JF-17 Thunder flies high among 140 aircraft during Paris Air Show

Large number of delegates from friendly countries showed keen interest in buying the aircraft, say officials

PARIS:

JF-17 Thunder, the multi-role fighter jet of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was the "chef-d'oeuvre" (masterpiece) among the hundred and forty aircraft displayed at the Paris Air Show, held last month from June 17 to 23 at Le Bourget in Paris, said the officials who attended the event on Saturday.

2453 exhibitors from 48 countries displayed their wares including 140 aircraft. Over 500,000 visitors including 139,840 professionals from 185 countries visited the show.

Pakistan's Ambassador in France Moinul Haq said only two fighter jets -- Sino-Pak JF-17 Thunder and French Rafael -- took part in the aerial display at the show.

Air Marshal Ahmer Shehzad told The Express Tribune that despite difficulties, Pakistan had progressed technologically and currently it is one of the six countries in the world that manufacture fighter jets.

Also read: 53rd Paris Air Show: PAF's JF-17 Thunder starts practice drills

Squadron Leader Musharraf stated that a large number of delegates from friendly countries had shown keen interest in buying the warplane.

The Sino-Pak JF-17 costs $25 million per unit whereas French fighter jet Rafale cost at least three times more, said the officials.

JF-17 gave an impressive performance at the opening ceremony of the event, which was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron while Pakistani ambassador and senior members of the armed forces delegation also attended the event.