Islamabad: As part of efforts to enhance their military-to-military cooperation, Pakistani and US air force personnel participated in a joint aerial refueling information exchange programme at a Pakistani airbase.
US Air Force pilots and aircrew from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron, currently deployed in Kyrgyzstan, arrived at the Chaklala airbase yesterday to conduct the information exchange with the Pakistan Air Force.
The US invited Pakistani pilots and aircrew aboard their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to familiarise them with air refuelling equipment and procedures.
Vice Admiral Michael LeFever, senior US Defence Representative to Pakistan, hosted Air Commodore Tahir Ranjha, PAF`s Air Transportation Director and Air Commodore Khalil Ahmed, PAF Chaklala commander, aboard the KC-135 aircraft.
"Events like these promote understanding and enhance our military-to-military relationships while also boosting capability and expertise," said LeFever.
"In addition, with the planned arrival of more F-16s to Pakistan later this year, developing PAF air refueling expertise is critical to increasing their airborne endurance
and enhancing their ability to counter the violent extremist
threat in their country."
Over the past three years, US civil and security assistance to Pakistan has totalled over four billion dollars.
The US aid has included 14 F-16 fighter jets, five fast
patrol boats, 115 self-propelled howitzers, over 450 vehicles,
hundreds of night vision goggles, day-night scopes and radios,
and thousands of protective vests.
The US has funded and provided training for over 370
Pakistani military officers in a wide range of leadership and
development programmes covering counter-terrorism, intelligence and logistics.
PTI
