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Pakistan offers cut-price JF17 fighter jet at Dubai Air Show
"You can buy three of our aircraft for one F-16" says Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar.
"You can buy three of our aircraft for one F-16" says Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar. PHOTO: EXPRESS
DUBAI: Pakistan is pitching its new JF17 Thunder fighter jet, developed jointly with China, at an aggressive discount to dominant Western rivals, the country’s defense minister said on Sunday.
“You can buy three of our aircraft for one F-16,” Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar told Reuters at the Dubai Air Show, where the aircraft is being displayed.
He said that the producer, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, was not able to keep pace with the requirements of the air force.
“Three squadrons are already flying the aircraft in Pakistan and one squadron in China,” he added.
Analysts expect the aircraft, which Mukhtar said was priced at $25-30 million, to be focused on emerging markets in Asia and Africa.
“Going to the (European) market is not very easy because you are cutting the profits of some other people,” Mukhtar said.
He said the development of the aircraft was not targeted at archrival India.
“India need not worry — it’s not India-specific. We are building very close relations with India.”
Reader Comments (159)
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“You can buy three of our aircraft for one F-16,”
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Yep — but who wants to buy a high maintenance sophisticated plane that is made in Pakistan? Most are going to buy the F-16a given the choice.
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But they can buy six from China for 20% discount!
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Truly Made in China.Recommend
does the radar work atleast in this aircraft??
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Why is not anybody buying JF 17?? Why is not China inducting this aircraft. Have we been
duped again?Buy 3 at a price of 1. Is this a latrine soap we are talking about or a
jet fighter. This is not good.Recommend
Since its a joint venture as told, is pakistan by itself authorized to make the sales pitches??????
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One F-16, the current model can easily shoot down three of the JF-17. The much hyped Chinese aircraft hoopla is a psyco warfare. They yet have to graduate from cheap textiles and dollar store items. All this stolen technology from Russia & US can only produce a very expensive second best.
The Gulf states where this aircraft is being pitched have more money and enough sense not to buy the second best even if it is half price.
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Like…!!
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Sell the aircraft to India!!!
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thats hot
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Chaudhary mukhtar is as incompetent as our media when it comes to Defence tech…..
25-30 mil price is for Block to which is crosses F16 in a few ways…… minister forgot to mention any of those ……Recommend
“You can buy three of our aircraft for one F-16,”
Yes, but wait, one F-16 is enough for shooting down half a dozen JF17s!
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Hmmm….
This is top of the line fourth generation aircraft.
Will Pakistan offer credit??
I have read that arms sales normally come wrapped with loan package.
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@Khurram Dastageer:
ha ha ha gud 1
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I think ALL the comments above are mis-guided. Obviously these people know nothing about the J-17. It is a superb aircraft with modern avionics and armaments — at par with or better than the higher priced western fighter aircraft.
Please Google it or look it up on Wikipedia. This is no slouch and I am sure the PAF has already simulated aerial dog-fights with it’s F-16s. I don;t think the F-16s are knocking them out of the skies. Far from it.
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Good start !!! welldone
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He said that the producer, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, was not able to keep pace with the requirements of the air force.
Strange – you are not able to meet your own air force requirements and yet you are trying to sell it on the market – at a discount! Who are these guys trying to fool?
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Happy to see comments of indians. They are so jealous :)
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We have had enough of this. its high time we make our own 5th generation Aircraft. China J-20
will not be reliable. We i.e Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh should do the JV. We will
be happy to share technology with our brothers. Its high time the Ummah makes something on its own. InshALLAH
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JF-17 is one of the best 4th Generation aircraft available with such a low price.In some areas its compareable to F16. West only sell their names but product may not be as good as they claim. While our product is good but we dont have name.Pakistan just need to improve selling skills.
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This PPP goverment has invested in such a useless aircraft. Now with
the west not seeling to us, how will our defences be strong. Its high time we should immediately
build something alone like we nuclear. These Indians have built lca teja on their own, so we can also according to our need. Allah’s grace is on us. Ya Allah KhairRecommend
The minister sounds like selling shoes and not air-crafts.
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I think these people does not know much about Pakistan military Power…
Good to see JF17 at Dubai Air Show….
sure it is a wonderfull fighter jet…
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@Hari Sud:
you are ill informed, most likely blind in your hatred.
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I am happy to know that pak officials are bidding hard for their business . Pak businessmen now utter chinese word . Good ….keep it up . Think about business and about ur country .
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Indians like Hari Sud, make me laugh. Blind in their ways.
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Lets not forget the strings that come attached with F-16s ;) like how F-16s of Arabs cant threaten Israeli planes etc.
@Adeel: Yes, Pakistan is authorised for sales pitch. Both countries are working together on it. At PAS, we saw Chinese presence. At DAS, its Pak. Chinese might be there too, not sure yet.
