ISLAMABAD, March 26: The operational induction of three squadron of Chinese F7 PG fighter aircraft will take place in Quetta on Wednesday which will also have the operational retirement of F6 Chinese aircraft.

Balochistan Governor Justice (retd) Amirul Mulk will be the chief guest, while PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir and the chairman of Chinese Aviation Industry will be present on the occasion.

According to informed sources, China would provide a total of 57 F7 PG fighter aircraft by early 2003.

So far 20 of them have already arrived in Pakistan while another 20 will reach here next month.

These three squadrons also included six dual seaters trainer aircraft.

The sources said that Pakistan had been offered these F7 PG aircraft relatively on lower prices by China and as such each plane would cost about five million dollars.

The new Chinese aircraft had been described by the pilots as “mini F-16 aircraft” because of their manoeuvrability and better performance.

Quetta has been chosen for operational induction of these aircraft in order to pay tribute to martyrs of the province and to give more emphasis on PAF’s activities there.

The sources said that those 30 to 40 F6 Chinese aircraft which were being operationally retired, would continue to be used by the Pakistan Air Force in emergency situations.