Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) showcased its spectacular aviation manufacturing, overhauling and repair capabilities at the African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, AAD 2016, held at Waterkloof Air Force Base at Pretoria South Africa from September 14.

During the air show, PAC displayed static and aerial display of Super Mushshak aircraft, which attracted major international players of aviation industry, as well as large crowd, read a statement issued by Pakistan Air Force.  “PAC also put up an impressive stall which displayed various products of PAC very immaculately,” it added. Pakistan’s contingent was led by Air Marshal Arshad Malik, HI (M), Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra.

The exhibition was also visited by Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain. During the exhibition, a joint press conference was held by Yang Yin, President CATIC of China and Air Marshal Arshad Malik.

The press conference amply highlighted the outstanding capabilities of JF-17 aircraft and impressed upon the visiting dignitaries from various African countries to consider inducting the aircraft into their respective air forces. It is pertinent to mention that Turkey has already finalised a deal with Pakistan to buy Super Mushak trainers.

“The deal is in the last stages of finalisation and is going to be signed very soon,” an official of the ministry of defence production, Durya Amir had said earlier this year. The Super Mushshak is an advanced variant of the Mushshak basic trainer, and is produced at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

The aircraft is already in service with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and South Africa. Nigeria bought the aircraft in early 2016 and Qatar bought the trainers in June this year. Basic flight training is provided on the aircraft for aspiring pilots. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 22,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 268km/h. Range of the aircraft is reported at 814 kilometres.