December 21, 2001
Pak acquires new fighter aircraft from China
K J M Varma in Islamabad
Pakistan is set to acquire two squadrons of F-7 MG fighter jets from China to beef up its ageing air force and match India's air strength. The first batch of the new fighters would arrive by March, according to media reports. Diplomatic sources, however, said a dozen jets have already arrived. The news of the acquisition of the aircraft comes amidst increasing tension between New Delhi and Islamabad after December 13 terrorist attack on Parliament, which India alleges took place with the support of Pakistan's Inter-services Intelligence. Orders for the purchase of the aircraft was placed early this year. Under the agreement, Pakistan Air Force would acquire two squadrons, about 46 planes, from China. F-7 MG, a single-seat, single-engine light aircraft, considered to be a relatively well equipped modern fighter jet, would be fitted with the new Grifo airborne radar system called "Pulse Doppler Frequency Agility Radar" made in collaboration with Italy. The Grifo Radars can track and scan enemy aircraft and will match the current generation of fighter aircraft being acquired by India, sources said. PTI
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