ISLAMABAD, April 2 Pakistan Air Force on Friday recorded a significant strategic achievement when two of its fighter aircraft successfully landed at a section of the Islamabad-Lahore motorway, demonstrating its ability to use unconventional bases for combat operations.

After they had landed at the non-traditional strip, the Mirage and F-7PG aircraft were refuelled and rearmed before they took off.

The activity was part of the ongoing High Mark-2010 exercises — the PAF's most ambitious wargames to date.

A Pakistan Air Force official described Friday's exercises as a “strategic, operational and tactical achievement”.

He said the exercises showed that in case the traditional airstrips were not available for some reason, the Pakistan Air Force could use non-traditional landing strips to replenish and rearms its fighters.

He added that the ever-changing geopolitical environment in the region demanded conceptual and doctrinal changes in the application of air power.

“The High Mark-2010 provides the Pakistan Air Force with an opportunity to validate these (fresh) concepts that are vital for the overall defence of the country,” he remarked.

The exercises at a predetermined part of the motorway were witnessed by a large number of senior officers of the Pakistan Air Force and concerned officials of various civil and military departments.

Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan was chief guest on the occasion. Chairman of the National Highway Authority, Inspector General of the National Highway and Motorway Police and DIG of Punjab Police were also present.