PAF tactics catch China's strategic eye
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The Chinese Air Force Chief on Tuesday praised Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) exemplary performance in the recent Pakistan-India conflict and expressed interest in learning from PAF's battle-proven experience in multi-domain operations.
Leading a high-level defence delegation led by Lt-Gen Wang Gang, Chief of Staff of People's Liberation Army Air Force, visited the Air Headquarters in Islamabad to meet Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff.
The visit of the top Chinese air force officer came two months after Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three highly-advanced French-made Rafale.
The story made international headlines as for the first time the Chinese military hardware proved its combat superiority over the western technology.
Pakistan may have used J10C and PL-15 beyond visual range (BVR) missiles to force the Indian air force to ground its air assets but the indigenous technology and integration of various systems made the real difference.
The Chinese air force chief acknowledged that and according to the official readout he expressed keen interest in learning from Pakistan's experience.
A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics and avenues of enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domain of airpower and operational synergy were discussed.
The air chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guests, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability.
Lt-Gen Wang Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on PAF's modern force structure, strategic initiatives and the evolution of its operational doctrine.
The chief of the air staff also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the two air forces and reiterated Pakistan Air Force's commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology and operational domains.
General Wang Gang expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of Pakistan Air Force.
He was particularly impressed by PAF's seamless integration of multi-domain operations, terming it a hallmark of modern air warfare and conveyed PLAAF's keen interest in learning from PAF's battle-proven experience.
Lauding the professional acumen and strategic foresight of PAF's leadership, the visiting dignitary paid rich tribute to the exemplary performance of Pakistan Air Force during the recent conflict with India.
He praised the decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the Air Chief, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression.
The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration.
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