China delivers first overhauled JF-17 fighter to Pakistan

BEIJING: China has recently delivered the first overhauled JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to Pakistan under a project that experts said would benefit Pakistan's aviation industry.

Changsha 5712 Aircraft Industry Co Ltd under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) reassembled the overhauled JF-17 and delivered it to its Pakistani client in March, Global Time reported while quoting China Aviation News here on Wednesday.

This is also the first time AVIC has overhauled a made-for-export third-generation fighter, or fourth generation according to another widely used standard, the report said.

"The first overhaul marks an important milestone in the JF-17 project," Fu Qianshao, a Chinese air defense expert, told the Global Times.

The first overhaul represents the trial-and-error phase of the project and provides experience in establishing standards for other JF-17 overhauls in the future, according to Fu.

Jointly developed and manufactured by China and Pakistan, the single-engine multi-role light fighter jet JF-17 made its maiden flight in 2003.

The first JF-17s were delivered to Pakistani clients in 2007 and a number of them were later commissioned by the Pakistan Air Force.