ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman on Thursday warned the United States that its drone would be shot down in case of any violation of Pakistan’s airspace. Soahil Aman expressed his views while addressing the opening ceremony of AirTech’17 at the Air University, Islamabad.
The air chief said enemies were conducting terrorist activities in Pakistan through Afghanistan. Sohail Aman said, “We cannot change our neighbours, but the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is fully equipped and completely eligible to protect the borders.” He said even Indian military officials admit the professional skills of PAF. Sohail Aman said the attack on Kamra Airbase was the most tragic incident in air force’s history. He said the PAF suffered huge loss in the occurrence but did not lose hope. The air chief said that Sweden asked huge sum for repair work of the damaged aircrafts, which was then completed by the PAF itself.
The air chief said that the PAF started making weapons itself after America stopped the supply. The Pakistan Air Force built JF-17 when the delivery of F-16 jets was suspended, Sohail said. He further added that JF-17 was better than F-16 in four disciplines.
Sohail Aman informed that the PAF was soon going to make 5th generation fighter planes under “Project Azm” by itself. “The air force will be able to sale weapons after fulfilling own needs by 2020, and will launch a new satellite as well,” he said. He said Pakistan would able to send astronauts into space with the collaboration of China within two years. The air chief also talked about Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Raddul Fasaad, and said they helped eliminate militants and extremism. Vice Chancellor of Air University AVM (r) Faaiz Amir and other speakers were also present on the occasion.
Published in Daily Times, December 8th 2017.