–Pakistan Navy Aviation units, Pak Marines, Special Forces demonstrate professional capabilities by performing Tri-Services counter terrorism demo at ‘Nishan-i-Pakistan’ airshow
–Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat, foreign dignitaries discuss avenues to establish defence collaboration, joint ventures for development of naval platforms
–PAF holds international seminar titled ‘Self Reliance through Research, Innovation & Development’ on third day of IDEAS-2018
KARACHI: Pakistan Navy Aviation units, Pak Marines and Special Forces on Thursday demonstrated their skills and professional capabilities by performing a Tri-Services counter terrorism demo, static and freefall para jumps, beach assault, flypast and rifle drill as part of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2018’s “Nishan-i-Pakistan” airshow at Sea View.
The indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder, Fighting Falcon F-16 and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also enthralled the audience with an air show whereas Sherdil aerobatics team presented a scintillating aerial display on the 3rd day of IDEAS-2018.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who attended the show of professional acumen as the chief guest, on the occasion said the exhibition not only provides a chance to witness the country’s technological developments, but it is also considered to be a golden opportunity for mutual trade and cooperation.
He congratulated all the participants of the event and said, “Today our belief has been reaffirmed that our armed forces are ready to face and thwart any threat to our nation.” He also felicitated all the stakeholders for the successful conduct of IDEAS-2018.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, a large number of both foreign and national dignitaries, families and war veterans were also present on the occasion.
VICE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF:
Meanwhile, various foreign dignitaries called on Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat.
The visiting dignitaries included Egypt’s East Troops for Counter-Terrorism Commandant Major General Yahya Taha Ahmed Ali El Hamily, Kuwait’s Deputy Naval Commander Major General (N) Idrees Abdul Latif, Director Hellenic (Greece) Navy General Staff Rear Admiral Aristeidis Al Exopoulos, Nigerian Navy Logistics Flag Officer Rear Admiral UB Onyia and Philippines Naval Forces Western Mindano Commander Rear Admiral Rene V Medina.
During the meetings, various avenues to establish defence collaboration, sharing of training protocols, joint ventures for the development of naval platforms and equipment, as well as reciprocal mutual visits, were discussed.
Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat also briefed the dignitaries regarding indigenised development of naval platform at Pakistan and potential of the maritime sector.
The same factor was also highlighted earlier by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi during the Maritime Conference held under the auspices of Pakistan Navy. “We are sitting at the doorstep of a diamond mine, and Pakistan Navy’s efforts to enhance awareness in the maritime sector are commendable,” the minister said.
SEMINAR:
Separately, PAF held an international seminar titled “Self Reliance through Research, Innovation & Development” at the Expo Centre.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar, attended the seminar as a keynote speaker.
“Air and space power today has evolved into a commonly recognised source of national strength. From space-based platforms to UAVs and UCAVs, modern machines are constantly being developed to further expand the role of airpower,” the air chief said on the occasion.
Forums like the present one afford rare opportunities for linking together, sharing ideas as well as benefiting from each other’s experiences, he said and added, “Recognising the multi-faceted benefits and need of combined operations, PAF has established a hub for advanced training activities at its Airpower Centre of Excellence (ACE).
“This institute will provide an opportunity to not only PAF, but also friendly air forces to test and hone the skills of fighting elements in various training courses and exercises.”
Visiting delegates, ambassadors, veterans, senior serving and retired defence personnel, Pakistan-based foreign defence/air attaches and government officials also attended the seminar.
Nigerian air chief was a prominent speaker and besides 4 from PAF, guest speakers from Turkish and Sri Lankan air forces also shared their views on this important aspect of national progress.
