Pakistan will begin production of JF-17 thunder jets, a lightweight multi-role combat aircraft, in collaboration with China, the Online news agency reported Tuesday.
The countries signed an agreement in March for the production of 42 JF-17 fighters at the Pakistan Aeronautical complex in Kamra in Punjab province. Some parts of the aircraft would also be manufactured in China.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) plans to raise its first squadron of JF-17 jets by the end of this year, sources said.
Senior Pakistani and Chinese officials will participate in a ceremony Tuesday to commence the production of the aircraft.
In the past, Pakistan has received eight JF-17 jets from China.
Pakistan's decision to begin production of the JF-17 jet comes at a time when the military is making extensive use of its airpower in operations against the Taliban in the northwestern part of the country.