ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force on Friday inducted Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets into its fleet, with the country’s air chief calling it a “historic occasion.”
China is one of the biggest weapons suppliers for the Pakistani armed forces.
The induction ceremony on Friday was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military service chiefs.
“Unfortunately, there are efforts to create an imbalance in South Asia and to address that security imbalance, thank god, we have made a major induction today in our defense system,” Khan said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (eight from left in first row) poses for a group photograph during the induction of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets in Kamra Base, Pakistan, on March 11, 2022. (PMO Office/Twitter)
He was referring to arch-rival India’s purchase of French-made Rafale combat jets, which employ dual-capable systems that can be modified as nuclear weapon delivery platforms.
In 2016, India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France for around $8.7 billion, the country’s first major acquisition of combat planes in two decades and a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan to rebuild an aging fleet. India has so far received 26 of the 36 planes.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar said the J-10C can detect, engage and destroy targets at long range both in the air to air and air to surface domains.
“With multi domain capability J-10C would indeed revolutionize Pakistan Air Force’s operational thought. It will enhance net centric and integrated employment of electronic warfare while ensuring retention of first shoot capabilities,” he said.
It is reported the new jets will also fly-past at the Pakistan day military parade on March 23.
The Pakistan Day parade is held on March 23 every year to commemorate the Lahore Resolution, which was adopted on the same day in 1940 and laid the foundation for a Muslim-majority state in South Asia.
