Photo: Reuters Photo: Reuters

China will provide 110 latest JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Pakistan as the two countries forge closer defence cooperation following President Xi Jinping's visit to Islamabad earlier this week.

China will deliver the first batch of 50 jets over a period of three years, PTI reported citing Radio Pakistan.

Quoting the head of Chinese Aircraft Industry, the report further said that under the contract signed between the two countries, Pakistan will receive a total of 110 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from China.

The JF-17 Thunder is also built in Pakistan as China has already transferred its technology. But Pakistan needs more fighter jets at faster pace due to its fight against Taliban militants.

Xi also launched a USD 46 billion economic corridor to link China's western region to Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea.

During Xi's visit, a fleet of eight JF-17 jets escorted the special aircraft of the Chinese president when it entered Pakistan's airspace.

The two countries signed 51 agreements to boost economic cooperation during Xi's trip.

Earlier, reports said China would provide eight latest submarines to Pakistan, more than doubling its fleet, in a deal worth USD 4-5 billion.

