Daily Times

Parisian skies echoed with the thundering sound of PAF JF-17 as it took off for a spectacular aerobatics display on the opening day of 53rd International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Paris. Painted in the colour scheme of national flag, the ‘Pride of Pakistan’ exhibited a dazzling aerial performance which included some extraordinary maneuvers like the muscle climb, thunder turn, slow speed performance and inverted flight etc. The astounding performance by the PAF demo pilot, Wing Commander Zeeshan Baryar left the spectators spell bound. The viewers were startled to see this sleek and agile multirole fighter aircraft display its capabilities alongside the French made Rafale, which also performed at the occasion.

Besides aerobatics demonstration, one JF-17 is also put on static display showcasing its latest range of weapons. A large number of aviation experts and potential buyers witnessed the aircraft, which has been indigenously manufactured at PAC Kamra.

Paris Air Show is the largest aerospace-industry exhibition which is organized by French Aerospace Industries Association after every two years. The Air Show brings together a large number of exhibiters and major aviation industries from different countries around the world. Pakistan Navy’s state of the art ATR reconnaissance aircraft was also showcased at airshow.

The Pakistani ambassador visited the Pakistan Navy chalet at the Airshow where he was received by Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal SI (M), Director Naval Aviation Captain Imran Raza, TI (M) and Army and Naval Attaché Captain Nasir Iqbal Chaudhary. The ambassador was briefed on the salient features of the ATR reconnaissance aircraft. While talking to the naval officers and sailors, the ambassador welcomed the active participation of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy at the airshow noting that it would help showcasing the achievements and professional excellence of Pakistan’s armed forces.