@John: Yes, radar works, dont worry, it’ll detect everything you throw at us from the East. Also, with datalinks to the Chinese AWACS PAF recently got, JF-17s will be getting information on enemy aircrafts 100s of KMs out ahead. :)
Guys, it’s a great product for the price.
As for some posters trying to degrade Chinese Aviation products, dont forget there are only three countries that right now have 5th generation airfighters flying..USA – F22, F35, Russia PAK-FA/T-50 AND China – J-20. Keep laughing while the Chinese race ahead ;).
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@MD:
@Hari Sud:
Use common sense if you have,the person behind the gun is much more important than the gun itself. If F-16 was alone winner then why US is fail to defeat Taliban despite spending 10 years in Afghanistan. Think before U speak.
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for all your information it has taken india over 30…yes 30 years and thousands of crore rupees to try and develop an indigenous fighter aircraft in the L.C.A however it is an unmitigated disaster not only aircraft also the arjun tank and countless other ailures that have come out of the indian .D.R.D.O or commonly knowns DODO. It took pakistan less that 10 years to induct the JF-17. it is an EXCELLENT FIGHTER and not just that it will be a brilliant export item which will with its future varient versions will dominate the 3/4th generation fighter market.
Learn facts and give credit where credit is due
arshad loneRecommend
Khurram, how do you know the j-20 will not be reliable? it will be an awesome aircraft.Recommend
“He said the development of the aircraft was not targeted at archrival India.” Nice joke. WE ARE FEAR TO SUPERPOWER PAKISTAN. heheRecommend
Dubai does not need the aircrafts it is a financial hub with the least threat to its national interest. It is a good tourism destonation, not a forced war zone with brain washing mili naghmas on PTV and to create fear amongst people and mind control. Pakistan should take these jets to somalia or something, nations that actually have some compatibility with pak.Recommend
@FactCheck:
ITS same since production facility is based in Pakistan
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@Jack:
Who will be fooled by them, as they can’t fool themselves by having more squadrens of these planes by shedding the F-16 and Mirage aircrafts.
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Amazed to see the comments from Indian readers. Just google and you will find that Pakistan Arms Industry is very advance and hi-tech.it produces lots of hi-tech equipments which are being used by various countries including europe.Why we are so negative about about the abilities of Pakistanis?
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@Adil:
No dear …this project wa started during Musharraf era. PPP has nothing to do about this. Likewise you know nothing about the project and product. Go, search on google and enlighten yourself
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hahaha the above comments are hilarious to read. its like listening to a car mechanic explaining a CT scan or trying to diagnose cancer. you have no idea about the complexities of air combat and the indivisual requirements of each mission. top ace pilots of PAF have flown and approved these aircrafts. it meets are defence requirements saving us a lot of money at the same time allowing us to be independent
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@arshad lone: Dear brother in our blind nationalism we should not overlook facts. The fact
is that we are dependent on China and West, whereas India is on a massive spree to indigenize its products. Their Arjun,LCA may be a failure but atleat its their own. We should look at ourselves, we have everything from Al khalid to Jf 17 from China, Babur missile from US.Our
Suparco is a joke compared to ISRO,
We are steadily losing this battle and its high time we realize and do something on our very OWN
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@antanu: O bas bhai enough.Musharaff was a dictator but this useless PPP govt should have
immediately stopped this project. I speak to you with authority becoz my uncle is in Air force and Allah knows what he speaks of this useless aircraft compared to Su-30 MKI, and MMRCA.
Brother i have had enough time defending this JF-17 over different forums but now this has become a serious issue. Blind Nationalism will destroy Pakistan. It will be like 1965, 1971 where
we though we won but lost due to incompetent leaders. I pray for Allah for his khair.
We need another visionary like QuaidRecommend
@Meekal Ahmed:
Meekal I was wondering if you were an expert on avionics, until you mentioned Wikipedia. I hope competing fighters like F-16 etc have also read Wikipedia otherwise we are in big trouble.
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@Bangash: Use common sense. How many aircrafts does Taliban operate?. Think before U speak
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@sheryar khan, its the dubai airshow which brings customers from all over the world, we’re not pitching just to dubai, wake up and smell the coffee!
@shamshad pervez, pakistan has the right approach, pakistan does not have the knowledge or the resources do go alone on a project like this. Unlike India who through their arrogance are trying to ‘reinvent the wheel’ we do not need to reinvent the wheel, we are nout haughty and arrogant to think that sudddenly we will come with 5th generation technology which the west have barely managed to design. ask the indians what its like to just develop the kaveri engine, it is a nightmare even with the resources at their disposal. we need to wake up and smell the coffee. pakistan needed to be lauded for their achievements.
