ISLAMABAD: Joint exercise conducted by the air forces of Pakistan and Turkey — code name “Tusap Raiders” — concluded at an operational base of Pakistan Air Force, said a statement released on Sunday.

“The Turkish Air Force contingent comprising five F-16s (Fighting Falcons), combat pilots and technical ground crew participated in the exercise conducted from October 5 to 17, 2015,” read the statement quoting PAF spokesman Air Commodore S M Ali.

Turkish air force's renowned solo aerobatic team “Solo Turk” was also part of the contingent, he added. Both the forces have been successfully conducting joint exercises for many decades to enhance mutual understanding, read the statement.

“Exercise Tusap Raiders was also planned in the same backdrop with an objective to excel in the air combat capability with focus on air power employment in any future conflict,” it added.

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This air exercise would provide an opportunity to combat crew of both the air forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power in near real scenario, the PAF spokesman was quoted as saying.

Air Commodore Ali said, “PAF emphasises on the combat training of its air and ground crew and regularly undertakes exercises with allied forces.”

“These air exercises not only play a vital role in honing the combat skills of PAF air crew but also enable them to learn the latest Air Power employment strategies in complex theaters of warfare.”

Pakistan Air Force has been participating in number of international air exercises with some of the best air forces of the world, including United States Air Force, Italian Air Force, Turkish Air Force, Chinese Air Force and air forces of other allied countries.