DECEMBER 30 would be remembered as yet another milestone in the proud defence history of Pakistan as two important developments took place on the day that convey a clear message to the enemy that Pakistan defence forces were fully prepared and resolved to defend their motherland. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced serial production of the most advanced variant of JF-17 Thunder Block III – a 4.5-generation aircraft with far more advanced technology than IAF’s Rafael jets. A ceremony held at PAC Kamra also witnessed the handing over of 14 state-of-the-art indigenously developed dual seater JF-17B Thunder Block-II fighter jets to the Air Force. In a related development, Pakistan Navy Air Defence Units demonstrated their combat readiness through live firing of surface to air missiles (SAMs).
It is reassuring that the authorities concerned are fully alive to the kind of threats to the security and defence of Pakistan and are taking steps, despite resource constraints, to fulfil defence requirements of the country. This is important in view of existential threats to the country from an extremely hostile neighbour which has not yet reconciled with the idea of an independent and sovereign Pakistan and discriminatory treatment being meted out by some arms suppliers in respect of defence procurements and transfer of technology to the country. It is because of this that this newspaper has all along been pleading the cause of indigenization in defence production and greater emphasis on local research and development. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has rightly termed the inclusion of jets in national fleet as a significant milestone achieved in the history of the country as the JF-17 Thunder proved as a battle tested aircraft during successful expression of mastery in Operation Swift Retort against IAF intrusion of territorial sovereignty on February 27, 2019. It is all the more encouraging that despite difficulties arising out of the spread of Covid-19, the PAC Kamra worked hard to meet its deadlines and delivered with the active support of our time-tested friend – China. As has been aptly remarked by Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong, Pakistan has become self-sufficient in developing JF-17 Thunder and an advanced fighter aircraft producing country in the world. JF-17 Thunder has finally become the backbone of Pakistan’s defence and Block-III production was a significant achievement as it would play an important role in geostrategic milieu due to the technology installed in the modern aircraft. JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a dual carrier fighter jet equipped with a long-range superior radar system and advance firing capability. It all means that capability for local production is there and we hope there would be continued emphasis on research and development with a view to upgrading and modernizing the fighter jet as well as other defence products. As the role of Pakistan Navy also assumes greater significance because of potent threats to the country’s economic interests, it should also receive adequate resources to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
