KARACHI: In an impressive demonstration of fire power and combat readiness, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force conducted long range anti-ship cruise missile firings on Monday. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi along with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman witnessed the weapon firing live on board Pakistan Navy Ship Nasr. The firing was conducted by JF-17 fighter aircraft and Pakistan Navy Ship Saif which is a multi mission F-22P frigate. Upon arrival, the chief of air staff was received by chief of naval staff on-board PNS Nasr, a combat logistic support ship. Joint PN-PAF firings were conducted on the final day of Exercise RIBAT-18, which focused on validating war fighting concepts under the evolving multi faceted threats. The hallmark of exercise was successful firings of C-802 AK (Air to Surface Missile) by PAF JF-17 Thunder aircraft and C-802 (Surface to Surface Missile) by PNS Saif. Missiles launched from both platforms, successfully hit their intended targets which not only re-asserts the efficacy of weapon systems but also manifests the extended range of joint PN-PAF Sea Air operations and desired synergy between the two services. On this landmark occasion, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed his utmost satisfaction on operational readiness of PN fleet and commended officers and men for their professionalism and devotion in the line of duty. Published in Daily Times, March 6th 2018.