The JF-17 fighter, co-developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Pakistan's Air Force (PAF), makes its debut at the 51st Paris International Air Show, June 15, 2015.(Photo: China News Service/Long Jianwu)
The JF-17 fighter, co-developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Pakistan's Air Force (PAF), made its debut at the 51st Paris International Air Show which opened officially here Monday, gathering more than 30,000 visitors from 47 countries.
During more than five minutes of aerobatics Monday afternoon, the JF-17 fighter has presented a series of impressive actions, winning attention and applause from many visitors.
As an all-weather multiple-role light fighter, more than 50 JF-17 fighters have been delivered to PAF, Vice-president of AVIC Li Yuhai said at a joint press conference organized by AVIC and PAF after the aerobatics, adding that in China, this fighter is named "FC-1 Xiaolong", and in Pakistan, it is "JF-17 Thunder". The excellent flight performance of JF-17 fighter has won broad attention in many countries, Yang Ying, a high official of AVIC said, predicting that in next 10-15 years, between 200 and 300 JF-17 fighters would be sold globally.
"We bring JF-17 fighter to Paris Air Show with strong confidence after having been well prepared," Yang said.
The future JF-17 fighter will have more advanced capabilities, such as air-to-air refueling, data link and electronic warfare, and will be integrated with more new guided weapons. The dual-seat JF-17 trainer is also under development, AVIC revealed in its press release.
Apart from JF-17 fighter jet, China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China has also presented its 158-174 seats narrow-body twin-engine civil aircraft.
Meanwhile, China Great Wall Industry Corporation is promoting Long March rockets, Fengyun meteorological satellites, resource satellites, oceanic satellites and other satellite platforms at the show.
Founded in 1909, the show is currently held every odd year at Le Bourget Airport in north Paris, France.
The show runs from June 15 to 21. From June 19, the show will be open to public.
