Islamabad: The Pakistan Air Force on Sunday
deployed its first air-to-air refuelling aircraft during an
ongoing air exercise, with officials describing the event as a
"milestone" in the enhancement of the force’s capabilities.
The Il-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft, which was
inducted into the PAF in December last year, took active part
in the High Mark 2010 exercise and refuelled two fighter jets,
officials said.
Pakistan is expecting the delivery of three more
refuelling aircraft by June, a PAF official told state-run APP
news agency.
"By virtue of its ability to refuel air defence
aircraft in the air, PAF’s overall capability in terms of its
effectiveness to defend the airspace... has significantly
enhanced," the official said.
The High Mark exercise, which began a week ago, has
been tailored to include manoeuvres with the army and navy to
enhance the ability to conduct joint operations by the three
services, officials said.
The exercise covers the entire country, from Skardu
in the north to the Arabian Sea in the south.
High Mark is also aimed at conducting operations in a
"near-realistic tactical environment" while integrating new
weapon systems and providing "role-oriented training to combat
and support elements of the PAF and other services".
"It is designed to achieve stipulated objectives with
special emphasis on exposing PAF combat crew to simulated air
battles based on contemporary concepts," an official said.
All main operating bases for peace time and war-time
forward operating bases are participating in the ongoing
exercise.
Newly inducted aircraft like the JF-17 Thunder combat
jets and Saab-2000 airborne warning and control aircraft are
participating in the exercise for the first time.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 21, 2010, 22:14