President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday visited the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) aircraft complex, marking the first-ever visit by a foreign head of state to the facility that manufactures the J10C fighter jets.
The tour came on the 128th day of the ceasefire with India. President Zardari, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was received at the complex by Chinese officials.
He was accompanied 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 toured the facility where J10C aircraft are manufactured and was briefed on the production of J10, JF-17, and China’s latest J20 stealth fighters.
J-10C’s role in ‘Marka-e-Haq’
The J-10C fighter jet played a decisive role in the May 2025 conflict known as the “War of Justice” (Marka-e-Haq).
During the briefing, officials also highlighted the performance of J-10 and JF-17 aircraft in Operation Banyan Marsus, which was described as outstanding.
Zardari praised the technological advancement of the jets, calling them a force multiplier for the Pakistan Air Force.
Alongside fighter aircraft, the president was given insights into China’s progress in drone technology, automated units, and multi-domain operations.
He underlined the importance of such advancements in strengthening Pakistan’s air defense and operational readiness.
President Zardari described AVIC as a “symbol of China’s technological superiority” and reaffirmed that Pakistan and China share a strategic defense partnership.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expand cooperation with China in defense production and aviation, noting that such collaboration has already enhanced the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.
