ISLAMABAD: The awesome Firepower Demonstration-2010 by jet fighters marked the end of first phase of Highmark-2010 countrywide exercises at the PAF firing range Thal near Jhang on Tuesday.
It was the biggest firepower demonstration since the 1989 show in Somiani near Karachi. Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majid, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nouman Basheer, members of the Senate and the National Assembly standing committees on defence and attaches of friendly countries based in Islamabad also watched the demonstration.
The event reflected the high level of operational and tactical preparedness by PAF pilots which started with a deafening sound of sonic boom by two mirage aircraft crossing the sound barrier (flying with speed faster than sound).
The highlights of the demonstration were simultaneous re-fuelling of two mirage aircraft by the IL-78 mid-air refueller recently acquired from Ukraine while maintaining a measurable distance, stunning hitting of target by off-long range precision guided missile dropped from a fighter aircraft from 60 kilometres distance, an F-16 aircraft flying at an ultra-low altitude releasing chaff and flares to deceive the perceived enemy dropped two mark 2,000 pound bombs at the target, two A-5 aircraft with one carrying the national flag and the other a welcome banner.
Four JF-17 thunder aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, dropped weapons at 1,900 feet, targeting the mock hideouts of militants. A Mirage aircraft flying at extremely low 200 feet, dropped its weapons at the targets, while two F-16 aircrafts leased two mark 84 bombs of 2,000 pounds, at the targets. Four Mirage of the Night Hawks squadron, capable of low-level penetration dropped 5,000 pounds bombs with an element of surprise for the enemy by accomplishing the task in minimum possible time, generating a thunder leaving behind flames and smoke.
The PAF also demonstrated the SAAB Early Warning and Control AEW&C system. The ERIEYE radar system mounted on the turboprop aircraft not only enables the PAF to detect all aircraft taking off and landing at all Forward Indian airbases adjacent to Pakistan, but also to identify the type of aircraft operating, the weapons systems they are equipped with, the vector they are heading and the altitude they are operating at.
The Special Services Group of Pakistan Army and Special Services Wing of the PAF demonstrated a joint operation and destroyed a conceived hideout of terrorists. The commandos dropped from two helicopters killed most of the conceived terrorists and captured some of them. The fighter jets also assisted the operation with aerial bombing.
“While we strive for peace with honour in a stable environment, I assure all countries in the region that we are a peace-loving nation, with no aggressive designs against anyone. We, however, need to test our defensive capabilities,” Prime Minister Gilani said, while speaking on the occasion. He said High Mark-2010 was one such opportunity to validate joint operational concepts.
Gilani said the Pakistani nation was presently living in turbulent times, as indeed the entire world continued to witness numerous destabilising events. “The challenges that confront us today have to be viewed in the context of these changes, which have shaped the geopolitical landscape of the world,” he said.
He said these changes increase mutual stakes through greater interdependence, they also transform global as well as regional security environment in South Asia. He said despite many external and internal challenges, Pakistan had slowly, but steadily managed to negotiate the pitfalls, and make a mark for itself on the international scene. “I am well aware of the multifaceted challenges faced by our nation while we move ahead to provide solutions, the high state of preparedness of our Armed Forces strengthens our national resolve and confidence,” he added.
“Today’s event not only portrays the true potential of the Pakistan Air Force, but also indicates its superior professionalism, incomparable skills and matchless team work of its air warriors, as well as the vision and planning of its commanders.”
He said he realised that the armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, whose inductions, up-gradations required more funding comparatively. “I also realise that this is a necessity, to maintain the cutting edge of a force, which is the ‘pride of the nation’, and indeed is ‘second to none’,” the prime minister added.
Gilani noted with pleasure that the Pakistan Air Force, despite its heavy commitment in the ongoing counter terrorist operations, and remaining within its own resources, undertook a major Exercise High Mark-2010, which showed that it always remained fully prepared for its missions, role and task.
He appreciated the exemplary commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of PAF personnel, which had made this event possible. He congratulated the chief of the air staff on the successful conclusion of the professional demonstration. “I also deeply commend the devotion of all PAF airmen and civilians involved in the preparation of this mega event,” he added.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said the second phase of the High Mark 2010 would commence today (Wednesday) during which joint counter-insurgency operations would be conducted by the three services.
He said new force multipliers had recently been inducted by the PAF and the ongoing exercise was meant to test the true potential of the force and validate precision engagement capabilities as the PAF stepped into a new era of modern warfare.
Online adds: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US will yield positive result. “My recent visit to the US was successful. The Pak-US strategic dialogue would yield positive results, he said during his informal talk to media persons at the PAF Range Thal on Tuesday on the occasion of PAF High Mark-2010 exercise.
He said Pakistan Army’s Azm-e-Nou-111 field exercises were bigger than Zarb-e-Momin exercises. The PAF recent High Mark -2010 exercises would bring improvement in defence capabilities. These exercises were very impressive, he added.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Tariq Majeed has made it clear that Army exercises do not aimed at giving message to any country but they are meant for bringing improvement in the capabilities of the armed forces. He said the recent Pakistan Army exercises were designed for testing its capabilities.
