Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday said that Pakistan Air Force has played pivotal role in war against terrorism and has broken the backbone of terrorists.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony of JF-17 Thunder aircraft induction to PAF-II Squadron at PAF base Masroor in Karachi while a fly past of JF-17 Thunder aircraft was also held on the occasion.
He said PAF has proved to be leading air force in the world and the government is committed to equipping it with latest gadgets.
The minister said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires to have good relations with world particularly the neighbouring countries.
He said the PAF has played effective role in operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said all resources will be utilised for the security and defence of country.
He said that the PAF-II squadron had commendable achievements during the 1965 and 1971 wars and effectively defended frontiers and waters of the motherland.
The air chief said that despite difficulties, we are committed to safeguarding the country and applauded the Chinese cooperation particularly in manufacturing JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
The air chief added that PAF completed its target of producing 16 JF-17 Thunder for the year 2015, and expressed determination to produce up to 24 jets in the year 2016.
He said that JF-17 Thunder gets are guarantor of national security and peace in the region.
The PAF chief said that JF-17 Thunders will eventually phase out the older model of Mirage jet fighters till 2020.