By Usman Ansari
ISLAMABAD — Malaysia is considering the JF-17 Thunder aircraft as an option for its air force modernization program. However, despite analysts saying the aircraft is well suited to Malaysia's requirements, it's unclear whether the country will actually buy the Sino-Pakistan jet.
The uncertainty is especially so when considering entrenched opposition from other suppliers already well established in this area of defense sales and machinations by Pakistan's arch-rival India.
Malaysian interest in the JF-17 was signaled by its High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Hasrul Sani, who according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), discussed the fighter against the backdrop of boosting the bilateral relationship in general.
Malay-Pakistani relations are wide-ranging, but Pakistani defense equipment sales to Malaysia have halted at anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems.
However, Kaiser Tufail, analyst, and former air force pilot, said he thinks consideration for the JF-17 may move to a higher level.
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