Islamabad (PTI): Pakistan and China on Tuesday began joint production of the JF-17 multi-role fighter at a facility in Punjab province, with the Pakistan Air Force chief saying that by 2010, they would manufacture 25 jets a year.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed was the chief guest at the ceremony at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra marking the launch of the production of the jet which was jointly developed by the two countries.

Ahmed said the jet would be capable of delivering conventional and non-conventional weapons. The initial production will be up to 15 jets a year and this will be increased to about 25 jets in three years, TV channels quoted officials as saying.

Pakistan will also acquire the capability to produce the JF-17 on its own within three years, the officials said.

Two prototypes of the JF-17 were delivered to Pakistan by China last year. The aircraft was developed as a joint venture by PAC and China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation.

The jet, which is also known as the FC-1, is being touted by Pakistan as a low-cost replacement for Western and Russian combat aircraft currently in service with developing nations.

The contract for developing the JF-17 was signed by Pakistan and China in 1999, and Russia's MASPG aviation firm was contracted to provide engines and design assistance for the jet. The JF-17 was first test-flown in 2003.

The PAF intends to replace its ageing F-7, Mirage III and Q-5 jets with the JF-17. Pakistan has reportedly committed itself to acquiring 150 JF-17s, but production of the jets at the PAC has fallen behind schedule by over two years.