ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 16-Mar-2011
Defence Weekly
Pakistan Air Force inducts F-16 Block 52 squadron
James Hardy Asia-Pacific Editor - London
Pakistan announced it had completed the induction of new Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 fighter aircraft into one of its squadrons on 10 March.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) held a ceremony at Shehbaz Air Base near Jacobabad in Sindh Province to mark the replacement of 5 Squadron's ageing Mirage fleet with the F-16s, which are part of a USD1.4 billion deal with the United States which includes delivery of 500 AIM-120C-5/7 BVR missiles.
The F-16s are part of a major recapitalisation of PAF assets. The air force will induct a second squadron of JF-17 'Thunder' fighters - co-manufactured with China - in late March, according to reports, and is in the process of receiving four Chinese ZDK-03 and four Saab 2000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
"With the induction of Block 52 F-16s, AEW&C, aerial refuellers and a multilayered air defence system, PAF now has the capability to respond to various threats being faced by a nation with efficiency and safety," PAF Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said at the ceremony.
A Pakistan Air Force F-16D Block 52 fighter arriving at Shehbaz Air Base, near Jacobabad, Sindh Province, on 26 June 2010. (Pakistan Air Force)