Pakistan and China have kicked off a joint air exercise on August 28 in Jiuquan, Northwest China’s Gansu Province and Yinchuan, Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
The ‘Shaheen-X’ joint air exercise aims to further boost training and coordination between the two militaries and deepen their exchange and cooperation on military technology, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Pakistan Air Force said in its statement that PAFʼs lead fighter aircraft J-10C and JF-17 are participating in the exercise along with air and ground crew.
This is the first joint air exercise between the two countries since Pakistan inducted Chinese-made J-10CE fighters into its air force. The J-10C multirole fighter jetswere inducted into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)in March 2022.
China’s Ministry of National Defence said in a statement that “This is the tenth joint training exercise between the Chinese and Pakistani air forces, which will help further deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries and improve the level of actual combat training of their troops.”
According to a statement, the exercise is scheduled to be held until mid-September.
The air force of the two countries is participating with send fighters, early warning aircraft and several other types of aircraft, as well as ground forces such as ground-to-air missiles and radar and signal troops to participate in the exercise. Chinese naval aviation units will also be involved in the training, according to Xinhua.
PAF spokesperson said that “Shaheen exercise aims to enhance the aerial combat practices, operational readiness, promoting interoperability and creating synergy amongst the participating strategic and time-tested allies in the region.” Additionally, the exercise incorporates features like hybrid warfare, cyberspace and computing in this air exercise, enhancing Pakistan Air Forceʼs effectiveness in the dynamic and evolving landscape of modern warfare.
“The tenth joint aerial exercise between the venerable People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Pakistan Air Force heralds a remarkable endeavour to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and unity between the Air Forces of both the countries” the PAF said.
