from Indian Express
K.J.M. VARMA
Posted online: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 at 0129 hours IST
ISLAMABAD, APRIL 5 : Vowing to maintain both nuclear and conventional deterrence with India, Pakistan on Tuesday launched the joint production of JF-17 fighter aircraft with China, close on the heels of the US decision to supply it F-16 jets.
The launch by President Pervez Musharraf coincided with the visit of Chinese premier Wen Jiabao today, and was conceived by both countries after flight testing last year in China.
‘‘Pakistan would meet its arms requirements for its forces for maintaining deterrence in both conventional and non-conventional fields,’’ with India, state-run PTV quoted him as saying. ‘‘Pakistan would not confine to acquiring high-tech weapons but will also explore other options,’’ Musharraf said.
He said the launch reflected the ‘all-weather’ friendship between the two countries, which would be strengthened with Wen’s visit.
Islamabad and Beijing, which have a close defence ties for over two decades, initiated the JF-17 project several years ago when both nations struggled to acquire fourth generation aircraft. —PTI
K.J.M. VARMA
Posted online: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 at 0129 hours IST
ISLAMABAD, APRIL 5 : Vowing to maintain both nuclear and conventional deterrence with India, Pakistan on Tuesday launched the joint production of JF-17 fighter aircraft with China, close on the heels of the US decision to supply it F-16 jets.
The launch by President Pervez Musharraf coincided with the visit of Chinese premier Wen Jiabao today, and was conceived by both countries after flight testing last year in China.
‘‘Pakistan would meet its arms requirements for its forces for maintaining deterrence in both conventional and non-conventional fields,’’ with India, state-run PTV quoted him as saying. ‘‘Pakistan would not confine to acquiring high-tech weapons but will also explore other options,’’ Musharraf said.
He said the launch reflected the ‘all-weather’ friendship between the two countries, which would be strengthened with Wen’s visit.
Islamabad and Beijing, which have a close defence ties for over two decades, initiated the JF-17 project several years ago when both nations struggled to acquire fourth generation aircraft. —PTI
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