Malaysia defense official denies interest in JF-17

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Malaysia Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein is denying media reports his country is interested in purchasing the JF-17 multi-role fighter.

Hussein responded to the media as Malaysian defense officials discuss the implementation of air force modernization plans. Malaysian media reported Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Hasrul Sani bin Mujtabar discussed purchasing the Joint Fighter-17, a collaboration between Pakistan and China.

"This [JF-17] jet fighter is considered an excellent production of Pakistan in the defence sector and a decision about the number [of purchases] would be taken very soon by the Malaysian government," Dr. Harsul Sani told Khaleej Times.

Defense News reports Malaysia's defense officials are instead eyeing Western-made fighters to replace their aging fleet of U.S.-made F-5E/F fighters and Russian-made MiG-29s.

The JF-17 multi-role fighter jet is a lightweight, single engine fighter designed for reconnaissance, air-to-surface combat, and aircraft interception.