KAMRA, May 9: Serial production of multi-role combat aircraft, JF-17 Thunder, would start at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra from 2007, said chief project director, Air Vice Marshal Shahid Latif, while briefing journalists at the Complex on Monday.

The production of JF-17 would lessen the dependability of Pakistan Air Force on the fleet of the US made F-16’s as the first choice for combat operations as the new aircraft is designed to meet the requirements of the contemporary battle space with an ability to carry the latest BVRs (Beyond Visual Range Missiles).

Jointly developed by Pakistan and China, JF-17 is worth almost half the price tag of the $25 million US made F-16.

As dictated by the mission requirements, AVM Shahid said, JF-17 would be able to carry short range, Beyond Visual Range (BVR), anti-ship missiles, anti-radiation missiles, high and low drag bombs, laser guided, runway penetration and cluster bombs.

A number of countries have placed advance orders for the purchase of JF-17, said AVM Shahid, adding, PAC Kamra would have the capacity to roll out 20 combat birds each year.

AVM Shahid said besides catering to the export orders of various countries, PAF has a demand of 150 JF-17s while China requires 250 JF-17s.

On the occasion, chairman PAC, Air Marshal Aurangzeb, briefed the journalists about production facilities at the complex and said Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Sri Lanka were among the list of customers for Mushshak and overhaul of FT-5 and F-7 aircraft.