KARACHI - Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force, in a demonstration of fire power and combat readiness, successfully test-fired long-range anti-ship cruise missiles in the Arabian Sea.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, along with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman witnessed the live weapon firing onboard Pakistan Navy ship, Nasr. Upon his arrival, chief of the air staff was received by the chief of the naval staff onboard PNS Nasr, a combat logistic support ship.
The firing was conducted by JF-17 fighter aircraft and Pakistan Navy ship Saif which is a multi-mission F-22P frigate.
Joint PN-PAF firings were conducted on the final day of exercise RIBAT-18 which focused on validating war fighting concepts under the evolving multi-faceted threats. The hallmark of the exercise was successful firing of C-802 AK (air to surface missile) by PAF JF-17 Thunder aircraft and C-802 (surface to surface missile) by PNS Saif.
The missiles launched from both platforms successfully hit their intended targets, which not only reasserts the efficacy of weapon systems but also manifests the extended range of joint PN-PAF sea-air operations and desired synergy between the two services.
On this landmark occasion, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed his utmost satisfaction over operational readiness of PN fleet and commended officers and men for their professionalism and devotion in the line of duty. The admiral also added Pakistan Navy was transforming into a strong and formidable force fully capable of protecting and advancing the national maritime interests and collaborate international responsibilities across the Indian Ocean.