Two JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, have reached Pakistan. An arrival ceremony was held at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra, near Islamabad, according to an official statement. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed was the chief guest at the ceremony which was attended by senior ranking officers of Pakistan Air Force and visiting Chinese delegation. Ahmed inspected the JF-17 Thunder aircraft and met the pilots, engineers and technicians. He greatly appreciated their hard work and devotion for translating a dream into reality. The JF-17 Thunder aircraft is scheduled to have its first public appearance in Islamabad on March 23 during fly past of National Day Joint Services Parade. JF-17 Thunder aircraft is an advanced multirole Light Combat Aircraft jointly invested and developed by China and Pakistan. It is a key collaboration strategic project between two countries in the military field. The project has made great success through tremendous efforts and contribution by both sides. Major milestones, achieved so far, include first flight of Prototype-01 in August 2003 and that of Prototype-03 in April 2004. On 10 May, 2006, JF-17 Prototype 04 aircraft with fully integrated configuration made its successful maiden flight in Chengdu, China, taking the programme to a new height of success. The Prototype 06, made its maiden flight in September, 2006. The flight tests of prototype aircraft in China are moving forward smoothly. In order to speed up the development progress and to facilitate maturity of JF-17s, two aircraft have arrived in Pakistan for further tests and flight evaluation by Pakistan Air Force. The flight evaluation to be conducted by PAF will be a great deal of help in improving the performance of aircraft and making the JF-17 aircraft more competitive and reliable.
