Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that self-reliance through indigenization is the only means to bolster national defence.

He was speaking at a ceremony to mark the handing over of JF-17 Thunder jets to Pakistan Air Force at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra on Thursday. He said the government is committed to fund the PAF’s operational readiness especially its JF-17 programme in future as well.

He said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and wishes to maintain peaceful relations with international community especially with its neighbours. However, he said, at the same time, the government stands determined to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests and borders against any aggression.

He lauded the great role PAF has played in operation Zarb-e-Azb. This has not only brought peace and normalcy to the country, but also put Pakistan on a fast economic track. He thanked China for its support in co-production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.

In his address, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said JF-17 fighter jets have the capability comparable to any advanced fourth generation aircraft across the world. Earlier, a ceremony to hand over JF-17 Thunder jets to 14-Squadron of Pakistan Air Force was held at Kamra Airbase on Thursday.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif attended the ceremony as chief guest. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Amman was also present. The Defence Minister inspected the guard of honour followed by an impressive fly-by. He also reviewed the new fighter jets.

This year 16 JF-17 Thunder have been manufactured jointly by China and Pakistan. Induction of these jets will strengthen the country’s defence. It may be added that Pakistan Air Force already has more than 70 JF-17 Thunder fighters.