FORWARD OPERATIONAL BASE (FOB), May 24 (APP): Pakistan is a
peace loving nation but any misadventure by the adversary will be
taught a lesson to be remembered for ages.
This was stated by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Suhail
Aman while responding to a question in a stake out with the media
persons, after flying Mirage fighter jet at the PAF base Qadri in
Skardu at the foothills of Siachin – the world’s highest
battleground.
He said the PAF is a battle hardened force which is ranked as the
best airforce of the world.
He said the nation has full trust in the armed forces of the
country which have been carrying out operations in synergy and no
one should take into account any statements from across the border.
Referring to the operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said the PAF has taken
active part in the operation for about two and half years. During
this entire period not even a single incident of “collateral damage”
had ever taken place, which speaks volumes about the professionalism
and level precise preparedness of PAF’s fighter pilots, officers and
men.
He said no other airforce of the world that had been taking
part in such operations could set such a record for avoiding
collateral damage.
Giving details about his visit to the FOB, he said the PAF has
been carrying out routine training activity, called summer exercise
where different fighting squadrons of the airforce have been taking
part to sharpen their cutting edge further.
“Every one knows, so we need not to tell anyone that we should
get ready and prepared – We remain vigilant 24/7. We do not need to
circulate amongst our force to become ready or prepared.”
He agreed with the questioner that air-to-air refuelling
capability had not increased access of the PAF fighter jets but also
their endurance.
“We are defending every inch of our country and will maintain
it at every cost,” he said in a firm tone.
When his attention was drawn towards a large number of
hightech aircraft were part of the inventory of the adversary, he
said, “We are not impressed with the technology or number – No
situation whatsoever is difficult or challenging for PAF.”
He said in case any one thought of engaging into adventure or
misadventure it will be their miscalculation. “We will respond with
full force which is in accordance to the policy of the state.”
He told a questioner may it be Radd ul Fasaad or Zarb-e-Azb
PAF had been actively participating in these operations.
On the air surveillance sector, he said, the SAB aircraft
which had damaged, have now once again became operational while
acquiring more equipment was on cards.
He said Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra had
been making day in and day out efforts to manufacture the world
class aircraft JF-17 thunder as well as other equipments.
He said the PAC had recently boosted its production of
fighter jets to thrice as compared to the past.
He said PAC had successfully completed a two-year study
on the indigenously manufactured fighter aircraft, which will go a
long way in further modernization of the flying machines.
He said JF-17 fighter jet has been equipped with the
modern weaponry and gadgets whereby making it a modern flying
fighting ship.
About the next generation aircraft, he said active
perceptions were continued on this subject.
The chief of air staff visited the Qadri Air Base and reviewed
exercises and operational preparedness of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
He was given detailed briefing on the exercise. Later, he
interacted with the airmen, pilots and officers of his force.
He himself took part in the exercises, with the notion of
“leading from the front” and flew a six-decade old Mirage aircraft
for around 30 minutes to have a bird eye view of the geographical
boundary in the vicinity of Siachin.
The PAF has the honour of flying these ages old aircraft after
refurbishing and overhauling indigenously to attain efficiency and
precise accuracy, matching the present day needs.
