The committee was informed that Pakistan had kicked off its serial production of the multiple jet fighter JF-17 Thunder in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China two years back.

Secretary Defence Production Lt Gen Shahid Iqbal told the committee that two P-3 series Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft had been lost and efforts were being made for their replacement.

Earlier, the committee discussed in detail the audit reports of Ministry of Defence for year 1998-1999, 2002-2003 and 2003-004. The committee members also raised some objections on audit paras and directed the authorities concerned to submit reports on audit paras within one month.

The committee also sent some matters to Departmental Accounts Committee with direction to compile a detailed report on these matters. The Secretary Ministry of Defence Production assured to fully implement the directions of the committee.

The Chief of the Air Staff addressing the Airmen congratulated the nation and the PAF personnel on the momentous occasion.

“The formal induction of JF-17 aircraft in the PAF is in line with our resolve to face all challenges with poise and self-confidence. The PAF has invested in the force multipliers like the Air-to-Air refuellers, UAVs and AEW&C aircraft to enhance our capacity and capability to undertake complex operations,” he said.

“ These new state-of-the-art inductions make it imperative that we train hard and prepare well to induct and integrate the new systems professionally and safely. The achievements of PAF leave no doubt in my mind that we are immensely capable and, as a team, can set and achieve still higher standards”.

“We are a peaceful nation with no aggressive designs and want to maintain peace with honour in our region. We are inducting new systems to keep pace with technology and maintain credible conventional balance of force, without which peace cannot be ensured in South Asia,” he said.

He said that the JF-17 would be put through its paces in the forthcoming Exercise Hi-Mark 2010.

The ‘JF-17 Thunder’ has the capability to undertake entire spectrum of offensive as well as defensive missions. By joining the elite ranks of PAF, the JF-17 would not only enhance the combat readiness of PAF but also form its back-bone in future.

The ceremony culminated when an A-5-III fighter led three JF-17 Thunder aircraft in a flypast following which a single JF-17 performed aerobatics over the venue.

This will kick start a new era in Pak-China relationship, and aviation industry, an official source told APP here Tuesday. Both China as well as PAF attach a lot of importance to this project which is materializing after hectic and laborious efforts spread over almost a decade, he said.

The PAC has generated all the capability to produce the aircraft locally for its onward delivery to PAF besides materializing purchase orders from abroad.

The JF-17 Thunder a new generation, light-weight, all weather, day/night multi-role fighter aircraft with glass cockpit, hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls and efficient man-machine interface will ensure a minimal pilot workload.

The maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a high thrust-to-weight ratio will enable it to perform well in an air defence role. An ability to carry short- as well as long-range air-to-air missiles lends the aircraft a first shot capability.

In the surface attack role, a variety of weapons - conventional as well as precision-guided, a sophisticated avionics suite along with accurate weapon delivery system, ensure higher mission success rate.

An effective ECM suite will greatly enhance survivability of the platform. Its anticipated air-to-air refuelling capability will provide the JF-17 with more loiter time to safeguard the frontiers and the ability to deliver the required punch at distance.

It will replace the ageing fleets of A-5s, F-7Ps and the Mirages in the PAF inventory thus fulfiling a multi-role task.

In his address to the graduating Combat Commanders, he said, The JF-17 Thunder program is on track. “We will start production of this aircraft from 30th of this month and Inshallah 1st Made in Pakistan JF-17 aircraft will fly in Pakistan's airspace by end of this year.”

“PAF has extensively flown against the militants in Swat as well as in FATA. Application of airpower has brought about tangible results. This is a new type of warfare in which PAF has been participating for the first time during the last one year or so in support of Pakistan Army. We will continue our contribution towards our national security effort as long as it is required.”

Referring to the challenges confronted the nation, he said ‘the challenges, both internal and external, that confront us today and our responses to these have to be viewed in the broader perspective of the changes that are shaping the geopolitical landscape of the world. Apart from the traditional hostile adversary, new frontiers of conflict have lately emerged for us in the West and from within. These developments pose a great deal of threat to our national security.”

The Chief Guest awarded certificates and trophies to the graduating officers who underwent a strenuous and professionally demanding course.

The Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the best Combat Commander was awarded to Squadron Leader Haider Shahbaz Ali while Air Officer Commanding Air Defence Command Trophy for best Combat Controller was awarded to Squadron Leader Saquib Rehman.

Earlier on his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf. The ceremony was attended by Principal Staff Officers and field commanders of Pakistan Air Force.