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adil, its not blind nationalism we know jf17 is a 3.5 generation aircraft, we know its capabilities, it is not designed to dogfight with sukhois and mmrca it is a point guard and a good export aircraft. to fight mmrca and sukhois we will have the j-10, f-16 and inshallah j-20′s in the future.
the future varients of the jf-17 mark 2,3,4 will be even better.
you people need to stop being anti-pakistan, or i suspect your indians, nobody said this is the greatest aircraft ever, it is a good first plane, and yes we will be making it at pac kamra
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JF17 i believe is not that bad as some comments here appear to conclude. It is surely not the best in class but not bad either. The minister is just trying to tell the prospects that this stuff is value for money. Pakistan needs money. And in high tech military hardware sell there is a lot of hot cash. That is why Pakistan has decided to sell these aircrafts. There must be some agreement signed with China on this already. In any case the JF17 does not give Pakistan any edge over IAF in the long run. JF17 is not the best and Indian shopping list of aircrafts is so big and high-tech that Pakistan will not be able to match in terms of air power. But then on the Indian front there is this new peace initiative that will avoid war in the first place. Afterall no body wants war if there can be peace. Atleast for India it is important not to get into a war with Pakistan for that will undermine its economic rush to catch up with China. China if far far ahead and so India needs to concentrate on its economy. Pakistan can also have its own peace if it so wishes and rebuild its economy.
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i will take it, if offered money….
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@Maulana Diesel:
Is that the best you can come up with???
Well let me enlighten you as to few recent facts, that Indians are considering euro fighters rather than US F series, including F35, which India has declined !!!
I don’t recall Pakistan being offered F35 yet !! perhaps its due to lack of ability to pay for them or trust deficit !!!!
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@Cautious:
F16′s are the highest maintenance aircraft in existence, extremely expensive, notoriously unreliable, and require 18 hours maintenance for every hour in the air.
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Even having F-16s or what so ever why usa lost their war in Afgashistan because they need not only JF 17 but Pakistani Polits as well
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I am shocked to see how depressed we Pakistanis have become. To be honest this goverment
has ruined everything.
This same Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar said we cannot survive a war with India and now
he is degrading Jf 17 by saying ” buy three at the price of one”. This govt is shameless.
All will think this a failed plane by the tagline he is using.
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@JF-17:
Since when have Arabs had guts to even consider an attack on Israel?/
Everytime they have tried they have been humiliated and left battered, so i don’t believe that consideration has any merit!!!Recommend
@Adil: You are an ignorant person. Jf 17 is ranked No.3 in the world after F22 and F35.
Long Live Pakistan
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JF-17 is a perfect cost effective modern Aircraft for poorer nations. I heard BD has shown interest in it along with nations like Egypt & srilanka. But INDIAN hatred is apparent from the above comments and I see some PAKs also bashing any +ve news about their country which is very unfortunate. I am pretty sure that if it was a garbage like HAL Tejaj people would have been
lecturing PAK with statements like ” close the madrassas and make proper schools…..etc etc”. These unrelenting hatred toward Pakistan thanks to Uncle Sam’s propaganda is truly sickening.
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Pakistan will rule the world :-)
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I think Taliban and Somalia would be interested in Jf 17
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@Adil:
You don’t make Ferrari on your first experiment do you? Why would you even compare that with Su-30 or F16 … Those are big boys and in the businesses from many decades … You learn from every previous project and enhance that. While selling JF17 one has to keep in mind that there are many countries who won’t have enough money to buy F16s … Not every one buys Ferrari or Porche but many can only afford to buy Honda or Toyota.
To my Indian friends what all this itching about, at least we have something to sell and if we work on improving it one day will be able to make advance equipment instead of buying it from others.
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@ Khurram Dastageer
Are you sure you’re Pakistani?
Yes, some countries have shown interest in buying it.
The JF-17 (FC-1) is currently undergoing trials in China so the PLAAF can induct it.
@Arshad lone
It’s a 4th gen aircraft, not 3.5 gen.
and LOL at the insecure Indians.
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Is there a F/F CNG option for this jet? Potential USP besides the low price ;)
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F16 is more expensive because American labour costs are higher
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@Bangash
*Use common sense if you have,the person behind the gun is much more important than the gun itself. If F-16 was alone winner then why US is fail to defeat Taliban despite spending 10 years in Afghanistan. Think before U speak.*
LOL! As usual Pakistanis love to live in the past. Wake up the days of dogfights are long over. Modern warfare is all about technological superiority. Man behind machine stands no chance, if his enemy possess technologically superior and sophisticated weapons which make them acutely lethal. Billions of dollars worth of Gaddafi’s war toys proved useless against NATO’s superior warplanes. Forget about the Libyan aircraft fighting NATO planes, they couldn’t even fly!
