Latest news with #PAF
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
PAF Honored at RIAT 2025, Wins Top Awards for C-130H, JF-17
Ahmed Emam The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has earned international acclaim at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the United Kingdom, clinching two major honors: the 'Concours d'Elegance Trophy for its C-130H Hercules' and the 'Spirit of the Meet' award for the JF-17 Thunder. The announcement was made in a congratulatory post shared by Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, who praised the PAF's outstanding performance and professionalism. 'Many congratulations to our Shaheens of the Pakistan Air Force for winning the top award... The nation is proud of you,' Dar wrote on social media, tagging the official PAF account. This international recognition follows the PAF's remarkable performance in Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, further reinforcing its reputation for operational excellence and tactical precision. Held annually in the UK, RIAT is one of the world's largest and most prestigious military air shows, featuring aircraft and crews from dozens of countries. The awards underscore the global respect earned by Pakistan's air warriors and highlight the technical capabilities and discipline of the PAF. Celebrations have poured in from across the country, with citizens and officials alike expressing pride in the PAF's continued success on the world stage. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistani Fighter Jets Win Top Honors at UK's Royal Air Show
Israa Farhan Pakistan Air Force fighter jets have earned international acclaim after winning top awards at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, one of the world's most prestigious military aviation events, held at RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom. According to state-run Pakistan Television (PTV), the PAF's advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III received the "Spirit of the Meet Trophy" for its visually striking livery and its non-stop transcontinental flight, achieved through successful air-to-air refueling operations. The PAF's IL-78 aerial refueling tanker supported the operation, marking a key display of logistical and aviation capability. Meanwhile, the C-130H Hercules transport aircraft was honored with the "Concours d'Elegance Trophy", recognizing its exemplary presentation and technical excellence. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that a PAF contingent, including both aircraft, had landed in the UK on Thursday to participate in the globally renowned air show, which runs from July 18 to 20. The RIAT supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and has been showcasing top-tier military aviation for over five decades. PTV described the achievement as a moment of national pride, noting that the JF-17 Block III demonstrates Pakistan's "advanced defense technology". The success, it said, highlights the professional excellence and capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force on an international stage. The Prime Minister's Youth Bureau (PYB) called the victory a "testament to the recognition of the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force", reinforcing Pakistan's growing status in global aviation circles. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistan Air Force Wins Top Honors at Prestigious UK Air Show
Nada Mustafa The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved international acclaim after securing top honors in two major categories at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, one of the world's most prestigious military aviation events held annually in the United Kingdom. According to state broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV), the PAF's cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jet and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft stood out among dozens of global participants at the event, which runs from July 18 to 20 at the Royal Air Force Base in Fairford. The JF-17 Thunder Block-III, representing Pakistan's advanced defense manufacturing capabilities, earned the coveted 'Spirit of the Meet Trophy.' The award recognized the aircraft's visually striking paint scheme and the challenging long-haul journey from Pakistan to the UK, made possible through successful air-to-air refueling operations carried out with the help of a PAF IL-78 aerial tanker. Meanwhile, the PAF's C-130H Hercules transport aircraft won the "Concours d'Elegance Trophy" for exceptional display performance and technical excellence, further highlighting the professionalism and skill of the Pakistani contingent. The Royal International Air Tattoo has been a prominent showcase for global air power for over five decades and supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), noted that the awards underscored the PAF's operational proficiency and technological advancement. The participation and recognition at RIAT were seen as a milestone in Pakistan's aviation history, bringing international attention to the country's growing aerospace capabilities. PTV described the accolades as a powerful affirmation of the Pakistan Air Force's abilities and its evolving role on the global stage. The achievement comes just months after the PAF gained headlines for intercepting and downing Indian aircraft during a regional military escalation, a mission later confirmed to have been led by the 15 Squadron based at Kamra. This recent success at RIAT not only reinforces the PAF's stature among the world's elite air forces but also boosts Pakistan's reputation in the global defense and aerospace community. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ishaq Dar: many congratulations to our Shaheens of Pakistan Air Force
Basant Ahmed Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said: "many congratulations to our Shaheens of the Pakistan Air Force DGPR_PAF for winning the top award, the Concours d'Elegance Trophy for C-130H Hercules and "Spirit of the Meet" for PAF JF-17 in Royal International Air Tattoo (#RIAT) 2025 at UK." He added in a post on " X": " After PAF's incredible victory in OperationBunyan-al-Marsoos, yet again our air warriors have proved their professionalism at the global nation is proud of you PAF Falcons PK." read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Designating TRF as a terrorist group is welcome, but US has a tendency to play both sides
