Pakistan, China enter 1.4 billion dollar fighter jet deal

Lahore, Nov.11 (ANI): Pakistan and China have entered into a major defence deal worth 1.4 billion dollars with Beijing providing at least 36 advance combat jets to Islamabad.

According to a Pakistani official, China would supply two squadrons of J-10 fighter planes in a preliminary agreement. The number of jets could increase in future.

The official added that Pakistan may acquire 'larger numbers' of jets, but, rejected reports that the number could be as large as 150.

Describing the deal as a 'landmark' agreement, experts have pointed out that there is a wider dimension to it.

"The agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan's relations with China. There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly," The Daily Times quoted Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general, as saying.

China has been supplying fighter jets to Pakistan for over three decades, and analysts believe the latest deal clearly suggests that Beijing wants to expand its military power in the region. (ANI)