners – to the country’s security forces. They added that POF has also modified the army’s standard issue G-3 rifle to make it lighter and more effective. Check 'POF Eye' on Google images.

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ghazal

Dec 05, 2015 10:10am

and they plan to take on Israeli air force with J- 17. OK , interesting

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GBian

Dec 05, 2015 10:14am

Thunder is bound to be a great success in international market, excellent alternative to f16, just wait till it sells its first batch.

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Zak

Dec 05, 2015 10:18am

Pakistan is already selling traditional weapons to UK,US and NATO countries. This proves its quality standards. Now the sale of J 17 means , it has moved at the high end sophisticated machinery sale. Pakistan is making a name for itself and leading in South Asia. With sale of J 17s, expected future sale projection is $ 10 billion

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sam

Dec 05, 2015 10:21am

@Uzair Going to reply the same but you already did :) thx

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Sonny Afridi

Dec 05, 2015 10:30am

@Zak inshallah brother

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Zak

Dec 05, 2015 10:31am

Egyptians will be helped a lot if they buy J 17s.

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Sunil Varma

Dec 05, 2015 10:36am

@sana sure Pakistan is among the First World countries and India must have trade relations with Pakistan.

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Ton tom

Dec 05, 2015 10:49am

Awesome. .does this come with batteries?

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Shahid

Dec 05, 2015 10:52am

You always have to begin some where and in this regard Pakistan has done much better than expected in the development of weaponry. But I am concerned that may be we are heading the Russian way who spent all their money and talent only on their state owned defense industry and at the end lacked in most other industries. I would very much like some private investors to collaborate in our defense research and production so that state revenue is targeted on other development areas.

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Sad Hamid

Dec 05, 2015 11:03am

@sana yes people in Pakistan are poor by choice. We are richer than other first world countries.

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Sad Hamid

Dec 05, 2015 11:04am

@Rattan the one it uses for NASA.

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Anil

Dec 05, 2015 11:07am

@Zak good joke lolzzzz

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AKKS

Dec 05, 2015 11:08am

@sana OMG!!!!

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Rattan

Dec 05, 2015 11:14am

@Sad Hamid Sad please elaborate what technology NASA is using originating from Pakistan

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FAISAL BAJWA

Dec 05, 2015 11:29am

@GBian F16 is already a very low price platform for its capability envelop, compared to the much expensive twin engine fixed wing cousins.

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TZaman

Dec 05, 2015 11:39am

@Zak There should be limits of dreaming. Most of what Pakistan makes are licensed products. And how much it is exported it can be checked from the Finance ministry. It was never substantial. Can we have clean drinking water first ?

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Fahd

Dec 05, 2015 12:28pm

The chances of Egypt getting the thunders are very grim as they have a large fleet of the F-16s and have recently bought latest blocks of the F-16s. Their initial blocks are without BVR capability but the latest ones have it. Probably they want another second line fighter in their fleet which is definitely better then their older fleet of the F-16. As far as Israeli air crafts are concerned , yes they are superior but you can beat them with superior training. Pakistani pilots flying hunters shot down israeli mirages.

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Shahid

Dec 05, 2015 12:37pm

@Rattan We don't need to tell.....................

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hamad khan

Dec 05, 2015 12:40pm

It's good news jf-17 is about to rule the world within 5 years ..its cheap alternative tof16f

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N.S

Dec 05, 2015 01:00pm

@Rattan Check this report. Precision engineering, Pakistan is exporting parts to Boeing USA. http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/business/04-May-2006/boeing-places-100m-manufacturing-orders-with-pakistani-companies

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N.S

Dec 05, 2015 01:02pm

@Rattan Also Pakistan is exporting surveillance drones to USA and many European countries as well. Check this report. http://southasiainvestor.blogspot.com/2008/12/pakistan-exporting-uavs-to-america.html

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Azhar

Dec 05, 2015 01:11pm

There is no lake of tallent in Pakistan but only we are missing good leadership. Our greedy politicians holding Pakistan back to take off to the right direction.Pakistan is blessed with all resouces but to use them on to the right directions we need good leadership, fortunately people are becoming more and more aware of their rights and for our Indian friends who are showing their sarcsam like allways when some thing good happen to Pakistan no need to be jalouse because good neighbours are always be better friends then far living relatives .

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Pakistani Heart

Dec 05, 2015 01:33pm

@Zak ....yes mate you are correct

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Corporate10

Dec 05, 2015 01:33pm

Don't see why they need another multirole fighter given the recent acquisition of French Dassault Rafales and newly delivered f-16s from America. Of course, the military is on spending spree, so its possible but not plausible.

