Article Posted on : - Nov 18, 2009

ISLAMABAD (PTI): The first JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat jet assembled in Pakistan will roll out at an aeronautical facility next week.

The JF-17 was developed jointly by Pakistan and China and eight jets built in China are currently in service with the Pakistan Air Force.

The first jet assembled in the country will roll out at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra on Monday.

China and Pakistan have attached importance to the jet, which was completed after being in development for almost a decade.

The JF-17 Thunder is a light-weight, all weather, day-night multi-role fighter with a glass cockpit and a man-machine interface designed to ensure minimal pilot workload.

It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a high thrust-to-weight ratio intended to enable it to perform well in an air defence role.

It is designed to carry short and long-range air-to-air missiles.

The surface attack version of the JF-16 will carry various conventional and precision-guided weapons.

It will also be equipped with an electronic counter- measure suite to enhance its survivability.

The JF-17, which is anticipated to have air-to-air refuelling capability, will replace the PAF's ageing A-5, F-7P and Mirage jets.