RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) has visited an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force to witness the on-going aerial exercise Indus Shield-2023, a military statement said on Thursday.
According to Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR), The Air Chiefs of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Hungary were also among the honorable guests who witnessed PAF’s 14 nation mega air drill.
The statement said that COAS was received by Air Chief Marshal, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force upon his arrival.
Later, he was introduced to the foreign dignitaries and Staff Officers of Pakistan Air Force. Chief of Army Staff, along with foreign dignitaries, received a detailed briefing on the training facility of the Air Power Center of Excellence and the extensive scope of the exercise which is aimed at consolidating modern concepts of aerial warfare, fostering mutual cooperation and boosting interoperability among the participating air forces.
The statement said the Air Chief speaking on the occasion lauded the utmost support extended by General Syed Asim Munir in the pursuit of PAF’s modernization initiative and appreciated the whole hearted participation from the 14 allied countries, which will pave the way for military-to-military cooperation in the backdrop of futuristic aerial warfare.
The Air Chief highlighting the significance of the exercise, emphasized that exercise Indus Shield offers a unique opportunity for participating air forces to showcase their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities. He commended the dynamic role played by PAF’s Airpower Center of Excellence in successfully orchestrating this mega exercise, ensuring meticulous supervision, conduct, analysis and assessment of aerial warfare missions.
Chief of the Air Staff highlighted that the Centre’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources have played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of this significant air exercise. The Air Chief said the successful execution of an aerial mission needs the effective utilization of all components of combat efficiency, including electronic warfare, force multipliers and support elements. He said such crucial aspects are thoroughly taught at Airpower Center of Excellence, creating a cohesive impact on operational skills.
The statement further said that while addressing the exercise participants, Chief of Army Staff emphasized the paramount importance of multinational air exercises in the pursuit of common objectives amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of air warfare.
He lauded the professionalism of the participants of the exercise while extending heartfelt appreciation to the Air Power Centre of Excellence for its state-of-the-art facilities and vital role in orchestrating such a large-scale air exercise.
General Syed Asim Munir said that the Centre’s expertise and dedication have contributed to the development of highly skilled and skillful air warriors, who are ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
Chief of Army Staff also admired the leadership of the Air Chief, whose firm resolve and relentless efforts paved the way for this exercise to be one of the largest aerial drills of the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to support the vision of the Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to incorporate smart inductions, cutting edge technologies, Artificial Intelligence, IT, Space and specialized innovations.
Exercise Indus Shield stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Pakistan Air Force in bolstering regional security and fostering cooperation among allied nations. The exercise serves as a platform for boosting operational capabilities, promoting mutual understanding and advancing the shared goals of peace and stability.