As for F-16, it is more than 30 year old, yet it is far better than Chinese JF-17. China herself is dependent on Russia for fighter aircraft as the west is not ready give her high-tech weapons. Russian Sukhoi grade warplane are the mainstay of Chinese air force.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-30
On Taliban you are badly mistaken. The US has enough fire-power make a mincemeat of Taliban, but, that would be at the cost of millions of innocent lives. Super powers don’t behave like Taliban.
Now, tell me, who should think before speaking?Recommend
@Shehryar Khan:
Dubai is part of UAE, and it has some island that is claimed but UAE and IRAN. Just Google it to find out. Boader issue with Saudi Arabia. Dubai is hosting a Defence event and Pakistan has presence at the event to sell its defense products, like many advanced country try to sell their products. Why are you so upset if Pakistan is trying to sell its products there to global customers. By the way what kind of work you do there…..??
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Well, may be they can make some spares for PIA planes too. Those planes have a tendency to stay on ground a lot more than in the air these days!
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I don’t have F16 for swap but I need one to avoid ground ambush.
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For all Indian trotters and unpatriotic Pakistanis. This is the best aircraft in the market at the moment, all courier companies are lining up to buy this. For quick delivery of posts/items. Only thing is the market is bit reduced due to Internet(quick emails). In reality the project started long back when there was no Internet. The Project code name was, Speed Post with Nitro boosters.
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@Jameel:
Yes, I am very familiar with modern avionics — but more so with commercial aviation avionics and “glass-cockpits”. The principles and capabilities are the same.
There are not many clear pictures of the J-17 cockpit since most of what you see in them is classified.
And NO I have not read anything on Wikipedia but used that as a source of reference for others. I keep myself informed by magazines that I subscribe to, forums that I visit, and above all DVD’s. They are expensive but very educational.
And yes I was a pilot in my youth and aviation (mostly commercial but also military) has been my life’s passion.
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JF-17 should be offered to India too, as it’s the perfect substitute for their failed LCA :-) Well, in several areas much superior too so it’ll be quite a good deal for IAF ;-)
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@john:
Yes John it works the same way our nuclear bomb works. Just shows how ignorant you and the west is.
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@Adil:
The countries who has placed the orders are not fool, they have sent their top pilots who has done the test flights and approved the purchase. People like you with the limited knowledge should not be allowed to use this forum.To my Indian friends, please do not close you mind because its make by Pakistan/China thats why they are bad. Look at the positive side that you need to build better. We Pakinstanies and Indian are always trying to look at each other whereas the world is leving us behind.Recommend
wow so many comments………………..it like mini comments warzone…..lol
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Indians are certainly not happy for obvious reasons :) one can realize by reading their comments.
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20% discount isn’t enough until it comes down to buy two and get one free.
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Pakistan is one of few countries who develop fighter aircrafts, sub-marines and tanks. Though we r not on top of race but we r in the race. And yeah don’t forget the Pakistan’s corner shot gun also. Peace guys.Recommend
Why not Pakistan and India jointly develop a fighter aircraft which may sell at a price higher than F-16 …??? :-))
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@Ali:
Obviously you are not an economist. US labor costs may be higher but so is US labor productivity. Thus UNIT LABOR COST is lower.
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Dear Pakistanis
Your people need to fulfill some basic needs. Stop living in dream world and live in reality.Recommend
In the age of nukes and suicide bombing who needs this crap. These are for job security for the elites.
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Hilarious to see the Indians open up their mouths when their country is the WORLD’S LARGEST IMPORTER OF ARMS!
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@Meekal Ahmed:
Pakistan is offering 3 JF-17s for the price of a F16. If your views are of JF-17 being at least as good as F16 are correct, we should see a strong international demand for JF-17 as against the F16.
Let us wait and see.
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Well its the age of UAVs and UGVs. We should invest there.
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@john, well it is not indian made so pretty sure everything works fine.
@MD, “one F-16 is enough for shooting down half a dozen JF17s!” yes but only if JF-17 pilots are indian.
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@Adil:
I smell an Indian not a Pakistani hahaha.
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Buy one get two free i think this is the best way to break the westren monopoly.
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You have to give full marks to the nation for standing up against all odds, worst rulers, surrounded by neighbors who would stab in the back at the first instance and YET they survive and forge ahead. From what I know of Pakistanis they are talented, hard working and have pride unlike many other Asian nations who start to lick boots at the drop of a hat. Good for you boys, sell planes, sells subs, sell bombs after all that is exactly what west lives on. Cheers
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Surprised at the number of haters who have come out to comment pretending to be aero-defense experts. If you all are that good why are you not working for some secret military development facility. And to my Indian brothers, seriously, why make such an effort to come and hate here? Have we pointed out that you still fly MIG aircraft. A discounted aircraft is an amazing thing, you can buy the same jet for less money. If your logic stood, Airbus and Embraer would never stand a chance against Boeing. Oh, you dont know who or what Embraer are? I thought you all were aeronautics experts….
