Myanmar looks to acquire JF-17 aircraft

Air Platforms
Myanmar looks to acquire JF-17 aircraft

Jon Grevatt, Jane's Asia-Pacific Industry Reporter, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
17 June 2014

CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder (Multirole combat aircraft)

The government of Myanmar is planning to procure the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC)/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft, according to a local report.

The programme will feature Myanmar's licenced-production of the aircraft following technology transfer from CAC-PAC, reported the Yangon-based Burma Times on 15 June. The report stated that the aircraft is required to expand the capabilities of the Myanmar Air Force (MAF), although it did not elaborate.

The Myanmar government has not confirmed the report, although it has previously indicated a requirement for additional air combat platforms partly in light of its continuing conflict with the insurgent Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in northern Myanmar.