PAK-CHINA Joint Training Exercise Shaheen-IX is currently underway at an operational base of Pakistan Air Force. This is the ninth joint exercise being conducted by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China. The importance of the exercise is very superficial because the Top Brass of Country’s Defense Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Nadeem Raza witnessed this exercise in last two days. A contingent of PLAAF comprising fighter jets, combat Pilots, air defense Controller and ground crews are participating in the exercise. While Elite fighter Squadrons of Pakistan Air Force, Radar Units and highly skilled ground crew are also taking part in the exercise. This exercise provides a platform to both Air Forces of two all weather friendly nations to share views and learn from each other experiences, techniques, tactics, operational methodology to increase the interoperability of both Forces. The exercise is being conducted at a very crucial time when Pakistan is facing a genuine threat of agression from its eternal enemy. As per reports, latest and state of the art Air Crafts, equipment and weapons are being used by the both participating Air Forces.
Air Vice Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) told the media that the exercise will provide an opportunity to enhance “interoperability” of both the Air Forces and fortifying bilateral relations. The first exercise of Shaheen series was conducted between the two nations in Mar 2011. Pakistan and China have longstanding friendship and cooperation in all domain of life particularly in defense Sector. Earlier, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra and Chinse Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) successfully completed a joint venture of JF-17 production, which is a significant milestone in PAF journey to achieve self-sufficiency in weapons and Aircraft production. Air Weapon Complex is also vigorously pursuing accomplishment of this goal. Both Countries are also mutually producing Tanks, Armed vehicles, Heavy mechanical vehicles and other military equipment. Now, after construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and huge Chinse investment in infrastructure and energy Sectors. United States considered CPEC a threat to its interests in the region.
