Pakistan, China to collaboration in defence production, aviation

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed that Pakistan and China will continue to expand collaboration in defence production and aviation, with the aim to deepen all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to Radio Pakistan, the president reiterated to this commitment during his visit to Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on Sunday.

AVIC is the country’s largest aerospace and defense enterprise that is engaged in the production of a wide range of military and civilian aircraft.

During the visit to AVIC complex, which produces the J-10C fighter jet, met with engineers and scientists working at the facility. He was briefed on innovations, production processes, and future technologies here.

Doha attack: Dar in Qatar for Arab League-OIC summit

President Zardari was given an overview of AVIC’s advanced capabilities, including briefings on the J-10 fighter jet, the JF-17 Thunder (jointly developed by China and Pakistan), and progress on the J-20 stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

He praised the J-10 and JF-17 jets for their role in strengthening the PAF, particularly referencing their significance during heightened tensions with India.

The president also received updates on UAVs and integrated command-and-control systems designed for modern multi-domain operations.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi are accompanying the president on this visit.