RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Air Force contingent with JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft landed in the UK on Thursday to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The aircraft, accompanied by a C-130 Hercules transport plane, arrived at Royal Air Force Base Fairford for what is considered one of the world`s largest military airshows.
The participation `underscores Pakistan Air Force`s commitment to showcasing its professional excellence, operational capability and the indigenous strength of its aviation industry,` the ISPR said in a news release.
En route to the United Kingdom, the JF-17 jets executed air-to-air refuelling operations with a PAF IL-78 tanker.
The military said the manoeuvre demonstrated the air force`s `long-range operational capabilities and the proficiency of its air and ground crew in conducting extended operations beyond national borders`.
The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet equipped with an advanced radar and long-range, beyond-visualrange missiles capable of undertaking a wide variety of combat missions.
`There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom... as aviation enthusiasts and defence observers are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force`s JF-17 Thunder Block-III,` the press release said.
`The aircraft`s combatproven capabilities and operational excellence have garnered significant global attention, making its appearance at RIAT a highly anticipated highlight in the aerospace and defense community.
