Karachi, November 23 (Dawn/APP/Radio Pakistan): Pakistan on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the sale of 52 Pakistan-made Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain confirmed the deal at the 9th International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2016) in Karachi.
Hussain further said that all MoUs being signed with other countries contain a clause that guarantees transfer of technology.
The Super Mushshak is an advanced variant of the Mushshak basic trainer, and is produced at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
The aircraft has a service ceiling of 22,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 268km/h. the range of the aircraft is reported to be 814 km.
The aircraft is already in service with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and South Africa. Nigeria bought the aircraft in early 2016 and Qatar bought the trainers in June this year.
Basic flight training is provided on the aircraft for aspiring pilots.
Pakistan and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an MoU to upgrade Al-Khalid battle tanks being built in Pakistan, according to Radio Pakistan.
Under the agreement, Ukraine will provide technical support and engines for 200 Al-Khalid tanks.
President Mamnoon Hussain during a meeting in Karachi with Ukraine Defense Minister General Stephan Poltorak said that maintaining strong ties with Ukraine is of immense importance for Pakistan.
According to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan has achieved self-reliance in defense production.
Addressing IDEAS-2016, Sharif said that over 2,000 weapons system and equipment are on display at the exhibition. The country’s defense products are state-of-the-art and stood fully tested by its armed forces.
“Our defense products have made their mark in many countries of the world,” he said, adding there still exists many opportunities for further growth and exploration of new markets.
He said Pakistan is fast emerging as a producer of quality defense products.
“The promise of today’s Pakistan is brighter and reassuring than ever before,” he said.
The Prime Minister invited foreign companies to expand their business linkages with Pakistan in the field of defense production.
Nawaz Sharif said the environment for foreign investment is encouraging in the country in view of improved law and order situation, besides power projects being completed on time.
The Prime Minister also visited the stalls of the IDEAS exhibition where major indigenously developed products have been showcased including battle tank Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder, Super Mushshak and K-8 aircraft, Fast Attack Craft Missile boats, armored personnel carriers and military hardware.
The Prime Minister was apprised that defense industries of Turkey, China, Russia, North America, South America, Europe and Asia have a significant presence at IDEAS 2016. Among other participating countries are: Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Switzerland, Romania and Nigeria.
Thirty-four countries and a total of 418 companies are participating in IDEAS 2016, including 261 foreign and 157 Pakistani companies.
(The featured image at the top is that of a Mushshak trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force)
