Pakistan on Tuesday launched the joint production of JF-17 fighter aircraft with China, official sources said.

The United States had earlier stated it would supply F-16 warplanes to Pakistan.

The launch by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf [Images] coincided with the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

The plan to set up a joint production was conceived by both countries after holding flight tests in China last year, official sources said.

"Pakistan will not confine to acquiring high-tech weapons but will also explore other options," Musharraf said.

The Pakistani president said the launch reflected the 'all weather' friendship between the two countries which would be strengthened with the Wen's visit.

Islamabad and Beijing [Images], which have a close defence cooperation for over two decades, initiated the JF-17 project several years ago when both the countries struggled to acquire fourth generation aircraft.

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