ISLAMABAD - Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has warned that Pakistan would shoot down US drones if they violate its airspace.
He also said that Pakistan cannot change its neighbours, but the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is fully equipped and completely eligible to protect the country’s borders.
The air chief said this while delivering an address as chief guest at the inaugural session of AirTech’17 Conference hosted by Air University, Islamabad on Thursday.
He also announced that Pakistan will be able to send astronauts into space in collaboration with China within two years.
AirTech’17 is Pakistan’s largest technical and scientific Olympiad being held at the Main Campus of Air University from December 7-10. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Air University AVM (retd) Faaiz Amir and other speakers were also present.
In his keynote address on leadership, education & society development, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said that the purpose of education system must be to introduce the latest technologies and contribute something positive for the betterment of society as a whole. He also urged the importance of industry-academia cooperation.
In this regard, he asked industry professionals to guide universities about what kind of skills are needed. “No doubt, Pakistani students are talented, intelligent and hard working but to achieve success in life goals, unconditional faith, firm commitment and tireless struggle are essential”, he added.
The Air Chief emphasised that most important segment of an education system must be character building of students. He said that every fellow human-being deserves respect equally.
“Without practicing good values, there is no purpose of any kind of success,” he said, adding that a role model leader must have courage to take tough decisions at the time of crisis.
The Air Chief, answering a question, disclosed that Pakistan is currently working to manufacture next generation aircraft with the support of Chinese experts.
In addition, China is also providing technical support to Pakistan for launching satellite programme.
He further said that Pakistan is annually manufacturing 16 to 20 JF-17 aircraft which are much better than F-16 planes in performance.
Talking about the importance of national defence, he said, currently Pakistan is on right track to curb terrorism.
The Air Chief emphasised that security, stability and prosperity are interlinked in the today’s world.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Air University AVM (Retd) Faaiz Amir highlighted the key aspects of the AirTech’17 conference.
He said that AirTech’17 is designed to serve as a platform where a fair and competitive environment will be provided to young students to design, build and present technical solutions and perform innovative tasks in respective fields by utilising their creative skills blended with the scientific academic knowledge and technical capabilities.
Various topics related to robotics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies also came under discussion. A large number of students, academia and industry professionals attended the AirTech’17 conference.
PAF to shoot down US drones breaching airspace
