ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday demonstrated the lethal firing capability and air maneuverability of its fighter jets at the Sonmiani training area, a coastal town in the country’s southeastern Balochistan province located about 145 kilometers from its southern port city of Karachi.
F-7PG aircraft performing strafing run during Fire Power Demo-2019 held at PAF Sonmiani Firing Range on November 6th, 2019. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistan Air Force)Caption
The last “PAF Inter Squadron Armament Competition and Significance of Firepower Demonstration” was held in 2015, according to a PAF deputy spokesperson who also informed that the activity was usually arranged after a gap of “two to four years.”
JF-17 Thunder aircraft performing strafing run during Fire Power Demo-2019 held at PAF Sonmiani Firing Range on November 6th, 2019. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistan Air Force)Caption
Wednesday’s event was the latest in a series of about two dozen similar exercises carried out by the service since 1949, said the air force officer.
According to an official handout, “The firepower demonstration started with a low-level sonic boom by two Mirages flying over the range at supersonic speed. It was followed by formation flypast of frontline PAF fighter aircraft, including F-16 Block 52, F-16, JF-17 Thunder, Mirage, F-7PG, and F-7P aircraft. Immediately afterward, PAF’s ‘Eyes in the Skies’ SAAB-Erieye”, an Airborne Early Warning and Control System, “and Karakoram Eagle aircraft flew past the venue, dispensing flares.”
"Pride of the Nation" JF-17 Thunder aircraft performing strafing run during Fire Power Demo-2019 held at PAF Sonmiani Firing Range on November 6th, 2019. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistan Air Force)Caption
“Our forces have also demonstrated their resolve and capability against any aggression and the armed forces stood in complete synergy during the two-decade-long war on terrorism,” said President Dr. Arif Alvi who was the chief guest at the demonstration.
He added: “Pakistan wishes to maintain peaceful relations with other nations, especially our neighbors. Yet, we are not oblivious to safeguarding our national interests and sovereignty and the entire world witnessed our response to India’s violation of Pakistan’s air space in February 2019, when PAF once again proved its mettle in the air battle over Kashmir and re-established deterrence.
Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force presenting a Souvenir to President Dr. Arif Alvi during Fire Power Demo-2019 held at PAF Sonmiani Firing Range on November 6th, 2019. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistan Air Force)
Chief of the Air Staff Mujahid Anwar Khan, Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat and other high ranking civil and defense officials witnessed the demonstration.
PAF pilots displayed their professional acumen by destroying the given targets with pinpoint accuracy. Pakistan’s indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder also displayed some breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers.
After its exit from the scene, PAF aerobatics team “Sherdils” appeared on the horizon and mesmerized the audience with the stunning aerial performance.
Another important activity of the event was a fiery presentation by the Special Services Wing commandos wherein they successfully neutralized terrorists in a mock exercise.
“This demonstration was a testimony of the hard-hitting punch of the PAF and a loud and clear message to the enemies of our country that PAF is a force to reckon with,” the air force said in its statement.
Speaking at the venue, the air chief said: “The changing dynamics in the region call for greater focus on operational preparedness. Today’s Firepower Demo is a sequel to our consistent efforts for war readiness.”
