Article Posted on : - Mar 05, 2010

ISLAMABAD (PTI): As part of efforts to enhance their military-to-military cooperation, Pakistani and US air force personnel participated in a joint aerial refueling information exchange programme at a Pakistani airbase.

US Air Force pilots and aircrew from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, currently deployed in Kyrgyzstan, arrived at the Chaklala airbase on Wednesday to conduct the information exchange with the Pakistan Air Force.

The US invited Pakistani pilots and aircrew aboard their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to familiarise them with air refuelling equipment and procedures.

Vice Admiral Michael LeFever, senior US Defence Representative to Pakistan, hosted Air Commodore Tahir Ranjha, PAF's Air Transportation Director and Air Commodore Khalil Ahmed, PAF Chaklala commander, aboard the KC-135 aircraft.

"Events like these promote understanding and enhance our military-to-military relationships while also boosting capability and expertise," said LeFever.

"In addition, with the planned arrival of more F-16s to Pakistan later this year, developing PAF air refueling expertise is critical to increasing their airborne endurance and enhancing their ability to counter the violent extremist threat in their country.