New Chinese F-7 fighters for Pakistan

Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit

New F-7 fighters for Pakistan

LONDON, Dec 30 (PTI)--Pakistan was expected to receive delivery of
the first two batches of new-generation F-7 series fighter aircraft
from China this month, adding more teeth to its airforce, a leading
defence weekly has said.

Quoting Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal
Mushaf Ali Mir, the Jane's Defence Weekly said the service's new
F-7PG fighters were scheduled to arrive in Karachi on December 17 and
20 aboard Chinese ships.

The report, however, does not confirm the delivery.

Chinese specialists were also expected to arrive in the country in
late December to oversee the aircraft's assembly.

PAF upgradation is taking place just before it retires the fleet of
1960's-era F-6 air-defence fighters on March 23 next.

First deliveries of the new aircraft are slated for the 31st Fighter
Wing at air force base Quetta/Samungli, with both batches to enter
frontline service by April next.

The new generation aircraft is a further development on the MiG-21
design, the J-7PG features improved avionics and a more powerful
engine than the PAF's current inventory of F-7MP 'Skybolt' fighters.

The PAF is understood to have ordered 50 aircraft from a requirement
for up to 80 F-7PGs. The fighter jet was selected after Pakistan's
bilateral development with China of the FC-1/Super-7 fighter ran into
difficulty as Russia declined to supply engines.

Pakistan also expects to take delivery of spare parts for its 32
remaining air force-operated F-16 fighters and their associated
weapon systems from early 2002.

The PAF acquired 28 single-seat F-16As and 12 twin-seat F-16Bs in 198
during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the height of cold
war.

The USA embargoed a further 28 aircraft following their manufacture
for the service. 

 
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