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Pakistan, China to sign fighter jet deal

Pakistan and China are set to sign a formal agreement for the joint production of the much-awaited top of the line Super 7FC-1 fighter jet, the Gulf News daily reported.

It reported that the pact is likely to be signed during the visit of Pakistan's Air Chief Mushaf Ali Mir to China later this month.

The newspaper said that the jet is roughly of the same class as the American F-16.

It quoted an official as saying that Ali Mir will visit China from February 21, mainly to sign the deal for production of the fighter jet jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, and Chinese Aircraft Industrial Corp.

"Sensing the emerging security situation in the region, the government is committed to equip the Pakistan Air Force with modern war machines and fighter jets," the official said.

According to the official, the project has been lingering on for the last three years due to the inability of former bosses of the PAF to take necessary decisions about various sub-systems to be installed on F-7MG and Super 7FC-1 fighter aircraft.

"At least 40 F-7MGs are ready to be delivered to Pakistan," the official said. "Tagged at $ 1 million per piece, The F-7MG will be equipped with Italian Grifo-M radar which has been exclusively scaled down to meet the confined space requirement in the plane's nose."

The official said the aircraft would also have enhanced fire power to carry missiles. He said the F-7MGs will be flown to Pakistan soon.

"During his 10-day visit to China, the air chief will also finalise deal for the joint production of Super 7FC-1. The single seat multi-role fighter, developed under the Super 7 programme, is being designed and developed by the Chinese firm with assistance from Mikoyan of Russia," the official said.

The official said that China and Pakistan had long ago concluded negotiations for completing the development and production of the aircraft with input from the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. "From scratch Pakistan will continue the assembly following the delivery of the first few complete aircraft from China," the official said.

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