By Chathushka Perera
Islamabad, Pakistan (CWBN)_ Military exercises between Pakistan and China, dubbed ‘Shaheen IX’, commenced a few days ago at the Pakistani air base in Bholari, Sindh.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief of Pakistani Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Ahmed Sulehri, said that “opportunity to further enhance interoperability of both the air forces, thereby fortifying brotherly relations between the two countries.”
The Chinese Liberation Army issued an announcement as to the exercises in earlier this month claiming that the simulations will be carried out by air force personnel, including combat pilots, air defence controllers and ground crews, in the hopes of developing “actual combat training”.
The number of warplanes used in exercises have not been divulged, however, in the previous version of the exercises that took place last year, about 50 warplanes were involved. Additionally Shenyang J-11 fighters and Chengdu J10 jets were reportedly sent by China.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Air Force will be operating Chengdu F-7 interceptors from China, Mirage 5 assault crafts of French make, and JF-17s.
The exercises add to the regional tensions, particularly in Ladakh were several Indian soldiers and an officer were killed in a brawl along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and the Malabar exercises carried out by members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), including naval forces from Australia, India, Japan and the US.
Moreover, a memorandum of understanding was signed off between Pakistan and China following Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe, during a state visit, which in turn is reflective of India’s defence agreements with the US.
