Jan 18 2009
China Delivers Jets to Pakistan
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, China delivered eight jet trainers on Friday to the Pakistan Air Force. A ceremony was held at an undisclosed base to honor the delivery.
The aircraft are Karakoram K-8P basic and advanced jet trainers. They have been developed by a joint operation between Pakistan and China over the past few years.
The Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur, 50 kilometers from Peshawar, is currently using the aircraft to train its new recruits, the addition of eight more trainers means the Academy can expand its number of cadets.
According to U.S. Intelligence, these aircraft have increased the proficiency of Pakistan’s pilots and created a smooth transition to the next generation of fighters soon to be adopted by the Air Force.
A statement released by the Pakistani Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations said, “It is a sign of Pak-China friendship, which has stood the test of time and grown stronger”
