Pakistan Invites Private Players To Undertake Defense-Aviation Development Projects

The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex is eyeing for new design and development programs that include parts for JF-17 Thunder, upgrading Mushshak aircraft, drones and has invited private sector to undertake these ventures in the country.

“The PAC Kamra is looking for new design and development programmes like upgrading Super Mushshak aircraft, development of unmanned aerial and many more. Besides, there is an ambitious and prestigious programme for development of systems and accessories for JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter aircraft,” Air Marshal Malik was quoted as saying to Dawn during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday.

There is need for exploring possibilities to collaborate in the defense industry and PAC has identified four areas for the private sector in defense-related aviation sector; upgrade of PAC Kamra for manufacturing of auto parts, commercial engines and industrial gas turbines and calibration of equipment, Malik said.

The PAC chief said the aviation industry offered great potential to the private sector for joint ventures, partnerships and investment.

He said the aviation sector was compelled to import equipment and parts worth millions of dollars for its manufacturing and assembly units and asked the private sector to come forward to meet the supplies that would save precious foreign exchange and give boost to the local industry.

“The private sector can invest in PAC facilities on a public-private partnership basis for upgradation, modification and capacity enhancement of the existing facilities and creating new facilities at Kamra,” he said.

The entrepreneurs were offered investment opportunities as joint venture to augment the existing T-56 (Rolls-Royce) engine facility at PAC Kamra and develop new PT6 engines for aircraft.

“Production of non-technical as well as less technical parts and accessories should be taken up in the start. These includes weapons grade and aviation standard raw material, rubber, cables/wires, A/C batteries, paints, aircraft types, consumables/chemicals, metals, generators and other components to the aviation industry that will save foreign exchange and add to the strengthening of local industry,” the PAC chairman added.

The ICCI members were also invited to invest in the upcoming PAC project in Kamra – establishment of an educational city and entrepreneurship centre.

ICCI president Khalid Iqbal Malik suggested that an expert group be formed to develop feasibilities for effective participation by the private sector in the aviation industry.

“We need to address matters related to aviation grades, standards and certifications,” he said, adding that the PAC should also take other major chambers of the country on board for developing long-term public-private partnership in the aviation industry.