Taking keen interest to purchase multipurpose JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan, Sri Lankan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala will be in Pakistan next month to further pushing the deal, Pakistan Observer said, citing diplomatic sources.

A co-production of Pakistan and China, the fighter aircraft have participated successfully in world’s reputed air shows including the recently held in Paris, attracting buyers from Asia and Africa due to its performance and competitive price tag. Myanmar has already clinched a deal while negotiations with other potential buyers are in progress.

Besides holding meetings with Pakistan authorities, he will call on Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman.

Negotiations on number of planes Sri Lanka is interested to purchase and their financial aspects are in final stages, Pakistan Observer also said, citing diplomatic sources.

(With inputs from Pakistan Observer)