Pakistan’s first ever two-week long multinational counter terrorism air exercise ACES Meet-2017 concluded on October 28 and was witnessed by the current and former Air Chiefs, war veterans of PAF, and senior serving and retired officers including this scribe and Contingents of the Turkish and Royal Saudi Air Forces comprising fighter aircrafts, combat pilots and ground technical crew participated in this epoch making operational exercise. Officials from various allied countries including the Russian Federation, Poland, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan participated in the exercise as observers. Contingent Commanders of the Turkish and Royal Saudi Air Forces presented their views on ACES Meet-2017, deeming it to be a unique experience where they were exposed to realistic scenarios of combating terrorism with the aid of airpower, supporting the land, maritime and Special Forces. They showered accolades on PAF’s Airpower Centre of Excellence (ACE) for organizing the major counter terrorism air exercise, which they considered to be of very high professional standards.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force commended the organizers and participants, reiterating PAF’s resolve to stand committed for aerial defence in Pakistan. Adding that PAF continues to progress on the sound foundations built by its illustrious ancestors to take PAF to greater heights of excellence. He praised the professionalism of the participating air forces and hoped that they would take good memories of rewarding interaction from here.
Earlier the Commandant of ACE presented a comprehensive briefing about the Centre of Excellence, its vision, mission statement, operational doctrine, establishment, development of weapons systems, evolution of tactics, training modules, curricula and the mode of conduct of the multinational air exercise. It is remarkable that the idea of establishing ACE was floated by ACM Sohail Aman in 2015, the ground breaking of the premier institution took place soon after, while the establishment was completed in 2016 and here it was conducting multinational airpower war-games and operational exercises. The professional institutions supplement the prestigious Combat Commanders School (CCS) and facilitates in providing training to mid-level aircrew and air defence controllers by inculcating combat leadership and professional excellence in the role of airpower. ACE is devoted to building a country’s capacity to undertake air warfare operations in the context of counterinsurgency (COIN). Specifically, ACE aims to build the capacity of air forces to effectively utilize their intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and precision-strike assets in an effective manner.
The establishment of the Aviation City near PAF Aeronautical Complex Kamra is not only timely but also fulfils the demand where knowledge and industry can work together to create new opportunities for Pakistan in the field of aerospace
It is remarkable, that the PAF, which was called to participate in counter terrorism (CT) operations in support of the land, maritime and Special Forces, had neither the experience nor the wherewithal for this sensitive undertaking. PAF leadership, which was also sensitive to possible collateral damage resulting from CT operations, approached the task in a highly professional manner. It not only developed tactics but also platforms for gathering valuable intelligence and reconnaissance platforms along with munitions, which would deliver a telling blow on the enemy, avoid collateral damage, and minimize risks to the participating aircrew and air platforms. It goes to the credit of PAF, its leadership and personnel that it has not only gained invaluable experience through baptism in fire but is now in a position to share its experiences and tactics developed with allied air forces.
ACE speaks volumes for the national effort and is being replicated at the upcoming Main Operating Air Base at Bholari where the focus would be providing air support to maritime operations. The groundbreaking ceremony was performed in December 2015 while the newly accomplished project will be inaugurated before this year ends. It is appreciable that the PAF leadership has undertaken concrete steps to lead the way towards indigenization and self-reliance in defence production. The establishment of the Aviation City near PAF Aeronautical Complex Kamra is not only timely but also fulfils the demand where knowledge and industry can work together to create new opportunities for Pakistan in the field of aerospace.
It was heartening to learn that the conjugal knot in which the aerospace industry and the operators of air weapons platforms have been tied is working wonders. The development of the next generation of fighter aircrafts is already proceeding beyond the drawing board. While strategies are being developed and air combat tactics are evolving, there are also many local developments occurring with the aid of civil technology. This is done to achieve optimum utilization of scarce resources, infrastructures and aerial delivery munitions. The platforms to deploy them are also being developed locally with the aid of civil technology.
State-of-the-art airpower technology costs an arm and a leg while obsolescence also sets in very rapidly. Being mindful of the scarcity of funds and reducing the financial burden on the nation, while stressing on indigenization, ensures the longevity of air assets, provides cost effective solutions to demands of technological advancement and even generates revenue through defence export.
The writer is a retired Group Captain of PAF. He is a columnist, analyst and TV Talk show host who has authored six books on current affairs including three on China
Published in Daily Times, November 4th 2017.