A ceremony was held at the Murid Air Base, on 2nd January, to mark the induction and operationalization of various combat drones into the operational fleet of the Pakistan Air Force. the ceremony was attended by General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, and senior officials from the Pakistan Armed Forces as well as military officials from China and Türkiye.
The new drones being inducted and operationalized by the Pakistan Air Force include Baykar’s Akinci, Bayraktar TB2, GIDS Shahpar-II, Wing Loong II, and a new type of loitering munitions. Although some of These drones are already in service with the Pakistan Air Force, this ceremony marked the official induction and operationalization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) along with other systems including radars and air mobility platforms.
During his speech Chief of the Air Staff, highlighted the latest inductions in the PAF’s arsenal comprising of J-10C fighter jets, air mobility platforms, modern Radars, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Loitering munition capabilities and Long-Range Vectors which have significantly bolstered the aerial defence capabilities of the country.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in his speech lauded the operational preparedness of Pakistan Air Force in incorporating state-of-the-art weapon systems, substantially contributing in ensuring the balance of power in the region. While emphasizing the significance of indigenization and human resource development, COAS wholeheartedly endorsed PAF’s dedication to technological advancements and operational excellence, reassuring that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to thwart any aggression. COAS also appreciated PAF’s efforts for transportation of Relief Goods for the victims of Gaza conflict.
Pakistan Air Force is modernizing its operational fleet at a fast pace amid Indian armed force modernization. With the procurement of various drones from China and Türkiye, Pakistan is also developing indigenous drones under the umbrella of National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP).
Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
