Forum: F-16 News

Pakistan and Turkish Air Forces to Perform Joint Exercises
April 21, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Turkish air forces launched a 10-day joint exercise, according to a statement from Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The exercises code-named "Indus Viper" were launched at Pakistan Air Force base in eastern Pakistan's Punjab province.

Turkish Air Force contingent arrived with five F-16 C/D aircraft and 50 personnel at the PAF base to participate in the exercise.

The ten-day multi-dimensional exercise, in which the combat crew will be exposed to near realistic scenarios, would end on April 30.

"The event would not only give an opportunity to the combat crew of both air forces to interact more closely, but also help in strengthening brotherly relations that the two nations enjoy," said Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, deputy chief of the Air Staff.

“To benefit from the expertise and professional experiences of each other, the PAF and TuAF are conducting a joint exercise in Pakistan”. It said a contingent of TuAF fighter aircraft and personnel would undertake joint planning and execution of various combat missions with the PAF, which would greatly benefit both the air forces of the two brotherly countries and further enhance relations between them.

Pakistan and Turkey had a long history of military cooperation and the PAF and TuAF had been successfully conducting joint exercises for decades.

Indus Viper - PAF-TUAF joint exercise continues in full swing

ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP): Ten-day multidimensional operational exercise “Indus Viper” between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Turkish Air Force (TUAF), which commenced on April 21 is in full swing.

Turkish Ambassador Rauf Engin Soysal and Major General Sirin Unal, Deputy Commander, First Air Force Command Eskisehir visited Pakistan Air Force Base Mushaf and witnessed the ongoing exercise “Indus Viper”.

During his visit the Turkish Ambassador Rauf Engin Soysal and Major General Sirin Unal, Deputy Commander, First Air Force Command Eskisehir called on Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf and exchanged views on the on going exercise.

They also attended a briefing on exercise “Indus Viper” arranged by Combat Commanders School and later on met with the pilots and staff of both the air forces participating in exercise.

Exercise “Indus Viper” marks the beginning of a new era in which both the Air Forces, are undertaking an operational exercise in Pakistani Air Space for the first time.

The event would not only give an opportunity to the combat crew of both the Air Forces to interact more closely but also help in strengthening brotherly relations that the two nations enjoy.

To enhance interaction through mutual exercises, Air Forces of the brotherly countries of Pakistan and Turkey are conducting a joint operational Exercise Indus Viper, which will provide an opportunity to combat crew of both the Air Forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power.

Turkish Air Force’s contingent arrived with five F-16 C/D aircraft and 50 personnel at PAF Base, Mushaf, Sargodha Monday, to participate in the exercise.

Earlier, on his arrival the Turkish Ambassador Rauf Engin Soysal, and Major General Sirin Unal, Deputy Commander, First Air Force Command Eskisehir were received by Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf (Sargodha).


Source: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?opt ... p;Itemid=2

Exercise ‘Indus Viper’ concludes at PAF base Sargodha

LAHORE April 29 (APP): The ten-day multi-dimensional exercise “Indus Viper” between Pakistan Air Force and Turkish Air Force concluded today at the PAF Base, Mushaf, Sargodha, with Air Marshal Shahid Lateef, Acting Chief of the Air Staff, PAF chief Guest on the occasion.

According to a media release received here Tuesday, Air Marshal Shahid Lateef in his address said that both the Air Forces have a long relationship with exchange postings, conducting courses and training visits.

“It is indeed a great honor for the PAF to have Turkish Air Force F-16s participate in our 50th anniversary celebrations in the year 1997. The exercise Indus Viper, which has just culminated successfully, is indeed an extension of the same cooperation”, he said.

He further said, “We are thankful to TuAF for providing our aircrew and combat controllers, the opportunity to gain good experience. This will go a long way in helping PAF to prepare for inter-operability with other air forces of the world in days to come”.
He lauded the transformation which PAF is undergoing at present, adding that in a few years time, we will be a modern combat outfit ready to undertake integrated operations with any other Air force of the world.

The Acting CAS termed the exercise another significant milestone towards achieving the desired level of interoperability, and congratulated the PAF personnel for conducting it in a safe, professional and befitting manner.

The exercise was also witnessed earlier by Turkish Ambassador HE Mr Rauf Engin Soysal, and Maj Gen Sirin Unal, Deputy Commander, First Air Force Command Eskisehir during their visit at the PAF Base, Sargodha on April 25.

“Indus Viper” provided an opportunity to combat crew of both Air Forces to acquaint themselves with applied tactics of air power, and will definitely help strengthen brotherly relations that the two nations enjoy.

Earlier on his arrival, the Acting Air Chief was received by Air Vice Marshal Atique Rafiq, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command and Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf. The ceremony was attended by Principal Staff Officers and field commanders of Pakistan Air Force.

Source: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?opt ... p;Itemid=2