JF-17 fighter developed by China, Pakistan makes debut at Paris air show

A JF-17 fighter performs an aerial display during the 51st international Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, near Paris, France, June 15, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

PARIS - 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.