<p>Serial joint production of the aircraft started in Pakistan in 2009 after extensive flight tests and the limited production of eight jets in 2007.<br /><br />So far, two Pakistan Air Force squadrons have been equipped with JF-17s while the "third is planned to be raised by the beginning of next year", an official statement said.<br /><br />The co-production of the jet is underway in "full swing" at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra in Punjab.<br /><br />The JF-17 programme was started by the two countries in 1998 and the detailed design was finalised in September 2001.<br /><br />The PAF showcased the jet at the ongoing Dubai Air Show, which was inaugurated yesterday. PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman attended the inaugural ceremony.<br /><br />The JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China Aero-Technology Import Export Corporation, has been put on static and aerial display in the air show.<br /><br />Pakistan has been plugging the JF-17 as a "cut price" combat aircraft for developing countries.<br /><br />"In the present environment, when defence budgets are shrinking and air forces face difficulties in affording modern combat aircraft, the JF-17 offers a highly cost effective solution with cutting edge capabilities," the statement said.<br /><br />The JF-17 is an all weather, multi-role, light combat aircraft. The jet is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, a complete glass cockpit and self- protection suite that enhances its combat potential.<br /><br />The jets can be armed with a range of conventional and smart weapons, long range glide bombs, beyond visual range and short range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missile and air-to-surface missiles.<br /><br />The statement said the JF-17 will soon have air-to-air refuelling capability, which will enhance its range.</p>
<p>Serial joint production of the aircraft started in Pakistan in 2009 after extensive flight tests and the limited production of eight jets in 2007.<br /><br />So far, two Pakistan Air Force squadrons have been equipped with JF-17s while the "third is planned to be raised by the beginning of next year", an official statement said.<br /><br />The co-production of the jet is underway in "full swing" at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra in Punjab.<br /><br />The JF-17 programme was started by the two countries in 1998 and the detailed design was finalised in September 2001.<br /><br />The PAF showcased the jet at the ongoing Dubai Air Show, which was inaugurated yesterday. PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman attended the inaugural ceremony.<br /><br />The JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China Aero-Technology Import Export Corporation, has been put on static and aerial display in the air show.<br /><br />Pakistan has been plugging the JF-17 as a "cut price" combat aircraft for developing countries.<br /><br />"In the present environment, when defence budgets are shrinking and air forces face difficulties in affording modern combat aircraft, the JF-17 offers a highly cost effective solution with cutting edge capabilities," the statement said.<br /><br />The JF-17 is an all weather, multi-role, light combat aircraft. The jet is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, a complete glass cockpit and self- protection suite that enhances its combat potential.<br /><br />The jets can be armed with a range of conventional and smart weapons, long range glide bombs, beyond visual range and short range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missile and air-to-surface missiles.<br /><br />The statement said the JF-17 will soon have air-to-air refuelling capability, which will enhance its range.</p>