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Nice to see Pakistan-phobes come out in open and open eyes for some !
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@Meekal Ahmed,
Sir, I always read your enlightened comments on this forum with great interest, particularly, on the issues related to the economy, but, it is difficult to accept your views on this particular news report, though, your second comment do suggest that you are an aviation expert as well.
As far as I know, the JF-17, at best, can be described as a 3rd+ generation fighter plane. Its basic design is similar to the other 3rd generation fighter planes, however, it is equipped with some of the latest force multiplying electronic warfare systems which separate it from the third generation fighters and thus making it 3rd+ generation fighter. You appears to be an economist, therefore, I need not have to tell you to look at the price difference between JF-17 and the western fighters of 4th or 5th generation, which itself is an indicator of the quality.
The second point that I want to make is, China is yet to catch up with the west in military technology, although, both India and China, almost match the west in space technology.
As I said in my second comment, China herself, is dependent on Russia for modern fighter aircraft, therefore, I think, we shouldn’t give undue credit to the JF-17.
I hope you will not take it as a jingoistic comment of an Indian.
Thanks, regards.
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@R S JOHAR: 20% discount isn’t enough until it comes down to buy two and get one free.
one suicide bomber free, eh? :D Just kidding!
@Amir: We Pakinstanies and Indian are always trying to look at each other whereas the world is leving us behind.
Very well said, Amir mian!Recommend
It must be running on CNG !!!!Recommend
@Sam:
you said ,”JF-17 is one of the best 4th Generation aircraft available with such a low price.In some areas its compareable to F16.”
Then why Pakistan offering three JF-17 in the price of one F-16?
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@Meekal Ahmed:
This is like saying ‘I drive a car therefore I am an expert on military tanks’.
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@Amir: India is growing at an average of 8% and will break 2 trillion $ economy this year.
Your statement should be India and world is leaving Pakistan behind.
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should also throw in 7-days free stay in Dubai along with it! I think China has converted Pakistan into a really lucrative dumping ground!! First -ceiling fans and radios, then TVs and cameras, now aircraft – which it’s own airforce under tremendous political pressure is reluctant to buy!!!
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@Plato:
That is why the J-17 was shown at Farnborough (sp?) and now in the Gulf. Unfortunately in both cases they were static displays which means the aircraft did not show their worth in the air. I don’t know the reason for that. They flew two aircraft in and put them on static display.
Even if there are orders, I don’t think we can spare aircraft for export at this time given the slow rate of production in the Karma Complex. The last time the PM was in China, they promised 50 fully built-up and ready-to-fly aircraft. Also more advanced. That helps. But I would imagine the priority is to fulfill the requirements of PAF squadrons and replace the ageing F-6.
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@sid:
remember these same top ace PAF pilots would have had to say good-bye to promotions if they didnot give a thumbs up!!
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I don’t know anything about JF-17. But I know some basic economics, and have some commonsense.
Econ 101:
If a product is good, there will be demand for it.
If a product is not good, there will not be demand for it.
If there is demand for a product, its price will go up.
If there is no demand for a product, its price will go down.
Logic 101:
JF-17 price has gone down.
Implies, there is no demand for it.
Implies, the product is inferior.
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To all these indians here, where is your LCA?. LOL!
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@Shamshad Pervez:
What massive local production? LCA? Engine is American, Avionics are outsourced to Israel. Need consulting from Italy on composite material. Supposed local engine Kaveri needs Russian testing and input. If there local industry was so tip top, India would not be willing to spend 10 BN dollars trying to buy Eurofighter or Rafale.
What else..Arjun? or shall we say Arjunk, rejected by Indian Army, spend thousands of crore rupees and 2 decades and in the end they only order 120 or so units. Lol.
Egyptian Airforce chief has already stated they are ‘VERY INTERESTED’ in JF-17. Egypt has also bought K-8s. Another joint Pak-China product.
Please check your facts. Google is your best friend.
@hedgefunder: There’s always a consideration of it. Egyptian airforce is very interested, its in the news, take it or leave it bro.
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I think WallMart will be glad to buy at more cheaper price because in whloe sale they can buy at much cheaper price. Beside lot more people will be able to buy. Pakistan economy will improve too.
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The news headline is a bit misleading but I think what the minister is saying (and was picked by only one in 93 comments) is that we are making a decent – not best – plane at a discount compared to F-16s, if we can sell it, it earns much needed funds for the country.
What is truly amazing is the level of passion that is wasted in the comments. In a country where poverty is rising faster than most other countries, men, women and children die at unprecedented rates from both avoidable and man induced causes, so many people blowing steam on an air plane is simply amazing.
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Do someone know ,who is making LOCOMOTIVE for Pakistan Railways?
may sound like locomotive are more technologically challanging for country which mfg fighter jets?
