International Air Exercise “TUSAP Raiders” conducted between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Turkish Air Force (TuAF) concluded at an operational Air Base of PAF.
The TuAF contingent comprising 05 F-16s C&D (Fighting Falcons), combat pilots and ground technical crew participated in the air exercise, which was conducted from 5 to 17 October. TuAF’s renowned solo aerobatic team “Solo Turk” was also part of the contingent.
The Pakistan and Turkey have a long history of military cooperation. To enhance the mutual understanding between the two Air Forces, they have been successfully conducting joint exercises for many decades.
“TUSAP Raiders” was also planned in the same backdrop with an objective to excel in the air combat capability with focus on air power employment in any future conflict. This air exercise would provide an opportunity to combat crew of both the Air Forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power in near real scenario.
PAF emphasizes on the combat training of its air and ground crew and regularly undertakes air exercises with Allied Air Forces. These exercises not only play a vital role in honing the combat skills of PAF air crew but also enable them to learn the latest air power employment strategies in complex theaters of warfare.
PAF has been participating in number of International Air Exercises with some of the best air forces of the world, including United States Air Force (USAF), Italian Air Force, TuAF, PLAAF (Chinese Air Force) and Air Forces of other allied countries.