Pak-China joint air exercise ‘Shaheen-IX’ (09 Dec. – 24 Dec. 2020)
Drills to improve combat training level, strengthen cooperation between two air forces, Chinese military official
Shaheen-IX is 9th in the series of joint exercises between PAF & People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) which started in 2011 & are held in Pakistan & China on alternate basis. Addressing the participants of exercise, COAS said that the joint exercise will improve combat capacity of both Air Forces substantially and also enhance interoperability between them with greater strength and harmony.
On December 9, the opening ceremony of the exercise was jointly witnessed by Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri and Assistant Chief of Staff, PLAAF Major General Sun Hong, it said.
Maj-Gen Hong said, “The joint exercise will improve the actual level of combat training and strengthen practical cooperation between the two air forces”.
Welcoming the Chinese contingent, Air Vice Marshal Sulehri said, “The joint exercise will provide an opportunity to further enhance interoperability of both the air forces, thereby fortifying brotherly relations between the two countries”.
Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza said that the “Shaheen-IX” joint air exercise would further strengthen and promote friendship and cooperation between the two great nations as well as armed forces of Pakistan and China.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited an Operational Base of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) today to witness Pakistan-China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX”.
Pak-China Joint Air Exercise ‘Shaheen-IX’ concludes on Thursday 24 Deceber 2020.
Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong also attended the ceremony as guest of honour.
Addressing the Exercise participants, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said that the existing global security scenario coupled with the evolving dynamics of air warfare, called for enhanced partnership between Pakistan and China as indeed between our Armed Forces. He further added that It was heartening that with every passing year, Pakistan-China friendship became stronger and stronger. He said that CPEC was a game changer and manifestation of our common objectives and destiny.” The Air Chief also expressed his gratitude to General Ding Laihang, Commander PLAAF for sending a large contingent to participate in the exercise despite Covid-19 pandemic.
Expressing his views at the occasion, Nong Rong said, “International and regional strategic situation is undergoing profound changes with growing complexity in security environment. This calls for the collaboration of our two countries and two armed forces in maintaining peace and stability and to cope with shared challenges”.
He also added that both Air Forces have achieved many breakthroughs and new heights in diversified battlefield environment during this exercise.
The Exercise Shaheen IX witnessed participation of modern fighter jets and support elements from PAF and PLAAF.
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7 Soldiers martyred in terrorist ‘fire raid’ on FC post in Balochistan’s Harnai: ISPR
The “terrorist fire raid” targeted an FC post located in Shahrag area of Harnai late on Saturday, 26 Dec. 2020.
“During [an] intense exchange of fire, seven brave soldiers embraced shahadat while repulsing raiding terrorists,” an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
It said the area had been cordoned off and escape routes blocked to apprehend the fleeing miscreants.
“Such cowardly acts by inimical elements backed by anti-state forces will not be allowed to sabotage hard-earned peace and prosperity in Balochistan,” the ISPR said, adding that security forces were determined to “thwart their nefarious designs at all costs”.