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JF 17s are best choice for the third world countries airforce. It has outmaneuvered F16s on many occasions especially if they are equipped with BVRs. F16′s block 52 are much advanced version but jf17s are almost equivalent to f16s of C and D categories. We have many outdated F7s and Mirage 2000, time for them to get grounded for good.
P.S we dont need any 5th generation plane yet….JF 17s are more than enough for Indians
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Question:
Why is Pakistan buying F-16 when it claims their planes is suprior and cheaper
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@Shamshad Pervez:
I think you are underlooking the facts. There is always an unseen force who helped Pakistan despite its week infrastructure and currupt leadership. Its not China or US from where we get our raw resources or help to build our advanced defence line. This is infact that Holly power who bring us the power from our enemies’ lands. There are so many other rich nations who have not been able to developed their indigenious pistol yet. Even we were not but Allah helped this nation at every point. So we should rather be proud and thankful to Allah
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All this talk about modern aircraft capabilities and which one can shoot down another, but the bottom line, as far as I can see, is that all governments over the last twenty years or so have used their fighter/bomber aircraft for display at airshows or to bomb a few incalcitrant tribesmen and/or third world countries. A world war one aircraft could be used to strafe a few men on horseback or motor bikes. However, the JF17 Thunder Jet is a very capable plane and will give many years of reliable service for the PAF. Further, it is my understanding that the F16, although capable, does not compare well with Russian aircraft, but does it really matter? At the end of the day, the pilots of these aircraft will be firing missiles at each other, and the plane with the best missile attack system will win. Now that the PAF have the JF17 they can develop their missile attack systems to compete with any other system. It would seem to a casual observation that Pakistan has made a sound investment in acquiring the JF17. Another point to consider is that U.S./ Pakistan relations are not good, and America has a habit of slapping sanctions on countries they take a dislike to. The last thing Pakistan wants is America’s failure to supply spare aircraft parts.
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@Khurram Dastageer:
You fly one and use the other two as spare parts for the one that flies
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JF17 is much better than F16, we should not sell it at that much low price rather we have to tell the world the capabilties of this aircraft so that we can sell it at higher value.
In my opinion the current Pakistani government is unable to take correct decisions. It is also very unpopular among people of Pakistan.
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To all readers,
Here is what is a realistic analysis of JF17, compared to F16, JF17 is not at par but slightly less. If you calculate full loop manuveur of JF17 and F16 Block D, there is only 1 sec difference, which in air at altitude of 30,000 ft is a big advantage or disadvantage. For the given terrain of Africa, Middle East and South Asia, JF17 is the best option and may be the lethal fighter. I must remind you that Lockheed not only produced F16 but went on to make similar copies of F16 with Japan (Mitsubhishi F2), and South Korea, but in those production the emphasis was on terrain adabtibility. F16 is not a universal flying soldier which can be affective in every given terrain. Cockpit and on board system’s software has many errors, mainly software hang up, or rebooting in midair to name few. As for the frame is concern then it is the same pattern which Skhoi, F2, F16 and JF17 are made, which is irregular, un stable shape which can be stablize by on board computer systems. Big advantage in war time for JF17 is the cheap alternative of all techno stuff, the RD turbo Fin Jet is the same of Royal Royce but a stolen copy. I would love to fly JF17. I hope this will help every body to understand and will be able to evaluate more realistically. As for Dubai show is concern, it is just an attempt by Dubai government to push itself on world stage, while Abu DHabi setting up Parts plant. However the tank production of Pakistan is of serious concern as the Tanks are follow up of medium Tier tanks and does not carry plenty hit points. Thx
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100% Chinese made and painted green, fortunately this not given an Afghan name like Ghauri, Ghaznavi etc. Too much copying and pasting going on.
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Way to go Pakistan! JALNAY WAALAY KA MOO KALA!
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@Meekal Ahmed:
Dog fights! Are you serious? This is not WW-II. JF-17 will be as good for PAF as were the chinese locomotives (bought by mush) for Pakistan Railways. i think North Korea is the only potential buyer!
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Day two of Dubai Air Show and some of pictures to tease
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3Abb093cf6-af2e-4a99-aa12-7b333457262f&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZiNZ7ByqSE&feature=player_embeddedRecommend
I wonder, why such people have sudddenly started to appear on Pakistanies newspaper and always “Bash” either the Pakistan itself or the Pakistan Military: This link can provide the Pakistanisan insight why we see anti-pakistan, military propaganda a lot and take a clue out of it: “http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/17/us-spy-operation-social-networksRecommend
What if the customer asks: ” why then did you buy the F16?”
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Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar needs to explain the point raised elsewhere: how can you offer something for sale when you admit you cannot meet your own requirements? To be kind, we must dismiss his ill thought attempt to burnish Pakistan’s image as an obsequeous act to please his masters.
