LONDON, Dec 31 (PNS): Pakistan is expected to receive delivery of the first two batches of new-generation F-7 series fighter aircrafts from China. Quoting Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir, the Jane's Defence Weekly said the new F-7 PG fighters were scheduled to arrive in Karachi on December 17 and 20 aboard Chinese ships. However, there's a little delay as Pakistan asked Chinese authorities to upgrade few gadgets of the Jet fighters and equip it with the latest HUDS (Heads up Display System).
PAF up-gradation is taking place just before it retires the fleet of 1960's-era F-6 air-defence fighters on March 23 next.
First deliveries of the new aircraft are slated for the 31st Fighter Wing at air force base Quetta/Samungli, with both batches to enter frontline service by April next.
The new generation aircraft is a further development on the MiG-21 design, the J-7PG features improved avionics and a more powerful engine than the PAF's current inventory of F-7 MP 'Skybolt' fighters.
The PAF is understood to have ordered 50 aircraft from a requirement for up to 80 F-7 PGs. The fighter jet was selected after Pakistan's bilateral development with China of the FC-1/Super-7 fighter ran into difficulty as Russia declined to supply engines.
Pakistan also expects to take delivery of spare parts for its 32 remaining air force-operated F-16 fighters and their associated weapon systems from early 2002.
The PAF acquired 28 single-seat F-16As and 12 twin-seat F-16Bs in 198 during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the height of cold war. The USA embargoed a further 28 aircraft following their manufacture for the service.
Meanwhile, Media reports from India are indicating movement of China's troops along Sino-Indian border. This comes a day after Musharraf, President of Pakistan returned from official tour to China. Indian threats appear to be destabilizing the region.
India has threatened an all out nuclear war on Pakistan and has moved its forces along side border of Pakistan. A large portion of Pakistani army is occupied sealing off western border with Afghanistan and helping United States find members of terrorist organziation Al-Qaida, headed by Osama bin Laden. United States has blamed Al-Qaida for launching deadliest attack on its soil on September 11 this year. Since then Osama bin Ladin has openly accepted responsibility.
India claims two fundamentalist groups based in Kashmir are responsible for a foiled attack on its parliamentary building. Pakistan has assured full cooperation and asked for evidence. So far India has declined to provide evidence or to embark on a joint investigation of the incident. Pakistan claims India engages in state terrorism in part of Kashmir under occupation of 700,000 Indian paramilitary forces citing gross human rights violations documented by Amnesty International.
Pakistan supports the Kashmiri freedom struggle and right of self-determination in Kashmiri which it believes should be part of Pakistan according to 1947 partition plan. Last war between China and India took place in 1962. All three countries China, India and Pakistan have nuclear capability.
Indian war threats are likely to divert Pakistan's resources and impede United States led global war on terrorism. -The End-
http://www.paknews.com/top.php?id=1&date1=2001-12-31
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