The day the first JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter plane, produced in the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, rolled out will be recorded as a great day in the history of the Pakistan Air Force. It will also be a symbol of the Pak-China friendship which has been described as “higher than the mountains and deeper than oceans”. This would be a milestone, marking the fulfilment of the Pakistan Air Force's goals of achieving self-sufficiency and strengthening its fighting capability. Its induction in PAF will start a new era in Pak-China relationship and the aviation industry.

The JF-17 Thunder a new generation, light-weight, all weather, day/night multi-role fighter aircraft with glass cockpit, hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls and efficient man -machine interface will ensure a minimal pilot workload. The maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a high thrust-to-weight ratio will enable it to perform well in an air defence role. An ability to carry short- as well as long-range air-to-air missiles lends the aircraft a first-shot capability.

In the surface attack role, a variety of weapons, conventional as well as precision-guided, a sophisticated avionics suite along with an accurate weapon-delivery system, ensure higher mission success rate. An effective ECM suite will greatly enhance survivability of the platform.

Its anticipated air-to-air re-fuelling capability will provide the JF-17 with more loiter time to safeguard the frontiers and the ability to deliver the required punch at distance. It will replace the ageing fleets of A-5s, F-7Ps and the Mirages in the PAF inventory thus fulfilling a multi-role task.

Pakistan and China are close neighbouring countries linked with common rivers and mountains. The friendship between the two peoples is of long standing and has become even stronger as time goes by. These relations began in 1950 when Pakistan was among the first countries to break relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and recognise the People's Republic of China.

The People's Republic of China's relationship with Pakistan has often been regarded as all weather and time tested. The two countries are also actively involved in the joint venture of several projects to enhance each others' military needs, including JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, K-8 Karakorum advance training aircraft, space technology, nuclear technology, AWACS, Al-Khalid tank, F-22P frigates, missiles and many other projects. The two countries also held several military exercises together to further deepen and enhance cooperation between the two armed forces.

The long-standing ties of friendship between the two countries are underpinned by mutual trust and confidence. A close identity of views and mutuality of interest remain the hallmark of bilateral ties. Pakistan has always supported China on all issues. Pakistan has served as China's main bridge between Muslim countries. Pakistan had earlier played a leading role in bridging the communication gap between China and the West. Pakistan's golden gateway, Gwadar provides China access to warm waters. China has also supported Pakistan through thick and thin. The Kashmir issue has always been supported, while in 2008 during Pakistan-India tensions, it played a great role in diffusing tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian rivals.

The production of the aircraft is a sign of strengthening of ties between China and Pakistan, and a harbinger of good news for the future of military support from China to Pakistan. Long live Pakistan-China friendship.

SYED ZAKI AHMED
Riyadh