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@Meekal Ahmed:
Meekal saab, HEre is what is unclear. On one hand Pakistan says it does not have the capacity build enough even for Pak airforce’s needs. On the other hand they are willing to sell at cut rate price. Doesn’t that raise any red flags?
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You’d think it would be more productive to encourage purchases of those jets if they are inferior as people say. A country’s military’s sole purpose is to come out on top of a conflict. Another country using inferior products is a positive thing in that regard.
I hope they all sell and the sales pitch is irresistible.
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To all the apponents:
JF-17 is not made to be an alternative to an F16. It’s manufactured for a different market.
However, Pakistan has a confirmed order of 150 planes which may increase to 250. Countries as algeria, egypt, lebanon, sri lanka and a handful more have also shown interest. Definitely, a great achievement! Not to forget, this is just a beginning.
Go PAF!!!
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What i dont understand is, if the JF-17 is so good, why isn`t the China Airforce, buying it?
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@JF-17:
Totally agree with you on most points on Indian products. However, I disagree with your positive spin on Pak products. They are cheap Chinese junks assembled in Pakistan that even the Chinese don’t want.
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@Bangash:
It’s technology these days! You’re not talking about WW II era aircrafts. Nowadays, you don’t have to see an aircraft to shoot it down like miles n miles away. It doesn’t need courage to press a few buttons.
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Apparently, Reuben Johnson of Aviationweek disagrees with most here.
His Article is titled:
JF-17: The World’s next best Selling Light fighter? ( page 52 of the e copy of the magazine.
If nothing else , it shows the capabilities of the Aircraft. It is like my buddy says…” Haters gonna hate”! Adios.
http://gb.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416198869&o=ext&p=52Recommend
@rehmat:
“On one hand Pakistan says it does not have the capacity build enough even for Pak airforce’s needs. On the other hand they are willing to sell at cut rate price. Doesn’t that raise any red flags?”
Valid point. That can only mean that this J-17 project is a white elephant on which Pakistan has wasted over hundreds of millions of dollars. It looks like neither China or Pakistan are going to induct this junk in large quantities. Thus the spin on selling to other countries.
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its like nano vs bmw, and for who want some flying object for show up.
but yaaa, it can fly,fight and can increase inventory, but there is a maximum capability that a 20m $ plane can do
@Bangash:
haha, US have nuclear weapons and they could have use it, but didn’t, why ?? use F16 or fighter planes to hunt taliban, lol, do taliban have FAs?? will you use guns to kill mosquitoes?
loll, use commonsense.
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Who said India make anything on their own? From Indian silk to autos all are produced from imported stuff or technology. If your information comes from Indian Radio you just have not seen the coffee, why talk about if you have “smell the coffee”? Only difference is we buy partial products and they buy the technology now our plane flies theirs crashes. From U.S. nuclear technology to Chinese Silk everything is promoted their as indigenous. So much is their ego that no one can say there that Indian Ocean is international waters and not Indian territory. That “Hindi” is not as real language it was only created for nationalism after partition(1947) to counter “Urdu” speaking Muslim influence. All books and radios have to follow new guidelines for “national honour”. Just like Spanish population has no clue that Muslims ever ruled Spain or were the real reason of the end of European Dark Ages, really.
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can we guarantee the supply to the export markets as the engine is Russian and the avionics in French.
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@Meekal Ahmed:
As usual, comments from you prove that “Empty vessels make more noice”..
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@Sun-Set:
Not just your name, your knowledge also seems to be Sun-Set
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JF-17 is powered by a single Russian RD-93 turbofan engine which is a variant of engine used in Mig-29. India inducted these crafts way back in 1985. so nothing to boast off..Just like i boast off with my antique Standard Gazel Car..Lolz
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Winter discount on JF-17.
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no doubt jf 17 is one of the advanced 4th generation aircraft ..
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Actually this is the state of the art technology based aircraft and better than F-16.
The institute which has developed it i.e. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex is a competent institute with long experience of building air crafts.
All the comments over here are because of the political situation of Pakistan but look it has not been developed by democratic alliance. It has been developed by Pakistan Armed Forces engineers
I think you know better than me at least.Recommend
Just after one day after the Dubai Air Show.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/291604/paf-aircraft-crashes-in-attock/
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@Sun-Set:
what are you talking about??
do you believe in god?? refresh your browser
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Many of the guys in commenst list are changing thier identity and passing wrong comments. Its only time will prove the what will right or wrong.
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I read so many non sense comments…some are based on jealousy.. and some of the comments based on lack of knowledge… Pakistan has a stong and Powerful army and we are the first nation in muslim world that gained Nuclear capability.. when we make a nuclear and thermo nuclear bomb so what is a small aircraft… every country need technological help and joint venture like american and euroupean are doing to improve their capability… same is done by china and Pakistan… Very soon we will be able to produce Tank like al Khalid and so many other warfare weapon… nothing is impossible..we know how to make and divert impossible in possible….
