Gen Asim witnesses latest defence systems testing

RAWALPINDI: General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Friday witnessed the testing of different air defence weapon systems, including the successful maiden fire by high to medium air defence weapons system (HIMADS) during Exercise Al-Bayza-III, 2024 at Sonmiani.

The COAS also viewed integrated fire and battle maneuvers of Army Air Defence systems, which includes HIMADS, low to medium air defence system (LOMAD), short-range air defence system (SHORADs) and extended short range air defence system (ESHORADs).

“In a landmark achievement and milestone in enhancing the air defence of aerial frontiers of Pakistan, HIMAD system in maiden fire was able to successfully engage the target at maximum ranges along with other layered weapon systems which were tested during the exercise,” the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The COAS highly appreciated the remarkable achievement of engaging targets with precision and operational readiness of Corps of Army Air Defence. Interacting with the officers and troops, the COAS highlighted that the armed forces were modernising their systems in line with their requirements to deter and be able to respond to any threat emanating against Pakistan.

Corps Commander Karachi, Commander Army Air Defence, Inspector General Training and Evaluation and Inspector General Arms also witnessed the exercise. Earlier, the COAS visited the Army Air Defence Center. He laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and paid homage to the martyrs.

He also installed Lieutenant General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal as the Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Defence Corps.

Meanwhile, the COAS attended the inaugural ceremony of the second chapter of National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) Silicon held in Karachi.

The COAS termed NASTP a project of national and strategic significance that would yield manifold benefits for the country since it would spur technological progress and foster self-reliance by offering a platform for the nation’s youth and future generations.

The COAS praised the efforts of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), its leadership and its skilled personnel in the achievement of yet another milestone of NASTP Silicon.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu shared the vision for NASTP to become one of the best Aerospace, Cyber and IT Clusters and transform the national landscape with design, research and development and innovation centers for emerging and disruptive technologies to accrue maximum social, economic, security and scientific dividends for the country.