PAF to receive 18 F-16s by July 2010: Rao Qamar

[Air Marshal]

PAF to receive 18 F-16s by July 2010: Rao Qamar
December 29, 2009

KAMRA: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said Tuesday that Pakistan Air Force would receive 18 new F-16 planes by July 2010.

Talking to media persons on the occasion of induction ceremony of first SAAB-2000 AEW&C aircraft at PAF Base here he said that the new F-16s would be equipped with several new weapons.

The Air Chief said that PAF was fully capable of meeting all the challenges of air defence, making it clear that Pakistan had no offensive designs against anyone and its defence purchases were of defensive nature.

To a question about modernization process of the PAF he said that talks were being held with China for supply of four AWACS planes which would be handed over to PAF by 2011. HE further said that Pakistan would also receive surface-to-air missile system by end of next year.

He said with the induction of Swedish Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning & Control AEW&C system,PAF has entered in new ear of air defence.

Replying to question he said that first squadron of JF-17 Thunder planes would become operational by June next.

- Associated Press of Pakistan

[Munir]

All the reasons I can think is that Pak pilots are in USA and will receive training in the already produced F16block52's... Why else would the planes be produced in december 2009 and delivered in july 2010... There was a rumour of getting them earlier but that is not the case.

Anyway, 2010 will be a damn good year for PAF.