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sfoman

Dec 05, 2015 01:41pm

@Tapish If we reach to that level, we would not need to buy any defense equipment from each other. Something that the advanced militarized countries would never let it happen. Our fight is in their best interest

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Aamir Shehzad

Dec 05, 2015 01:47pm

An Article about Pakistan defence industry by indians "Over 200 defence items including missiles (anti-tank and surface-to-air), tanks, artillery guns and spare parts are being exported to more than 21 targeted countries” Read more at: http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/defence-industry-of-pakistan/

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Gaz

Dec 05, 2015 01:51pm

Saying that we are leaders in certain technology is a bit silly but good progress is being made with the help of China. The Indians who dismiss Chinese technology are in a state of denial.

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Just here

Dec 05, 2015 02:52pm

India doesn't have home made arm drones or jets but Pakistan does. Good for Pakistan

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Khwarezmi

Dec 05, 2015 03:03pm

Democratic countries across the globe are making billions upon billions of dollars in weapon sales and Pakistan must tap into this market and then reinvested the money in R&D. Also, Pakistan can under internationl law sell missiles with a rnge up to 300 km. The market potential for our missile systems is huge

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zak

Dec 05, 2015 03:06pm

@Sunil Varma we prefer you find other trading partners, better for you and us. goodbye.

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Rahim

Dec 05, 2015 03:10pm

Pakistan exports drones and small arms to the US. These drones are used for border surveillance. POF exports small arms and ammunition to 40 countries of the world.

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Mukesh

Dec 05, 2015 03:14pm

@Tapish Will never happen....

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Factual

Dec 05, 2015 03:21pm

I'm surprised to see such hate in comments. Defence production industry of Pakistan has done well for its size. It may not be the most advanced in the world but it surely is exporting weapons and bringing in foreign exchange. This can only be a good thing for a country whose exports have not been doing well. JF-17 is the most advanced weapon we have for sale and it is generating good interest. For those who are doubting our exports to first world countries, Pakistan is not exporting something they can't manufacture themselves. But Pakistan can provide high quality weapons at fraction of the cost. It makes good financial sense for US and UK to import these weapons from Pakistan. Foreign exchange and jobs for Pakistan and savings for them. Not that hard to understand, is it?

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Khalid Khan

Dec 05, 2015 03:32pm

Commission is taken on weapons the defense forces buy from other countries.In this case commission is given to buyers from other countries.

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Taimoor Khan

Dec 05, 2015 03:43pm

The frustration of Indian trolls here is very amusing and satisfying for us Pakistanis. Theses People are forgetting the very important part of news. It's the Egyptians themselves who are quoted in this news item showing interest in this Pakistani product. on the other side, from Pakistan prospective, we will be selling a strong military platform to Israel main adversary in middle East. This is very important because israel over the years have been openly and blatantly selling it's weapons to India in the name of simple business. We can do the same now. Granted Egyptian air force operates F16s but in case of any conflict with Israel how effective they would be and the weapons they would be carrying? That's anybody guess. Jf17 armed with SD10 BVR missile would be a games changer in Egyptian and Israeli equation.

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Akram

Dec 05, 2015 03:52pm

Egypt has no cash, even the Rafale's they bought are being paid for by the Saudis, however if the Chinese offer good terms on credit (which is likely) then maybe we can do a deal.

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Akram

Dec 05, 2015 03:55pm

@Manish ...not as funny as the LCA story though for us Pakistanis. Now that is a cracker!

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Shaffiq

Dec 05, 2015 03:59pm

Pak shouldn't sell to Egypt. These Arabs will betray Pak like Gaddafi. Egypt will open up JF17 to Israel.

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Mian

Dec 05, 2015 04:27pm

Egyptians are more corrupt than us. better not to deal with them.

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Rattan

Dec 05, 2015 04:32pm

@N.S thanks for the link.i will read that

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aman

Dec 05, 2015 04:53pm

Arabs should buy arms from Pakistan so Pakistan can further develop its capabilities. Pakistan need to lead.

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Nadeem USA

Dec 05, 2015 05:11pm

Neighbor - you guys are not only funny but you are jealous too. I think you should concentrate on Tejas, if you like we can help you how to manufacture aircrafts. Good luck.

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zak

Dec 05, 2015 05:52pm

@Mian They were Indias best friends in the past, not sure of now.

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Khan

Dec 05, 2015 06:10pm

We need clean drinking water.

