Maldives, Azerbaijan Ready To Buy Pak Mushshak Trainers: Defence Production Minister

Pakistan is in talks with foreign customers to export its Super Mushshak trainers.

Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain told Pakistani daily, Nation on Monday that the government is in contact with certain countries for the export of its trainers, and that Maldives and Azerbaijan are ready to buy it.

Global interest in the Super Mushshak soared in 2016 with Qatar signing a deal for the supply of eight trainer jets in May. Last month, Turkey signed a deal for acquisition of up to 52 trainers. It was reported last month that Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and South Africa were also interested in acquiring the aircraft. 

A derivative of the Mushshak aircraft, the Super Mushshak is a version of the Saab MF-17 Supporter, which is produced in Pakistan under license from Sweden. The latest version is powered by a 260 horsepower Textron Lycoming IO-540 V4A5 engine. It features a US-designed glass cockpit as well as environmental controls. 

Hussain also disclosed that the production capacity of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) has escalated to $100 million from $25 million whereas rapid growth has also been witnessed in Karachi Shipyard.

He further added that four advanced Russian MI-35 helicopters will be delivered next year.