JF-17 Thunder crashes and pilot martyred

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Attock - 14th November 2011

Yesterday on Monday the Pakistan’s ambitions to sell JF-17 fighter jets to prospective buyers suffered a setback on Monday when one of the aircraft in the ‘Thunder’ fleet crashed in Attock district during a routine flight, killing the pilot.

The tragic incident took place a day after Pakistan Air Force (PAF) exhibited the jets for sale at the Dubai Air Show, at a price almost one third of conventional F-16 fighter jets.

The jet crashed near Mansar Town after taking off from Kamra Airbase.

Although PAF officials did not offer any comments on the crash, several media reports highlighted that the jet was a frontline JF-17 Thunder combat manufactured with cooperation of China.

An official statement released by PAF authorities, however, did not mention the make of the plane. “A PAF jet aircraft, while on a routine training mission, crashed due to technical malfunction,” it said.

The PAF is in process to equip itself with two squadrons of JF-17 jets at present and planning to raise another squadron by early next year.“The pilot was fatally injured. No loss of civilian life or property has been reported on ground,” added the statement.

The pilot, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hussain, was killed as his parachute did not open after he bailed out of the aircraft. The pilot’s body was found about two kilometers from the site of the crash.

The law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area after the incident. PAF rescue teams have launched an operation to clear the debris after dispatching helicopters and rescue teams to the crash site.

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman has ordered an inquiry into the mishap. JF-17 Thunder was jointly manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra and China Aero-technology Import Export Corporation.

---PMG News © 2011---

Pak – China Joint Military Exercise YOUYI-IV

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Jehlum - 14th November 2011

Today on Monday the Pakistan – China Joint Military Exercise YOUYI-IV commenced today near Jehlum. The joint exercise, spread over a period of two weeks, is aimed at sharing mutual exchange of experience and information through a comprehensive training programme in real time. This exercise is fourth in the series in which Special Forces from both sides will participates. Exercise YOUYI-IV is a Brigade level joint exercise between the two armies. Chinese Army being well equipped and highly technical in nature is very meticulous, keen and equally professional in their approach. During last joint exercise in China they demonstrated high sense of professionalism and friendship towards Pakistan.

Exercise YOUYI which literally translates "FRIENDSHIP" between two countries started in 2004. So far three exercises have been conducted including two in China and one in Pakistan. These exercises were mandated to boost existing professional relationship between the two friendly Armies.

It may be mentioned here that Pakistan and China enjoy extremely close and brotherly relations since their inception, which have matured and strengthened over the years. The forthcoming Joint Military Exercise YOUYI-IV will certainly pave the way for further cementing the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Senior Military leadership from both sides will also attend the Exercise. The YOUYI-IV exercise will be a true manifestation to a famous Chinese phrase "Pakistan China friendship is higher than the mountains and deeper than oceans".

---PMG News © 2011---