ISLAMABAD – PAF today displayed the capacity to shoot down an enemy Dronewith indigenous built technology other than the US weapon system.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman Friday witnessed live missile firing ofJF-17 Thunder at the Sonmiani Firing Range.

Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sohail Amanwas chief guest at the ceremony, a press release said.

Addressing on the occasion, the air chief said, “We are thankful to AllahAlmighty who has given us the strength to achieve this extraordinarymilestone. The successful testing of these sophisticated weapons is atestimony of JF-17 Thunder’s multirole capabilities.”

He said it was a matter of immense pride that six PAF fighter squadrons hadalready been equipped with the pride of the nation JF-17 Thunder 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.

It was a landmark occasion for the PAF as well as the whole nation, whenthe indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder shot down a slow speed target withBVR (Beyond Visual Range) and IR (Infrared) missile with pin point accuracyat Sonmiani firing range.

The day 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 byemploying high-tech inventory of aircraft and missiles.

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.