PAF participates in two international air drills Bright Star, Shaheen-X

Islamabad: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is achieving an important milestone in its commitment to enhancing its aerial capabilities and fostering global cooperation by conducting two large-scale flying exercises from two distinct sites around the world.

According to a PAF news release, the participation consists of PAF's J-10 C and JF-17 lead fighter aircraft, Combat Pilots, Air Defence Controllers, and technical ground crew who were actively involved in both the Shaheen-X bilateral air exercise hosted by the People's Liberation Army Air Force in China and the Bright Star air exercise held in Egypt.

The successful induction and operationalisation of the J-10C fighter jets in PAF’s fighter fleet and their participation in an international exercise in an unprecedented short span of time was a remarkable achievement.

The feat has been achieved in lines with modernisation plan of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu premised on smart inductions and focused indegenisation.

These fighter jets' participation in Exercise Shaheen-X represents an essential phase in the PAF's development into a cutting-edge and powerful air force.

The PAF's devotion to maintaining a cutting-edge force, capable of addressing changing challenges and defending Pakistan's airspace with the utmost proficiency, is demonstrated by the swift acquisition and operationalization of these sophisticated aircraft.

The Sino-Pak Joint Annual Air Exercise Shaheen-X, which is currently underway in the Northwest Chinese cities of Jiuquan and Yinchuan, showcases the commitment and prowess of the Pakistan Air Force and exemplifies its dedication to fostering mutual learning and collaboration with allies.

The PAF will have tremendous opportunity to expand on its operational expertise and share knowledge with distinguished colleagues from around the world at the Shaheen-X exercise in China and the Bright Star Air Exercise in Egypt.

Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Defence, Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan, paid a visit to the Shaheen-X exercise and expressed his respect for the drive and commitment shown by the PAF personnel taking part in the air exercise. He stressed the importance of these training exercises in accomplishing shared goals and addressing the changing nature of air combat in the face of common security threats.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force's excellent execution of the exercise advanced the relationship between the two important allies and improved interoperability between the two air forces, according to Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Defence.