Turkey will transfer 34 Cessna T-37C Tweetybird trainer jets to Pakistan, according to a defense cooperation agreement signed by the two...
Turkey will transfer 34 Cessna T-37C Tweetybird trainer jets to Pakistan, according to a defense cooperation agreement signed by the two sides on October 28.
The turkey will also supply spare parts for the vintage aircraft, which was retired by Turkish Air Force in 2009.
The basic jet trainer aircraft with limited ground attack capability was first flown in 1954 and was produced until 1975. The aircraft remained the primary trainer of U.S. Air Force for more than 50 years.
The Turkish donated fleet will add to the A, B, C, variants of T-37 already operated by PAF. In 2008, US had approved delivery of 20 refurbished T-37s retired by USAF to Pakistan.
The twin engined aircarft powered by Continental Teledyne J69 turbojets have two weapon pylons under each wing, which can carry stores up to 227 kg.
Turkish Air Force opertionalised its first T-37C in 1963 and operated 50 of type. The aircraft is being replaced by the 40 KAI KT-1 turboprop trainers ordered in 2007.
Turkey is a key defense partner of Pakistan. The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has upgraded 41 PAF Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets under a contract awarded in June 2009.
