ISLAMABAD: In the face of security challenges, the Pakistan Air Force’s preparedness and response has to be precise and expeditious, said PAF’s Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Inter Squadron Armament Competition on Monday held at an Operational Air Base, where No. 11 Multirole Squadron won the competition.

“Our regional environment demands an ever vigilant role for the PAF,” he said, adding that it was through rigorous training imparted by such competitions that they maintained the cutting edge of the air force.

According to the air chief, PAF had received worldwide acclaim for its role in operation Zarb-i-Azb.

“We are proud to claim that PAF leaves no stone unturned to meet the expectations of the nation and defend the aerial frontiers of Pakistan in the most befitting manner,” he said.

Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said the competition provided a unique opportunity to participants from various weapon systems to exhibit their finest skills in the realm of delivering a wide variety of air-to-ground arsenal.

He added that it also served well to attain the singular aim of developing a culture of professional expertise and maintain exceptional precision in weapon deliveries.

During the competition, PAF fighter pilots from all weapon systems exhibited the highest level of professionalism through sound planning, optimum employment and unmatched pin-point weapon deliveries.

No. 11 Multirole Squadron achieved highest score and was awarded the armament competition trophy.

Squadron leader Tariq Waheed Malik was awarded the coveted Sher Afgan Trophy for being the best marksman in the competition.

The competition commenced on Nov 16 and all PAF fighter squadrons were evaluated for operational readiness under competitive environment and assessed for weapon system performance in various tactical scenarios, including weapon deliveries at tactical range.

This year, the competition also had JF-17 Thunder, F-16 Block-52 and F-16 in the exercises.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2015