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ISLAMABAD:
Re-equipment Ceremony of No 5 Squadron of Pakistan
Air Force was held at PAF Base, Shahbaz (Jacobabad)
on Thursday.
The No 5 Squadron,
one of the oldest squadrons of the PAF, previously
equipped with Mirage aircraft has now been
re-equipped with newly inducted state-of-the-art
F-16 C/D Block 52+ aircraft, said a press release on
Thursday.
Chief of the Army
Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, was the chief
guest on the occasion. Chief of the Air Staff Air
Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman also attended the
ceremony along with other senior civil and military
officials.
A re-equipment
ceremony parade was also held on the occasion, in
which the squadron colour was presented to the
squadron commander. Later, a formation of Mirage and
F-16 Block 52 aircraft presented a fly-past.Ex
squadron commanders of this elite squadron were also
present at the occasion; notable among them was Air
Chief Marshal (Retd) Hakimullah.
General Kayani, while
addressing at the occasion, said, “As you know,
Pakistan is at war with terrorists, who have
disrupted peace and stability in the region and
threatened our way of life. Pakistan Armed Forces
have been battling these elements since 2004. These
operations have been conducted through unprecedented
close cooperation and support of the
PAF. The role of the
PAF has been critical; Pak Army fully appreciate the
high level of professionalism displayed by PAF in
all counter terrorist operations.”
Speaking at the
occasion, the air chief said, “The first decade of
21st century has seen PAF transforming into a modern
and versatile force. Our focus has shifted from the
traditional threat-based development to development
based on capabilities enhancement. Our effort has
been to cover entire spectrum of air warfare to
counter all internal as well as external challenges.
Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm and
reiterate that the PAF will always provide effective
support to our land forces in their operations
against all internal as well as external enemies of
Pakistan. With the induction of Block 52 F-16s, AEW,
Aerial re-fuellers and a multi-layered Air Defence
system; the PAF now has the capability to respond to
various threats being faced by nation, with
efficiency and safety. We have a mission to maintain
peace with honour in this volatile region in these
uncertain times. It’s PAF’s commitment to the nation
that despite all odds, our resolve to defend the
country shall remain unshakable. Whenever required,
we will employ our assets, including these F-16s, to
defend our nation and its freedom, against any
aggressor, be it external or internal.” Pakistan Air
Force received 18 state-of-the-art F-16 C/D Block
52+ aircraft in different batches from USA and the
delivery was completed in December 2010. |
