RAWALPINDI, Sept 11: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Sunday the government was according top priority to the country’s air defence and would provide all necessary resources to boost its capabilities. “We would maintain the minimum credible deterrence, but believe that peace can only be attained through strength,” he said following a detailed briefing on the air force’s largest-ever exercise named “Highmark 2005” here at the PAF Command Operations Centre.

During the month-long exercise, being conducted from the Northern Areas to the Arabian Sea in three phases, over 8000 sorties are billed to be flown.

The prime minister said Pakistan was a peaceful country and wished peace with all its neighbours.

He, however, added: “Peace can only be achieved through strength and the government is doing all to further strengthen its defence to achieve peace.”

Prime Minister Aziz, who visited the PAF’s Command Operation Centre to get latest update on the “Exercise Highmark 2005”, said the government was allocating all resources for boosting the efficiency of the Air Force and called for inducting more high-tech equipment to enhance its punch.

He said keeping in view the changing global realities, it was vital that both the training and latest weapon systems were employed to defend the country’s aerial frontiers.

Mr Aziz said the induction of the air-borne radar system would increase the response time and ability of Pakistan’s armed forces, allowing them to detect threats in advance and initiate appropriate tactical actions to neutralize them.

He said the PAF was inducting latest aircraft, including the F-16s and the JF-17 Thunder, to enhance its firepower and defensive and offensive capabilities.

He stressed the need for self-reliance keeping in view the geo-political realities, adding that “Pakistan will never compromise on its national interests and integrity”.

The prime minister said such exercises played an important role in enhancing the overall preparedness level of the Pakistan Air Force. He said it would help improve the strategy, techniques and capabilities of the PAF.

He said the exercise would give confidence to the PAF besides increasing cooperation and coordination with the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy.

He said the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra was playing a critical role in keeping the Air Force fully operational.

He said the induction of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft would enhance the ability of the PAF and serve as its backbone.

The prime minister commended the officers and men of the PAF for showing “exemplary professionalism” and doing a “marvellous job”. He spoke highly of the PAF’s leadership for planning such a high-intensity exercise.

Later talking to APP, Mr Aziz said that latest equipment was being inducted into the Air Force, including latest fighter aircraft, air-borne and ground radars and electronic warfare equipment to make the PAF more potent.

“The nation is proud of PAF and appreciate its performance and role in defending the country’s aerial frontiers,” he added.

The prime minister was given a detailed briefing about the largest-ever exercise of Pakistan Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Shahzad Aslam Chaudhry informed that the month-long exercise would be conducted across the country from the Northern Areas to the Arabian Sea in three phases and over 8000 sorties would be flown.

He said the entire PAF fleet comprising fighter squadrons, transport fleet, ground crew, air defence and supporting units were taking part in the exercise.

He said the exercise was being conducted between two adversaries, the Blue Land and the Fox Land, that are engaged in offensive and defensive operations.

He said the basic objective of the exercise was to analyze and prepare the PAF for future challenges. He said all fighting squadrons, including the F-16, F-7PG Mirage, A-5s and other aircraft of the PAF besides the radar units, were involved in day and night operations.—APP