Pakistan Navy conducts successful firing of anti-ship cruise missile

KARACHI: In a demonstration of firepower and combat readiness, Pakistan Navy (PN) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted long-range anti-ship cruise missile firings.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi along with Chief of Air Staff  Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman witnessed the live weapon firing onboard Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Nasr. The firing was conducted by JF-17 fighter aircraft and PNS Saif, which is a multi-mission F-22P frigate.

Upon arrival, the chief of air staff was received by navy chief onboard PNS Nasr, a combat logistic support ship. Joint PN-PAF firings were conducted on the final day of exercise RIBAT-18, which was focused on validating warfighting concepts under the evolving multi-faceted threats. The hallmark of the exercise was successful firings of C-802 AK (air to surface missile) by PAF JF-17 Thunder aircraft and C-802 (surface to surface missile) by PNS Saif.

Missiles launched from both platforms successfully hit their intended targets which not only re-asserts the efficacy of weapon systems but also manifests the extended range of Joint PN-PAF sea-air operations and desired synergy between the two services.

On this occasion, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed his utmost satisfaction on operational readiness of PN fleet and commended officers and men for their professionalism and devotion in the line of duty. The admiral also added that Pakistan Navy was transforming into a strong and formidable force fully capable to protect and advance the national maritime interests and collaborate international responsibilities across the Indian Ocean.