Islamabad, Pakistan

For over a week, there were some social media buzz and videos purportedly of the crash of a Pakistani JF-17, the fighter jet it developed jointly with China. But authorities chose to exercise caution by withholding information about the incident, apparently involving the Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Block 2. And now, the maker of the ejection seat of the aircraft has revealed the incident in a post on X, saying the pilot had ejected safely.

Advertisment

The crash, which purportedly occurred last Wednesday (June 5) near the Jhang district within the Faisalabad division of Punjab province, had sparked speculation about the state of the country's military aviation capabilities.

However, neither Pakistani media outlets nor government authorities provided official statements regarding the crash.

Also Read | White House says US 'deeply concerned' by stabbing of 4 American college teachers in China

Advertisment

On Wednesday (June 11),  Martin-Baker, which describes itself as the world's leading manufacturer of Ejection Seats, posted on X that the pilot, a Wing Commander, managed to safely eject using one of its Martin-Baker PK16LE seats.

×

The British company revealed that the incident marked yet another successful ejection, while underscoring the efficacy of its life-saving ejection technology.

Advertisment

It added that so far, a total of 7,723 lives have been saved through Martin-Baker ejection seats. 

Also Read | Hunter Biden found guilty on illegal gun possession case

Videos have been doing the rounds on social media in the past week, purportedly showing the pilot who ejected to safety. One such clip showed him lying on the ejection seat, covering his face with one hand, and speaking on a mobile phone, as locals gather and chatter around him.

JF-17: Jointly developed by Pakistan-China

The JF-17 Thunder, a collaborative effort between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China, is a crucial aircraft of Pakistan's Air Force.

According to the US Army Training and Doctrine Command headquartered at Fort Eustis, Virginia, the "JF-17 Thunder Pakistani Multirole Combat is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China."

It was designed to replace several older aircraft and fulfill various operational roles including "interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance."

As per the specifications mentioned about the JF-17 Block 2, which purportedly crashed in Pakistan, "it is a dual-seat variant, 8 of which were rolled out at PAC Kamra in December 2019."

Watch | WION Headlines | Hunter Biden guilty on gun trial | Azov hails US lifting weapons ban

×

"The production of the first JF-17B was initiated by Pakistan and China in 2016. On 28 April 2017, the JF-17B took its maiden test flight in Chengdu," the command information reads. 

This incident added to a series of past crashes involving Pakistani military aircraft that, as per Pakistan's local media reports, raised concerns about the challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in maintaining an air fleet comprising aging aircraft amid limited financial resources.

The decision to withhold information seems to be Pakistan's cautious approach and perhaps is aimed at managing public perception and maintaining operational security within its armed forces.

However, nothing substantial can be asserted amid the silence by Pakistani Air Force. 

(With inputs from agencies)