Asim Munir's recent visit to Washington reaffirmed Pakistan's alignment with US strategic interests. Publicly endorsed by CENTCOM chief General Kurilla as a 'phenomenal partner,' Pakistan continues to position itself as a counterterrorism ally, despite its longstanding use of militant groups as foreign policy tools. These developments underscore the transactional nature of the US-Pakistan relationship, where tactical alignment often overshadows long-term strategic divergence. For India, this highlights the need for vigilance and independence in dealing with regional security issues, particularly as Washington continues to balance its ties with both Islamabad and New Delhi. India's approach must be practical, based on realism, and free from the historical baggage that hinders progress. The recent designation of The Resistance Forum (TRF), a rebranded offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a global terror organisation by the US represents more than just a counter-terrorism action. It sends a strategic message that connects with broader regional dynamics and internal shifts within Pakistan. The US has long utilised terror designations, military aid, and economic pressure as tools of influence. The timing of the TRF's listing — during backchannel meetings, changing alliances, and defence cooperation talks — should not be seen as coincidental. Pakistan, under the informal control of the powerful military establishment led by Munir, remains a central player in this situation. Reports that Munir may be preparing for a transition from military to civilian leadership — possibly as the country's next president — add a new layer of complexity. The Pakistani Army has always played a dual role, exerting de facto political power while maintaining the appearance of democratic governance. If Munir does become president, it would formalise what has long been an open secret: Pakistan is a state run by its generals, not its elected officials. Munir's current influence, untethered by public accountability, distorts Pakistan's already fragile democratic structure. His management of both foreign and domestic policy blurs the line between governance and military strategy. Recent high-level meetings involving Munir and the Chief of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), coinciding with the TRF's terror designation, raise questions about the legitimacy and goals of these interactions. The backdrop to these engagements is likely Pakistan's urgent military needs. Indian punitive strikes during Operation Sindoor caused significant damage to key Pakistani airbases at Nur Khan and Sargodha, amongst others, requiring repairs and replacements. The PAF is reportedly seeking spare parts for its F-16 fleet — a need that cannot be met without US cooperation. It appears that the Pakistani government is quietly collaborating with Washington to secure this support without resorting to IMF or World Bank funds, thereby avoiding scrutiny of military spending amid economic instability. This implicit understanding between the US and Pakistan reflects an evolving relationship. Washington no longer views Islamabad solely through the lens of the Afghan conflict but instead as a flexible partner, willing to meet demands in exchange for support. The days of aid in exchange for loyalty are gone — now, cooperation is transactional, and Pakistan's leadership appears more than eager to cooperate. For India, this situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The shifting alignment of US interests — sometimes favouring Pakistan, at other times leaning toward India — requires a clear and focused response. American support for Indian security remains strong, but it is not without conditions. Washington will prioritise its national interests above all, even if that means playing both sides in South Asia. Whether it's counterterrorism cooperation, arms sales, or trade negotiations, New Delhi must assert its independence with Washington. American tariffs and weapons deals serve as tools of influence, often used to sway policy decisions or gain concessions. India's autonomy is crucial in these interactions, and it must remain focused on its national interests and avoid being manipulated into a state of dependency. Meanwhile, new alignments are starting to form. Russia and China are showing renewed interest in strengthening the Russia-India-China (RIC) alliance. Although this trilateral framework lacks the strength of NATO or QUAD, it serves as an essential counterbalance to Western influence. India should explore this space, not out of unquestioning loyalty, but to prevent undue pressure from any single power bloc. The re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, three decades after being ousted, and the US's ongoing operational presence in the region (including leasing airbases and printing Afghan currency) indicate a long-term American interest in Central and South Asia. These actions are not driven by altruism — they are part of a calculated strategy to maintain influence in one of the world's most volatile regions. India must recognise that it is being watched, evaluated, and targeted by global powers who see it as both a partner and a pawn. In this environment, the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) gain renewed relevance. Not the NAM of the Cold War era, but a reimagined model — one that is pragmatic, flexible, and focused on issue-based cooperation rather than ideological loyalty. To navigate this complexity, India must also look inward. There is an urgent need to engage its neighbours, not as subordinates, but as equal stakeholders. The Subcontinent cannot afford to be shackled by its past. While historical wrongs and unresolved disputes persist, they must not define the future. The policy of strategic patience must be replaced with a strategic approach to problem-solving, one that values and promotes regional cooperation. This means reevaluating relationships with nations such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and even Pakistan. It involves restarting stalled dialogues, not to compromise sovereignty or national security, but to build a regional consensus that benefits India. Assertiveness must be balanced with diplomacy, and power must be tempered by responsibility. India's path forward should be neither isolationist nor interventionist — it should be independent. We must assert our narrative, unfiltered by Western media, unpressured by superpower coercion, and unfazed by regional provocations. The TRF listing, the whispers of a presidential coup in Pakistan, and the transactional nature of US foreign policy are all reminders that the game is on. We must shed the weight of the past. We cannot undo Partition. We cannot undo wars. But we can choose how we move forward. Let history be a lesson, not a leash. Let us walk forward — eyes open, feet grounded, and purpose clear. The writer is a lieutenant colonel, former Armoured Corps officer, defence analyst and strategic thinker
