Turkey to purchase 52 trainer aircraft from Pakistan

MUHAMMAD ALI

KARACHI: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board (PACB), Kamra on Wednesday signed a deal of around $50 million with Turkey for selling 52 Super Mushshak Trainer Aircraft (SMTA) within next three years. As many as total 13 MoUs were cemented till second day of IDEAS 2016.

Air Marshal Arshad Malik, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Mustafa Seker, Deputy Under-secretary Turkish Ministry of Defence Industry signed the contract. As per the MoU, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra will provide 52 SMTA worth around $50 million to Turkish Air Force for primary training of its pilots.

The MoU was signed on the inaugural day of IDEAS-2016, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force along with high ranking officials of Pakistan and Turkey.

This contract would not only open new avenues for export of aviation equipment to foreign countries but also help in generating revenue for the country. The Super Mushshak aircraft is already in service with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and South Africa. The deal further strengthens PACB's status as a world class aviation industry producing the supersonic JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.

Besides this, other MoUs were also signed on the occasion. In the first MoU PAC in collaboration with Telec Electronics and Machinery Pvt Ltd will jointly offer the engine repairs and overhaul facilities to the customers. Another important MoU was signed with STI for the procurement of two Super Mushshak flight simulators. These contracts have been signed with an aim to support and promote the local aviation industry in the country.