BY : APP

The ten-day multi-dimensional exercise “Indus Viper” between Pakistan Air Force and Turkish Air Force concluded today at the PAF Base, Mushaf, Sargodha, with Air Marshal Shahid Lateef, Acting Chief of the Air Staff, PAF chief Guest on the occasion.

According to a media release received here Tuesday, Air Marshal Shahid Lateef in his address said that both the Air Forces have a long relationship with exchange postings, conducting courses and training visits.

“It is indeed a great honor for the PAF to have Turkish Air Force F-16s participate in our 50th anniversary celebrations in the year 1997. The exercise Indus Viper, which has just culminated successfully, is indeed an extension of the same cooperation”, he said.
He further said, “We are thankful to TuAF for providing our aircrew and combat controllers, the opportunity to gain good experience. This will go a long way in helping PAF to prepare for inter-operability with other air forces of the world in days to come”.

He lauded the transformation which PAF is undergoing at present, adding that in a few years time, we will be a modern combat outfit ready to undertake integrated operations with any other Air force of the world.

The Acting CAS termed the exercise another significant milestone towards achieving the desired level of interoperability, and congratulated the PAF personnel for conducting it in a safe, professional and befitting manner.

The exercise was also witnessed earlier by Turkish Ambassador HE Mr Rauf Engin Soysal, and Maj Gen Sirin Unal, Deputy Commander, First Air Force Command Eskisehir during their visit at the PAF Base, Sargodha on April 25.

“Indus Viper” provided an opportunity to combat crew of both Air Forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power, and will definitely help strengthen brotherly relations that the two nations enjoy.

Earlier on his arrival, the Acting Air Chief was received by Air Vice Marshal Atique Rafiq, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command and Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf. The ceremony was attended by Principal Staff Officers and field commanders of Pakistan Air Force.