Pakistan
to provide Mushshak trainer aircraft, JF-Thunder
jet to Iraq
Pakistan
and Iraq have inked a momentous defense pact in Baghdad, heralding a new era of
defense collaboration. This landmark agreement entails Pakistan supplying
twelve MFI-Mushshak trainer aircraft and twelve
JF-Thunder Block III fighter jets to the Iraqi Air Force.
The $1.8 billion deal was clinched during deliberations between Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar and his Iraqi counterpart at the Ministry of Defense in Iraq.
The Iraqi delegation, comprising Lt. Gen. Ahmed Dawood, Secretary General of the Iraqi Defense Ministry, and Lt. Gen. Shahab Jahid Ali, participated in the negotiations. This marks the second instance of
the PAF providing Mushshak trainer aircraft to Iraq, following the earlier provision of 12 Mushshak aircraft in 2023.
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More Pakistan
to deliver 12 more Super Mushshak aircraft to Iraq: PAF Chief
Following the successful integration of these aircraft into the Iraqi forces, the Iraqi Defense Ministry expressed keen interest in procuring additional aircraft from Pakistan. Consequently, after supplying the
additional 12 Mushshak trainer aircraft, Pakistan will furnish twelve JF-Thunder Block III fighter jets to Iraq, with technical specifics currently under finalization.
Iraq will become the fourth nation to receive JF-Thunder aircraft, following prior deliveries to Nigeria and Myanmar. Additionally, an agreement for the acquisition of these aircraft by Azerbaijan from the PAF has been concluded.
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seeking expanded aviation rights with Iraq
During discussions at the Iraqi Defense Ministry, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar briefed Iraqi defense officials on the technical attributes and performance capabilities of the JF-Thunder aircraft.
Iraqi defense authorities are anticipated to visit Pakistan shortly to
personally inspect the manufacturing processes of these aircraft at PAC Kamra.
Source:
Minute Mirror