ISLAMABAD, May 29: President General Pervez Musharraf said on Monday that Pakistan Air Force would be equipped with high-tech aircraft and state-of-the-art weapon systems and made stronger, more effective and operationally ready to ensure the country’s security.
President Musharraf was addressing the concluding session of a two-day commanders’ conference of Pakistan Air Force at the Air Headquarters here.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsanul Haq also attended the session.
“The Pakistan Air Force is required to be made strong, effective and operationally ready,” the president said.
“The PAF will be equipped with high-tech aircraft and other associated weapons in near future, so that it could effectively perform its role of defending the aerial frontiers of the country.”
The PAF commanders’ conference was attended by the principal staff officers, field commanders and senior staff officers of the Air Headquarters. Matters pertaining to professional interest were addressed during the conference.
Earlier on his arrival at the Air Headquarters President Musharraf was received by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmad.
The president was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force and the principal staff officers of Air Headquarters were introduced to him. —APP
Online adds: President Musharraf said that although Pakistan had no aggressive designs against any country it would take all measures to ensure its security and defence. “With the acquisition of Awacs aircraft and JF-17 Thunder, the defence of the country’s air space will be made impregnable,” he said.
As a peace loving country, he said, Pakistan wants to live with its neighbours with peace. But he said such a desire for peace should not be construed as a sign of weakness. Nevertheless, he said, peace cannot be ensured by staying weak. To achieve this objective, one has to make one ’s self strong.”
He voiced the hope that with the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder aircraft which are manufactured in collaboration with China, the defence of country’s air space would be made impregnable.
He pointed out that acquisition of high-tech aircraft was essential for surveillance of airspace at the present time.
He lauded the services rendered by the air force on various war fronts, saying the government would provide all possible resources to transform Pakistan Air Force into a modern and potent force of international standard.
“We are not oblivious to the evolving situation around us. We will meet all our security requirements and the balance of power will be maintained in the region,” he observed.
The Air Chief Marshal apprised the president of objectives and aims of the conference, saying the conference was aimed at harmonising the professional capabilities of the air force with contemporary needs.
Modern aircraft fitted with an early warning system are being purchased from Sweden in this respect, he said. “These planes will help monitor the movement of the enemy because of their early warning system.” He said the cabinet had already approved the plan.
