KARACHI – A JF-17 Thunder shot down a slow speed target with BVR (BeyondVisual Range) and IR (Infrared) air-to-air missile with pin point accuracyat a range near Karachi, the Pakistan Air Force said on Friday.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Forcewas the Chief Guest at the ceremony at Sonmiani firing range, the PAF saidin a statement.
The JF-17 aircraft was inducted into the PAF in 2007 and its five squadronshave been raised so far.
The JF-17 Thunder is an excellent indigenously built fighter aircraft whichcan easily be compared with the fourth generation aircraft of the world.
Friday marked a monumental episode in the glorious history of PAF as astate-of-the-art Weapon Test Range has been made operational to track thecomplete trajectory of the aircraft and launched missiles.
This modern facility, developed in collaboration with Chinese authorities,is equipped with real time tracking and measuring equipment to qualify theindigenously developed and procured weapon systems.
The live demonstration was a potent display of the PAF’s capability tosuccessfully locate and destroy high/slow speed moving targets by employinghigh-tech inventory of aircraft and missiles.
Addressing at the occasion the Air Chief said, “The successful testing ofthese sophisticated weapons is a testimony of JF-17 Thunder’s multirolecapabilities. It is a matter of immense pride that six PAF fightersquadrons have already being equipped with the pride of the nation JF-17Thunder aircraft, making it the backbone of our aerial defence.”
He also lauded the hard work put in by PAF and Chinese personnel in makingthis event a success.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Haseeb Paracha, Air Officer Commanding, SouthernAir Command received the Chief Guest on his arrival at the venue.
High ranking PAF officers along with civil and military officials alsowitnessed this historic event.