Wargames ‘Indus Viper’ concludes

SARGODHA—Ten days multidimensional operational exercise “Indus Viper” between Pakistan Air Force and Turkish Air Force concluded Tuesday at Pakistan Air Force Base, Mushaf, Sargodha.
Air Marshal Shahid Lateef, Acting Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
In his address, Air Marshal Shahid Lateef said,” The two Air forces have a long history of mutual relationship in the shape of exchange postings, conducting courses and cross training visits. It was indeed a great honor for the PAF to have Turkish air force F-16s participate in our 50th anniversary celebrations in the year 1997. The exercise Indus Viper, which has just culminated successfully, is indeed an extension of the same cooperation”.
He further said, “We are thankful to TuAF for providing our aircrew and combat controllers, the opportunity to gain good experience. This will go a long way in helping PAF to prepare for interoperability with other air forces of the world in days to come. The efficacy of this mutual learning becomes manifold when we consider the transformation which PAF is undergoing at present. Inshallah, in a few years time, we would be a modern combat outfit ready to undertake integrated operations with any other Air force of the world. It is here that I foresee a more valuable and mutually gainful interaction between PAF and the TuAF.
It would not be out of place to term this exercise another significant milestone towards achieving the desired level of interoperability”. He also said, “I am sure that the exercise was a great learning experience for all the participants. Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all PAF personnel for conducting this exercise in a safe, professional and befitting manner”.
The exercise was also witnessed by Turkish Ambassador H E Mr. Rauf Engin Soysal, and Major General Sirin Unal, Deputy Commander, First Air Force Command Eskisehir during their visit at Pakistan Air Force Base, Mushaf, Sargodha on 25 April, 2008.
Air Forces of Pakistan and Turkey conducted a joint operational Exercise “Indus Viper”, which provided an opportunity to combat crew of both the Air Forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power. The event will definitely help strengthening brotherly relations that the two nations enjoy.
Earlier on his arrival, the Acting Air Chief was received by Air Vice Marshal Atique Rafiq, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command and Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf. The ceremony was attended by Principal Staff Officers and field commanders of Pakistan Air Force.—Agencies