Pakistan to Build Jet Aircraft

Pakistan, which has been seeking high technology aircraft for the last two decades, said yesterday it hoped to start joint production with China from 2007 of multirole fighter jets. The first four JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft are expected to be introduced into the air force some time in 2006, said Air Vice Marshal Shahid Latif, project director for JF-17 planes. Pakistan was also equipping the manufacturing facility to cater for exports. “We already have some export orders,” Latif said, but did not give details.