Pakistan, China launch joint air exercise

Islamabad: Air forces of Pakistan and China on Thursday began their fifth joint exercise, signalling increasing military cooperation between the two all-weather allies.

Code-named as Shaheen-V, the exercise started at an operational base in Pakistan, which was not disclosed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

"A contingent of People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) comprising combat pilots, air defence controllers and technical ground crew besides a PAF contingent are participating in the exercises," said a PAF spokesman.

He said the last such exercise called Shaheen- IV was conducted in Beijing in October 2015.

The ongoing exercise saw participation of three different types of frontline fighter aircraft belonging to various PAF squadrons for the first time.

It will enhance bilateral relationship and capability of the air forces of the two friendly neighbours, he said.

The PAF spokesman said Pakistan and China enjoy very close relationship spanning over six decades.

Their partnership has been strengthened through the USD 46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor linking China with a Pakistani deep seaport through a network of roads, railways and investment parks.