Voice of America News, Though strapped financially and experiencing critical food and fuel shortages, Harare is purchasing six K-8 fighter/training jets from China, doubling the size of its fleet of the aircraft following last year's acquisition of six of the limited-firepower planes.
According to the state-run Herald newspaper, Defense Secretary Trust Maphosa told Parliament on Tuesday that the K-8 jets, jointly manufactured by China and Pakistan, would be delivered in about two months. Maphosa did not disclose what Zimbabwe would be paying, but military experts said the jets normally fetch US$20 million.
Though the K-8 (the Chinese domestic model is called the JL-8) does not have fixed weapons, but its four under-wing pylons can carry 23mm cannon pods, unguided rockets, 250 kilogram bombs and short-range air-to-air missiles.
Zimbabwe
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