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| Pakistan to get AWACS by Oct this year: Air chief |
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Friday, May 29, 2009
Precision technology being used to target terrorist hideouts
ISLAMABAD: The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, said Thursday that Pakistan would get Air Warning and Control System (AWACS) by October this year.
Talking to media after addressing a joint graduation ceremony of General Duty Pilot officers of Administration and Engineering Branch at Rislapur Academy, the Air chief said that acquisition of spying satellite and AWACS by India has imbalanced the power in the region. “This has caused a dent to the balance of power in the region - leading to an arms race,” he said.
Answering a question, he said in this modern world it is difficult to hide some area from the eye of the adversary. However, he said steps are in hand to check this aspect effectively.
“We are acquiring modern gadgets along with the F-16 aircraft from the US to check and encounter this threat,” he said.
To a question, he said that India already possessed 3,500 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, while Pakistan is in the process of acquiring 500 such missiles to maintain the required level of deterrence.
Rao Qamar told a questioner that the drone problem can be effectively countered, but the policy decision on the subject is to be taken by the parliament and the government.
He recalled that at the time of 2001-02 standoff between India and Pakistan, the PAF had shot down an Indian drone which had intruded into the Pakistan territory.
He said that PAF has been taking effective part in the Operation Rah-e-Rast which is meant to continue till the uprooting of terrorism from the area under operation besides restoration of the writ of the government.
“All possible efforts are being made to avoid collateral damage while using accurate and precise technology. No civil population area has been engaged by various fighter jets in the PAF inventory being used in the operation.”
He said very precise technology is being used to target the hideouts, ammunition dumps and training compounds of the terrorists.
In addition to that, he pointed out that PAF has also been providing close support to the ground troops operating in the area of operation.
Quoting an example in this behalf, he said once the operation had to be delayed for over 24 hours to avoid damage to civilian population and it was carried out only after complete assurance by the ground forces that there will be no collateral damage.
To another query, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar said that the PAF has the capability to absorb any modern technology to defend the territorial jurisdiction of the country. — APP
Online adds: Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman made it clear that Pakistan is capable of shooting down US drones, but it could result in war between Pakistan and US which Pakistan can not afford.
PAF can shoot down drones, but the decision has to be taken by government and parliament not him and striking down drones could trigger war between Pakistan and allied forces, he told mediapersons
We had shot down US spy plane near Kasur in 2002, he said.
He said Air Force is completely supporting the military in its ongoing efforts in the tribal areas and Swat.
He said F-7, F-16 and Miraj are being used in operation against militants in Swat.
Earlier addressing the graduates he said PAF faced the dual challenge of fighting an external enemy, many times its own size, and also internal scourge and menace - of extremism - bent upon changing our way of life.
The internal struggle is not about Islam but a contest between two different ways of life, based on diverse cultures of thinking. We have so far destroyed numerous hideouts, training camps, command and control centres and ammunition storages of the militants, besides clearing the routes and passes for the safe advance of our land forces. In doing so, we are extremely conscious of the collateral damage and have, therefore, resorted to attack militants’ sanctuaries, located in isolated areas, away from population, with precision weapons and almost pinpoint accuracy.” pledge and oath that you have taken today says it all.”
Earlier on his arrival at PAF Academy, the Chief Guest was received by Air Vice Marshal Hafeez Ullah, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur.
On his arrival at parade ground General Salute was presented by Aviation Cadets. The chief guest reviewed the parade and presented Quaid-i-Azam Banner to No 3 Squadron, the new Champion Squadron. This was followed by award of flying badges and branch insignias to graduating officers and aviation cadets.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee’s Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Pilot Officer Syed Qasim Zaheer, while Pilot Officer Arsalan Khan lifted Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee’s Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training in College of Flying Training.
Chief of the Air Staff’s Trophy for best performance in Engineering Discipline was awarded to Pilot Officer Abdul Basit, while Pilot Officer Usman Farooq lifted Chief of the Air Staff trophy for best performance in flying. The coveted Sword of honour for best all round performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Pilot Officer Abdul Basit, while Pilot Officer Jibran Rasheed won Sword of Honour for best all round performance in College of Flying Training. In Air Defence branch, Aviation Cadet Muzammil received best performance trophy and in A&SD branch, Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Ali Hanif was awarded best performance trophy. Significant event of the ceremony was a colourful air display by “Sherdils’ Formation” of T-37 aircraft. 07 T-37 aircraft performed formation aerobatics leaving spectators spell bound. Besides this, 04 K-8 Jet Trainer aircraft also performed aerobatics.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
