Qaisar Mansoor
Induction ceremony of J-10C aircraft into Pakistan Air Force fleet was held at PAF Base Kamra on 11 March 2022. Considering modern parameters of warfare, induction of J-10C aircraft in Pakistan Air Force is a result of one such effort merits profound appreciation at all levels.
The development is an historic occasion and is a major boost to the country’s military capabilities to defend its airspace. In order to provide secure environment to our nation against all threats, Armed Forces of Pakistan continue to synergize their efforts bridging capability gap through timely induction programmes. J-10C has fully integrated weapons avionics, and EW shield that’s makes it a powerful combat system under the contemporary environment of warfare.
The aircraft is configured with world’s top class weapons, enabling to detect, engage and destroy targets at long range, both air to air and air to surface and will ensure retention of first shot capability. Pakistan’s J-10C in combination with JF-17 will lead to higher combat capabilities and can rival the Rafale Fighter jet that recently entered service with the Indian Air Force. Pakistan Armed Forces have always lived to the expectations of our great nation despite the fact that Pakistan never wished to be in any armed race, however, it continues to enhance its capability to ensure national security and regional stability.
The aircraft will significantly enhance the combat capability of Pakistan Air Force. The induction of this new aircraft further bolsters Pakistan-China friendship. Both countries understand that a more powerful Pakistan military can better safe guards the balance of power and the region that will lead to peace in South Asia.
The J-10C is also significantly more powerful than the old US-made F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force.
To China, the first successful sale of the J-10 series fighter and the WS-10 series engine will further open the international market and more countries will show serious interests in Chinese aviation equipment, analysts said.
JF-17 Thunder is an advanced, lightweight, all-weather, day/night multi-role fighter aircraft; developed as a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) of China. It possesses excellent air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities.
The state-of-the-art avionics, optimally integrated sub-systems, computerized flight controls and capability to employ the latest weapons provide a decisive advantage to JF-17 over adversaries of the same class. This all-weather, multi-role light combat fighter has remarkable high combat maneuverability at medium and low altitudes. With effective firepower, agility and combat survivability, the aircraft is likely to emerge as a potent platform for any air force.
