Pakistan Air Chief visits China

Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman has proceeded to China on an official visit to participate in ceremonies, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). He will also attend the Forum for Peace and Development, being held on the occasion. The Forum would be attended by Air Chiefs of more than 30 air forces from across the globe. Air Chief Marshal Suleman would be a keynote speaker at the Forum and present his vision of the role of air forces in future warfare, as well as their supportive role in augmenting peace efforts viz--viz relief operations during natural calamities and disasters. Additionally, Air Chief Marshal Suleman would hold in-depth talks with the heads and CEOs of Chinese Defence Industries.

The history of Sino-Pak cooperation in security, defence and other vital areas dates back to the early 1960s when China extended financial and technical support to Pakistan to develop heavy industries and aeronautical complex near Islamabad, which are now manufacturing main battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers, plus overhauling the whole range of combat aircraft being flown by the country's air force.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is currently flying Chinese-made JF-17s, Karakoram-8 jet trainers as well as F-7, F-7PGs and A-5s combat aircraft.

The two countries jointly manufactured JF-17 aircraft, which has already been inducted in the PAF.

Pakistan navy has also inducted the first out of the four F-22P frigates that China has agreed to deliver as part of efforts to boost defence ties between the two countries.

The second and third ships are also nearing completion and expected to be handed over to Pakistan next year. The fourth ship is under construction at Karachi Shipyard and is to be completed by 2013.

-- (UNI) -- 06DF2.xml

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