Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today hailed the induction of Pakistan Air Force's 50th JF-17 fighter aircraft, built with Chinese help, as a move towards "self-reliance" and said the country's defence strategy is being devised on modern lines.
Underlining that the objective situation has undergone a change due to new research and innovations, Sharif said, "Today, one can enter any territory sitting thousands mile away without physically moving one's armed forces. This has been possible only due to the capability of air force and the new technology".
"We know very well that no battle can be won with outdated technology and discarded strategies," Sharif said at the roll-out ceremony of the 50th JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.
"Pakistan's defence strategy is therefore being devised under this scenario," he said.
Sharif expressed happiness with Pakistan military leadership's full cognisance of the changing environment and its following of an agreed and well integrated approach.
"The new technology and modern expertise have transformed our defence into a great force," he said.
"The JF-17 aircraft development and production is a major flag bearer in our journey towards self-reliance and industrialisation and adds a glorious chapter in the history of Pakistan's friendship with China," Sharif said.
The PAC JF-17 is a light weight, single engine, and multi-role combat aircraft which has been developed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAC) of China.
The aircraft is 15 metres long and is said to be able to tackle all kinds of weather.
Sharif congratulated Chief of the Air Staff and his team on the successful completion of in-country production of the first batch of 50 JF-17 aircraft.
He said the skill and passion of 'flying falcons' to conquer the skies assured that the country's aerial frontiers were safe and secure.
