PAF test fires air-to-air missile

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Friday achieved a landmark with the test-fire of BVR (Beyond Visual Range) and IR (Infrared) missile shooting down a slow speed target from JF-17 Thunder with pinpoint accuracy.

“It was a landmark occasion for the PAF as well as the whole nation, when the indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder shot down a slow speed target with BVR (Beyond Visual Range) and IR (Infrared) missile with pinpoint accuracy at Sonmiani firing range today (Friday),” the PAF announced on Friday.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, was the chief guest at the ceremony. The day also marked a monumental episode in the glorious history of PAF as a state-of-the-art weapon test range has been made operational to track the complete trajectory of the aircraft and launched missiles.

“This modern facility, developed in collaboration with Chinese authorities, is equipped with real time tracking and measuring equipment to qualify the indigenously developed and procured weapon systems,” the announcement said.

It says the live demonstration is a potent display of the PAF’s capability to successfully locate and destroy high/slow speed moving targets by employing high-tech inventory of aircraft and missiles.

Addressing on the occasion, the Air Chief said they are thankful to Allah Almighty who has given them the strength to achieve this extraordinary milestone.

He said the successful testing of these sophisticated weapons is a testimony of JF-17 Thunder’s multirole capabilities. “It is a matter of immense pride that six PAF fighter squadrons have already being equipped with the pride of the nation JF-17 Thunder aircraft, making it the backbone of our aerial defence,” he siad.

He also lauded the hard work put in by PAF and Chinese personnel in making this event a success.