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Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said 36 high-tech combat aircraft (CF-20) would be inducted in the PAF fleet by 2010.
These 21st century 5th generation aircraft are of Chinese origin and would provide an extra punch to the air force after induction, he said, while answering questions after a briefing to the visiting participants of National Media Workshop being organised by National Defence University at the Air Headquarters.
Air Chief Marshal Tanvir said that modalities are being discussed to acquire two squadrons of the aircraft for the PAF.
He said that the FC-20 aircraft has been selected after hectic and lengthy deliberations besides considering a long list of the similar category aircraft of various origins.
He said the engine of the aircraft would be manufactured by Russia which is based on most modern technique called reverse technology.
He said that first squadron of indigenously developed fighter aircraft with the help of China JF-17 (Thunder) would be inducted in the PAF fleet in the first quarter of 2009, enhancing agility of the air force whereby increasing its reach beyond 350 nautical miles.
In addition to that, he said that after laborious day in and day out efforts, the PAF has acquired the night-war capability, due to which the country's defence has been made further impregnable.
This capability has brought the PAF among a few air forces around the globe which have the ability to carry out war operations during night times. "This capability had become imperative to be achieved especially in the prevailing global and regional situations," PAF chief said.
He said that the roll out of first batch of F-16 (C & D) aircraft for Pakistan would be held in USA in January next, where he himself would be present to witness the auspicious occasion.
The US would supply improved version of F-16 aircraft to be inducted in the PAF by 2010.
In the surveillance field, he said the Swedish company would supply three SAAB surveillance aircraft to PAF by September next year while contract for acquiring four AWACS systems from China has already been signed.
He said despite economic constraints, all the important programmes of PAF are being run uninterrupted with the aim to make it a real force to meet the challenges.
In reply to another question, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir said that UAV technology was achieved earlier and drones are being manufactured indigenously.
Earlier, the participants were given a detailed briefing by the Vice Chief of Air Staff covering various aspects. Senior officers of PAF and National Defence University were also present
