On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari visited the aircraft complex of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), being the first foreign head of state to tour the facility that produces J10C fighter jets.
The tour occurred on the 128th day of the truce with India. President Zardari, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was welcomed at the complex by officials from China. He was joined by Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Asifa Bhutto, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Pakistan’s Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.
The president visited the site where J10C planes are produced and received updates on the manufacturing of J10, JF-17, and China’s newest J20 stealth jets.
J-10C’s Function in ‘Marka-e-Haq’.
The J-10C fighter aircraft was crucial in the May 2025 conflict referred to as the “War of Justice” (Marka-e-Haq). In the briefing, officials also emphasized the impressive performance of J-10 and JF-17 jets in Operation Banyan Marsus, which was characterized as exceptional.
Zardari lauded the jets’ technological progress, referring to them as a strength enhancer for the Pakistan Air Force. In addition to fighter jets, the president received information regarding China’s advancements in drone technology, autonomous systems, and operations across multiple domains.
He emphasized the significance of these developments in enhancing Pakistan’s air defense and operational preparedness.
President Zardari referred to AVIC as a “representative of China’s technological excellence” and reiterated the strategic defense partnership between Pakistan and China. He emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to fostering collaboration with China in defense manufacturing and aviation, mentioning that this partnership has already improved the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force