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ahmedj

Dec 05, 2015 06:19pm

@Tapish "It will be greater delight when Pakistan sells defence hardware to India" For sure it can happen. we have to settle our disputes first for a better future. This also include the oldest pending UN resolution. Good luck with your thoughts, we support you.

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Nadeem USA

Dec 05, 2015 06:40pm

@ghazal Do you know the meaning of your name? And you are talking about war? Pakistan never say that they are going to take on Israeli air force. We manufacture fighter plane for our protection. It's a good product and it's on sale.

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Nadeem USA

Dec 05, 2015 06:51pm

@Ovais Anzar, I'm Indian, but I'm impressed with JF-17 Thunder. Excellent job Pakistan

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Nadeem USA

Dec 05, 2015 06:59pm

@Ton tom, oh yah, US forget to provide batteries of F-16. From there we learned how to manufacture batteries and then we decided to manufacture our own toy too. with batteries. You know our neighbor still trying to fly their Tejas, I hope they read your comments and use batteries to fly their toy.

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Kazim Reza

Dec 05, 2015 07:27pm

I am amused by some funny comments.When the topic is defence some points on sanitation and vice versa.If they can relate the issue than welcome.That misses. They know better their mental topsy turvy condition.In the past the Pakistan found empty ended while meeting the challenge.The selling of arms including sophisticated JF-17 (produced from Kamrah),co producer Pakistan shows sophistication in the field.But importantly her self sufficiency in producing some fields of ammunition . Production of P O.F. Wah,the biggest in South Asia for traditional weapon certainly touches the Zenith.It implies nation has efficient planners ,researchers, experts,engineers&technicians.However,the research on theoretical basic sciences should be further developed with the better quality of educational and research institutions.Please mind it on Professor Pervez's much acclaimed recent write up.Basic research on science is a priority and the technology is a secondary matter. Professor Salam preached it.

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sanaya

Dec 05, 2015 09:20pm

I'm amazed to find the reactions of Indians.....if this news was of india they would have been saying that 'wait for few years we will take on Pakistan' but now that pakistan's defense production is ahead of them, in fact after producing and fulfilling our own need we are selling it to other countries including many developed nations they cant digest it..... Accept it or not we are way ahead in our defense production as compare to India and will be......

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Reality

Dec 06, 2015 09:16am

@Ahmed USA i was reading your comments very patiently till it read South Asian Ocean.. Have seen a thing round in shape...called GLOBE..

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Abdulla Hussain

Dec 06, 2015 11:38am

Sensible approach, this is needed.

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Shiraj

Dec 06, 2015 11:51am

All components are made abroad, only it is assembled in Pakistan. A mediocre light weight plane.

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Ali

Dec 07, 2015 12:35am

Egyptian Air Force interest in buying JF-17s is a smart and prudent decision. This aircraft is fully capable of meeting operational requirements of most air forces at a fraction of the cost, compared to very expensive US and European aircraft. This welcome deal will also herald a new chapter in Egypt and Pakistan relations, with opportunities of joint collaboration in defence production for mutual benefit. Pakistan as the only nuclear-weapon Muslim state in the world, has great responsibility to continue to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region and the world.

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Qamar sadiq

Dec 07, 2015 01:13am

i have a heard a lot people from different countries showing their interest in jf-17 but not a single jet has been sold yet. lets hope this happens now.

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jamshed

Dec 07, 2015 09:51am

@Zak I don't know what Egyptians will do with JF-17 as they have been given $5.6B loan for Rafale fighters and few have already beendiverted from French Airforce lot, even before India. They have a large inventory of 250+ F-16 (various blocks 30/40-52), second after Turkey. Egypt was supplied with F-4 Phantoms after Camp David as reward but transition from Soviets to US such as sophisticated F-4 became a nightmare.

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jamshed

Dec 07, 2015 10:00am

@shazad I agree with you if they did not have F16,the largest or one of the largest fleet in ME after Israel and Turkey so it will be redundant and challenge to keep one more machine in flying order. As matter of fact we (PAF) itself are in a learning curve and to sell JF-17 we need to have two-seater for training pilots of other countries. PAF is the only airforce,the builder and manufacturer that is transitiong (conversion) its pilots from F-7PG and Migages in the absence of a two-seat JF17.

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jamshed

Dec 07, 2015 10:22am

@Uzair I don't think there is any hatred but the reality is very different. We are in a very nascent state of technology adaptation nothing anything revolutionary.This an ardous road, takes lot technical efforts, critiacl mass of highly specialized people, sound management and lots of money.Without China this was an impossible project but we will get there and we are not as near or close people are saying. Cheers

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