The first overhauled JF-17 fighter delivered by China

In a major boost for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), China has delivered the first overhauled multi-role JF-17 fighter jet to Islamabad as part of a project undertaken by the two countries over a decade ago for the development and manufacture of the aircraft.

China and Pakistan had begun joint development and manufacture of the single-engine light JF-17 jets over a decade ago. Beijing delivered the first batch in 2007 and a number of them were later commissioned by the PAF.

After a decade of use, it was time for the first JF-17s to undergo overhauls. JF17 is part of close defense cooperation between the two countries under which China has become a major supplier of arms to Pakistan.