Pakistan seeks to boost exports in defense sector

Pakistan looks to boost its role as a military exporter by exhibiting a revamped version of a fighter jet at a defense exhibition in the port city of Karachi.

Media reports say the new JF-17, developed with the help of China, was among the key exhibits at the four-day International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) event in Pakistan’s largest city, Press TV reported.

Pakistani defense officials say the updated JF-17 aircraft along with indigenously developed tanks and surveillance drones will help grow military exports.

Sources say that the plane will initially be handed over to the Pakistan military which is currently carrying out airstrikes against Taliban militants in the country’s militancy-riddled northwestern tribal region.

However, sources say countries in Central Asia, South America and Africa have expressed interest in buying the military equipment from Pakistan.

“Several developing countries have shown keen interest in buying JF-17s from Pakistan,” media outlets quoted Air Marshal Javaid Ahmad, a senior Pakistani defense official, as saying.

Some military analysts say Pakistan would likely be hoping to market the aircraft on its competitive price, particularly to the Arab monarchies of the Persian Gulf region where it already sends military training missions.

The Block-II JF-17 has improved avionic systems, air-to-air refueling capability, additional weapons carriage capability and some extra operational capabilities.

Pakistan’s large military has long been a major importer of defense equipment, particularly from key ally China.

Pakistan is hoping the export of updated JF-17 will bring in much-needed foreign exchange revenue.