Pak-China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX” held this month at an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force. The contingent of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), comprising combat Pilots, Air Defence Controllers and technical ground crew participated in the exercise. Air vice Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations), PAF and Major General Sun Hong, Assistant Chief of Staff, PLAAF were present in the opening ceremony of the exercise.
Major General Sun Hong said, “The Joint Exercise will improve the actual level of combat training and strengthen practical cooperation between the two Air Forces”. Welcoming the Chinese contingent, Air vice Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri said, “The joint exercise will provide an opportunity to further enhance interoperability of both the Air Forces, thereby fortifying brotherly relations between the two countries.” Chairman JCSC lauded the professionalism of the participants and appreciated the efforts of PAF and People’s Liberation Army Air Force in conducting a bilateral exercise in befitting manner. Shaheen-IX is the ninth in the series of Joint Air Exercises, which is conducted each year in both countries on alternate basis.