'JF-17 aircraft capable enough to meet Pakistan defence needs'

Islamabad: The JF-17 multi-role combat aircraft is capable enough to meet Pakistan`s defence requirements, a top Pakistani minister said on Tuesday.

Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer said Pakistan had a fleet of the state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder aircraft which carried all specifications of any advanced fighter jet.

He said Pakistan was at the top among 10 countries having a fleet of the JF-17 lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft, and added that the country`s defence was impregnable and had the capability to meet all challenges.

Tanveer said Pakistan was in contact with the US for delivery of F-16 aircraft, and in case the deal did not materialise, it would approach other countries for the purpose.

The federal minister went on to say that the country was in talks with Russia for acquiring MI-35 helicopters and expressed optimism that positive development will take place in upcoming months.

MI-35 is the upgraded version of the Russia-made MI-24 attack and transport helicopter. Several countries in the world, including India, are using the helicopter which is also called "flying tank" for its fighting capability.