Pakistan has decided to start sale of state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder combat planes to other countries from next year.
According to sources, a sum of $100 million has also been released to Wah Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) in connection with up-gradation of its machinery.
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra has started carrying out up-gradation of the cobra helicopters. Earlier the complex was only installing high tech systems in them that were under army’s use.
With this up-gradation, Pakistan will also import modern helicopters from Turkey. The Defence Production Ministry sources said so far as many as 42 JF-17 Thunder planes have been developed under a joint venture with China. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been assigned target of exporting five to seven JF-17 Thunder planes next year and discussions in this regard are under way with Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Qatar and other friendly countries, sources maintained.
On the other hand, the Defence Production Ministry officials have expressed optimism that Pakistan would succeed in exporting these modern planes next year.
According to media reports, the Taxila Heavy Industries has manufactured a prototype of Buraq vehicle that will be helpful in defusing land mines and remote controlled explosive material.
The source also mentioned that Pakistan is also negotiating with Turkey to acquire T 120 high tech helicopters. Pakistan is also trying to launch a joint venture to manufacture these helicopters, but if both countries failed to reach an agreement then Pakistan will resort to purchase these helicopters from Turkey, sources added.
Sources said that Kamra PAC has already refurbished many helicopters that are being used by Army Aviation. This helicopter were acquired from US and besides US’s concerned over their up-gradation, they have now been upgraded with modern technology.
The Finance Ministry has also released $ 100 million out of $ 200 million to POF Wah for replacement and up-gradation of machinery.