Article Posted on : - Mar 11, 2011

A file photo of PAF F-16 C/D Block 52.

ISLAMABAD (PTI): The Pakistan Air Force Thursday announced that one of its squadrons had been re-equipped with newly inducted F-16 combat jets.

Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman attended the ceremony at Jacobabad airbase in Sindh province to mark the re-equipping of No 5 Squadron with the F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft.

The unit, one of the oldest squadrons of PAF, previously flew Mirage aircraft.

The squadron colour was presented to its commander during a re-equipment ceremony parade.

Later, a formation of Mirage and F-16 jets presented a fly-past.

Kayani, in his address, noted that Pakistan was "at war with terrorists who have disrupted peace and stability in the region and threatened our way of life".

Pakistan's armed forces have been battling terrorists since 2004 and PAF had played a "critical" role in these operations, he said.

Suleman said PAF's focus had shifted from "traditional threat-based development to development based on capabilities enhancement".

PAF has made efforts to cover the "entire spectrum of air warfare" to counter internal and external challenges, he said.

"With the induction of Block 52 F-16s, AEW (airborne early warning aircraft), aerial re-fuellers and a multi-layered air defence system, PAF now has the capability to respond to various threats being faced by nation with efficiency and safety," Suleman said.

"Whenever required, we will employ our assets, including these F-16s, to defend our nation and its freedom, against any aggressor, be it external or internal," he added.

Pakistan has received 18 F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft from the US.