PAF celebrates independence with grand airshow

Aerobatics teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia also participated in the show in Islamabad.

AFP | Naveed Siddiqui Published August 14, 2017

Pakistanis on Monday celebrated 70 years of independence since Partition from India after the end of British rule in the subcontinent.

The largest airshow in the history of Pakistan was held at Islamabad and Karachi to celebrate the day of independence.

The first airshow was held at Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest at the occasion while Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir, Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman and ambassadors of friendly countries also witnessed the magnificent event.

Air planes fall into formation during the airshow in Islamabad on the eve of independence. —AFP

Pakistan Air Force fighter and training aircraft including Mirage, SAAB-2000, and Augusta-139, and MI-17 and Puma helicopters from Army Aviation participated in the show. Besides PAF aircraft, aerobatic teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia also performed in this mega event.

Mirage, SAAB-2000, and Augusta-139 from PAF, and MI-17 and Puma helicopters from Army Aviation participated in the show —AFP

“Solo Turk” was observed flying overhead F-9 park with a thundering sound while manoeuvres of the aerobatics team of Turkish Air Force left the spectators spell bound. The next event was a spectacular aerobatics display of Saudi Hawks aerobatics team of the Royal Saudi Air Force.

The "Solo Turk" performs during the celebration to mark Pakistan's Independence Day in Islamabad. —AFP

The blue skies of Islamabad were filled with colours as this acclaimed aerobatic team displayed eye-catching drills. The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the breathtaking manoeuvres of the aircraft and appreciated the spetacle by clapping and chanting slogans.

Saudi Hawks pilots demonstrate their skill during the air show. —AFP

An aerobics team performs during the celebratory airshow. —AFP

After the thrilling performance of Saudi Hawks, the indigenous JF-17 Thunder aircraft entered the arena followed by the Augusta helicopters which performed a solo aerobatics display.

Saudi jets spread beautiful colours in the sky during the airshow. —AFP

The show was rounded off with the Tri-Services free fall display in which the Commandos from the Special Services Wings jumped from a C-130 aircraft flying at height of 10,000 feet, safely landing at the designated places.

Saudi Arabian and Turkish aerobics teams also joined PAF for the airshow. —AFP

Another airshow was held at Sea View Karachi with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah as the chief guest. F-16, P-3C Orion, Z-9, Alouette-III and Sea King helicopters presented the fly past at the venue. Afterwards JF-17 Thunder and PAF aerobatics team Sherdil presented a mesmerising aerial display.