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@Adil:
How can you cancel the project after all the hype.It will need a brave Pakistani to point out the truth and cancel the project.See any one on the horizon
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I agree with Sun-Sent, India is desperately working for the revival of the nationalism after a millennia of foreign rule. They just can’t undo all the history so now relying on lies. Indian radio & school books are working for national morale booster. They tell their people_ all things in the world are created, invented and stolen from India while they themseff have been using & working in the shadow of China. They think they are the smartest people in the world & then pay heavily to promote that idea around the world through govt agencies & papers. Except media non-Indian in Europe & America are getting tired of this. But just go to India & go to China you will see from fabric dying to steel industry all look like as shadow of China. Step outside the city & you will cry from the miserable life farmers & homeless are living. With suicide rate in only farmers is tens of thousands every month. The papers there never show Real India for fear of viewed by foreigners. Such is their State. Actually there are many Muslims now who are working hard to boost India’s Image politically in the world just because they stayed from migrating at partition_ From the father of Indian Atom bomb( an old Neighbor of Dr. A.Q. Khan) to the guy( one relative of Sir Syed) who is busy bringing foreign technology to deprived areas & to the paralyzed & under funded educational institutions there.
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@Bangladeshi:
Oh sorry!! You can buy these coffins for you soldiers if you want. But not India, we kicked out even F-16s, 17s whatever they are!! despite Obama lobbying behind the american companies! Instead the Indian army is after procuring the better Dassualts, Rafaels which serve us better.. You are always free to do the chamchagiri of Chinese. But INDIA is not interested in any body’s chamchagiri..
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Instead of spending public funds on weapons, maybe they should be fixing the civilian infrastructure, like schools, clean water and health care. A single plane costs more than what a whole village needs to fix all its problems
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Pak sells jf-17 to get the capital to build the ‘even-better’ next generation jets .. could be coming soon
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This is our dilemma. We don’t do anything other than living room talking, oh sorry, its laptop in bedroom now.
We not only do nothing ourselves, wo don’t open-heartedly appreciate others efforts. For all those who like to criticize this aircraft, please dont let me remind you the first aircrafts ever built by USA or Europeans. There is always a learning curve. Thats how you learn. Thats how you take the first steps.
There are people who do nothing knowing that we are already so far behind so anything we ll ever do isnt gonna make a difference. And then there are those who do something believing that we ll get there someday! Its a shame that most of us are the former ones!
Atleast apprecite the efforts!
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Amazing that the next story about the JF 17 is about one of these planes crashing, the crew dead. Do you think somebody sabotaged this exquisite piece of machinery to bring a bad name to Pakistan? RAW? CIA? Mossad?
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how about we keep the three j17 and tackle the f16 from all 3 corners i know for sure no other single plane can do that
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Some of the readers who did not like my earlier post on JF-17 are today gone in hiding. The plane has crashed on its first few flights. After this, no country would get intrested in it.
I told you so; Chinese when they copy, use less of their brains but more of their manufacturing prowess. Hence the product looks like the original but inside is a disaster. In this case they tried to copy F-16 with Pakistani help and got a lemon. They sold that lemon to Pakistan, who out of being nice to the Chinese bought it. Now Chinese are kind of expecting Pakistanis to push it in the international market at cut rate price. The forgoing is common in any Chinese products, take for example – TVs, DVDs, Cell phone and many other high tech items. Out of the box these look fabulous. Only after a year or two you are forced to get it repaired or dumped in a junk yard because it does not work. This is everyday life in North America. The only reason North American buy Chinese products is that these are so cheap. That is Chinese product story and JF-17 is no exception.
I kind of wish that Pakistanis buy lots of these planes and learn the hard way.
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@Insider:
If “Allah” helps , how come Pakistan Is in such dire bad condition. Infact it is “China” Pakistan’s Benefector who is so benevolent to Pakistan. So my dear It is not “Allah’ or any other heavenly source who helps,it is your hard work , honesty , and discipline which makes a person or country strong,prosper and advance. Allah helps those who help them selves.Recommend
why dont we all buy a steath plane :D
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@Rehmat Khan:
Out of curiosity, where did you see that ranking?
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Typical pakistani mentality, trying to let down your own country in any way possible..
Try to do a bit of research on JF-17, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Regards,
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@Bangladeshi:
I see the lovefest between you and Pakistanis. Perhaps India should have let the Pakistani inflict all the atrocities they did to your country in 1971
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@Ali Tanoli:
That would be a great strategy if the modern countries of the world were in the market for buying camel buggies. But as you may or may not know, the world has moved on
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@Sao Lao:
They are trying to fit Brahmos missile on it and hover over Pakistan. By the way do Pakistanis know what a jet is??
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