<p>China has successfully launched an upgraded version of a fighter jet manufactured jointly with Pakistan that can be used for training in peacetime and for combat missions during wartime.<br /><br />The dual-seat fighter trainer JF-17B is an upgraded version of the military aircraft JF-17. The JF-17B was developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China to meet the requirements of international customers and the global market, according to AVIC.<br /><br />China and Pakistan jointly manufacture JF-17 Thunder - a lightweight and multi-role combat aircraft.<br />AVIC said in a statement that the plane, launched yesterday, can be used for training in peacetime and can also be used in combat missions during wartime.<br /><br />The JF-17B climbed up and stayed in the air for about 26 minutes during its maiden flight and was witnessed by guests from home and abroad, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. The debut flight symbolised a major milestone in the development of the JF-17 aircraft series, AVIC said.<br /><br />Yang Wei, chief designer of the JF-17B, said the aircraft brings a new force to JF-17 family and will increase JF-17 series' competitiveness in global market.<br /><br />AVIC said the JF-17B was developed in a market and customer-oriented manner and has achieved a balance among performance, quality, cost and market needs.<br /><br />Sources with AVIC said the F-17B aircraft has received overseas orders during its development stage.<br />Meanwhile, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said the jet underwent the test flight in Chengdu, where Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was the chief guest.<br /><br />The event was hosted by Aviation Industry Corporation of China Executive Vice President Li Yuhai.<br />"The JF-17B will further enhance the advanced combat training of PAF fighter pilots on this indigenous war fighting machine," PAF said.</p>
<p>China has successfully launched an upgraded version of a fighter jet manufactured jointly with Pakistan that can be used for training in peacetime and for combat missions during wartime.<br /><br />The dual-seat fighter trainer JF-17B is an upgraded version of the military aircraft JF-17. The JF-17B was developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China to meet the requirements of international customers and the global market, according to AVIC.<br /><br />China and Pakistan jointly manufacture JF-17 Thunder - a lightweight and multi-role combat aircraft.<br />AVIC said in a statement that the plane, launched yesterday, can be used for training in peacetime and can also be used in combat missions during wartime.<br /><br />The JF-17B climbed up and stayed in the air for about 26 minutes during its maiden flight and was witnessed by guests from home and abroad, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. The debut flight symbolised a major milestone in the development of the JF-17 aircraft series, AVIC said.<br /><br />Yang Wei, chief designer of the JF-17B, said the aircraft brings a new force to JF-17 family and will increase JF-17 series' competitiveness in global market.<br /><br />AVIC said the JF-17B was developed in a market and customer-oriented manner and has achieved a balance among performance, quality, cost and market needs.<br /><br />Sources with AVIC said the F-17B aircraft has received overseas orders during its development stage.<br />Meanwhile, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said the jet underwent the test flight in Chengdu, where Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was the chief guest.<br /><br />The event was hosted by Aviation Industry Corporation of China Executive Vice President Li Yuhai.<br />"The JF-17B will further enhance the advanced combat training of PAF fighter pilots on this indigenous war fighting machine," PAF said.</p>