DUBAI: Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force attended the inaugural ceremony of Dubai Air Show-2013 on Sunday. Air chiefs of a number of countries were also present on the occasion. The Dubai Air Show was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Rana Tanveer Hussain, federal minister for defence production, also visited the air show. The air chief had a meeting with Li Yuhai, central executive vice president of the Aviation Industry of China and discussed matters regarding the performance of JF-17 Thunder. Aerial display could not be conducted due to dust storm.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 18th, 2013.
JF-17 Thunder has been displayed several times in the past but received no orders till date. This aircraft can neither match in performance against any of the current IAF fighters nor proved to be a commercial success. Will the civilian govt ask the PAF the justification of purchasing these junk aircrafts in such large numbers and then start its production causing a huge loss to the state as well as weakening of its air supremacy against its adversary ? The only winner in this deal is China who benefitted in earning millions of dollars while Pakistan lost on both fronts.
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isn’t the JF-17 Thunder also called the “Flying Coffin”………….which airforce would even want to order these??? what a waste of public money sending these men for a free holiday to Dubai on pretext of getting orders…………Recommend
I think before becoming an expert on aviation, one must understand the dynamics of aircraft industry business. JF-17 is the first ever attempt by Pakistan in export market which is full of major giants of aviation. It certainly will take some time for Thunder to make its place. France spend decades in developing Rafale which is one of the most potent and top notch fighter jet yet there is only French air force which is using it. though India has selected it but no agreement still. So, is Rafale is also junk? Come on people, show some respect where it is due….. but then, it is on Express Tribune, why I am not surprised!!
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@Kumail:
MIG-21’s are known as flying coffins, due to a number of air-crashes & subsequent loss of life at IAF.Recommend