KAMRA Pakistan Monday gained another milestone towards self-reliance by rolling out its first cost-effective and multi-role state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder aircraft manufactured in collaboration with Peoples Republic of China, at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra. The JF-17 aircraft is amongst eleven other aircraft manufactured in China to be inducted in the PAF fleet as squadron next year was rolled out of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra at a special ceremony that was also attended by Prime Minister Gilani as chief guest. The ceremony was largely attended amongst others including Services Chiefs, Chairman Senate, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Finance Minsietr Shaukat Tarin, Defence Minister Ch Ahmed Mukhtar, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, Pakistans ambassador to China Masood Khan and diplomats. PAC plans to manufacture more than 40 JF-17 aircraft within next five years to thus giving 58pc self-autarky to Pakistan in JF-17 manufacturing by the time the PAC rolls out its last aircraft from planned list of forty. The JF 17 Thunder, the lightweight and low-cost multi role fighter aircraft has high maneuverability and BVR capability. It has advanced aerodynamics configuration and high thrust. The JF-17 Thunder will replace the ageing fleets of A-5s, F-7Ps and the Mirages in the PAF inventory thus fulfilling a multi role task. JF-17 Thunder project would be followed by PC-20 aircraft also called as J-10 aircraft project, another state-of-the-art hi-tech aircraft at the PAC as talks between Pakistan and China were underway to finalize the modalities. Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister said the goals of progress and prosperity could not be achieved without achieving self-reliance in the defence production, and termed the manufacturing of JF 17 aircraft as the achievement of an important milestone in the governments ongoing efforts to attain self-reliance. The Prime Minister assured full cooperation, support and patronage to the PAF in its projects and congratulated the entire nation, adding the national project would be remembered as a landmark in the countrys history. Referring to present challenges, the Prime Minister said the fast changing technology intensive battle arena required intense involvement of air power, which had emerged as a major player in conflict scenarios. He said the role of air force also becomes vital in tackling the threat posed by the forces of extremism and militancy. Under these circumstances, he said, a modern air force was a national requirement adding the government was making sincere efforts for a strong and well-equipped Pakistan Air Force. He said the PAF had repeatedly proved equal to the task even in most challenging times, measuring up to the expectations of the nation in safeguarding the sacred soil and skies of the country. In the recent drive against militants, PAF side by side with Pak Army was endeavoring to root out terrorism from the country, he added. He appreciated that the JF-17 programme had provided employment to about 5,000 people, and reiterated the government resolves in eradicating ignorance, illiteracy and backwardness to carve a respectable place for the country in the comity of nations. Referring to long and trustworthy relations between Pakistan and China, the Prime Minister said, It is not trade or economics that we collaborate and cooperate for, but our association and fraternal ties bind us in the everlasting embrace of friendship. He said, China has always stood by us in our hour of need its unflinching support and willingness, to go an extra mile for Pakistan, has been a source of great strength for the people of Pakistan. The Prime Minister said there had been significant contribution by China towards the socio economic development of the country. Gilani thanked the Chinese friends for providing PAF the required technical assistance for the programme. Prime Minister said that 40 JF-17 Thunder aircraft would be produced by PAC Kamra within next three years and would be inducted in PAF replacing the existing aircraft and the first JF 17 Squadron would be established shortly. The Prime Minister said the Chinese calm sagacity, futuristic thinking and willingness to stand by its friends, even in the era of terrorism and extremism promised not only hope and stability but also acted as an example for others. He also mentioned the Chinese cooperation in many other projects in the country and said it was a pride for the nation. He especially highlighted the projects including Gwadar Deep Sea Port, Korakoram Highway, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Heavy Electrical Complex and Saindak Copper Project where China is helping the country. He lauded the PAFs initiative for appreciating and putting to use the tremendous potential of Pakistan and jointly developing the industrial infrastructure. Chief of the Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman highlighted the efforts of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra in establishing itself as a hub of aviation industry. He lauded the support of Chinese government and Aviation Industries of China without which, he said the project would not have succeeded. Chinas ambassador Luo Zhaohui on behalf on the Chinese government appreciated the technical acumen of PAC Kamra in acquiring complex skills and expertise in fighter aircraft manufacturing. He said the collaboration between the two peace loving countries in air defence was a major step for the regions peace. Earlier in his welcome address, PAC Chairman Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, gave an overview of the JF 17 project and highlighted the benefits of co production in terms of incorporation of modern technologies of manufacturing and skill enhancement of personnel.