ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: The air forces of Pakistan and China will begin a three-week-long joint exercise codenamed Shaheen-II in Chinese province of Xinjiang this week.

This is the first time a foreign air force is holding drills in the Chinese airspace.

A contingent of PAF personnel left for China on Tuesday to take part in the air exercise in Hetian, Xinjiang.

“The PAF contingent for Shaheen-II comprises Mirage and F-7 PG aircraft, combat pilots and ground technical crew,” an air force spokesman said.

The joint PAF and PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) exercise would be held till September 22.

The first in the series of Shaheen exercises between Pakistan and China were held in Pakistan in 2011.

“The prime objective of the exercise is to excel in the air combat capability with focus on air power employment in any future conflict.

“Shaheen-II will provide an opportunity to combat crew of both the air forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power in near real scenario,” air force spokesman said.

Some see symbolism in China’s choice of Xinjiang for hosting the drill.