Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Friday commemorated the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort at Air Headquarters, describing the 2019 mission as a defining moment in the country&rsquo;s modern air warfare doctrine. Addressing the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said Pakistan remained a responsible state that sought &ldquo;peace with honor,&rdquo; but would respond decisively to any challenge to its sovereignty.&nbsp; Sidhu recalled that seven years ago the aggressor had miscalculated Pakistan&rsquo;s resolve by attempting to violate its airspace under the cover of darkness, prompting what he described as a measured daylight response that restored deterrence against a numerically superior adversary. Highlighting evolving regional and global security dynamics, the air chief said that since March 2021, the PAF had pursued modernization and indigenization despite fiscal constraints, aiming to transform into a &ldquo;next generation air force.&rdquo;&nbsp; He said the service had recalibrated its operational doctrine and inducted advanced combat and support capabilities, including domestically developed unmanned systems, as well as electronic warfare, space, and cyber assets. &quot;These efforts had enabled the creation of a home-grown, multi-domain &#39;kill chain&#39; integrating air, cyber, and space capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and rapid response&quot;. Referring to &ldquo;Marka-e-Haq&rdquo; in May 2025, he reiterated that when Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty was again challenged, the PAF carried out full-spectrum multi-domain operations that overwhelmed the adversary. He cited the downing of advanced aircraft platforms and unmanned aerial systems, deep-strike missions inside hostile territory, and the neutralization of sophisticated air defence systems, including S-400 units and associated command and control centres. Reaffirming the force&rsquo;s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, the air chief said the PAF would remain vigilant and maintain a responsible but firm defense posture to ensure long-term stability and deterrence.

JF-17-Thunder (File/Pakistan Air Force official website)

Security

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said the Pakistan Air Force has strengthened deterrence through modernization and indigenization since 2019, highlighting expanded multi-domain capabilities and reaffirming readiness to safeguard national sovereignty amid evolving regional security challenges.

Pakistan Air Force marks 7th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort

ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, during his official visit to Iraq, the military said on Saturday.&nbsp;The Air Chief was received with a Guard of Honor at the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, reflecting strong mutual respect between the two forces, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani military.&nbsp;Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, including joint training, capacity building, and operational coordination.&nbsp;Air Chief Sidhu highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, reaffirming PAF&rsquo;s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability.&nbsp;The Iraqi Air Chief praised PAF&rsquo;s professionalism and technological advancements, expressing keen interest in Pakistan&rsquo;s world-class training programs, JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He also acknowledged Pakistan&rsquo;s role in promoting regional stability.&nbsp;The visit highlighted the shared resolve of both air forces to further deepen defense ties and professional collaboration.

Discussions focus on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, including joint training, capacity building, and operational coordination.


Pakistan air chief pledges support for Iraqi Air Force training

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking a major milestone in strengthening the country&rsquo;s aerospace and defense capabilities, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.&nbsp;According to ISPR, the media wing of Pakistani military, the Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile is capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometers and carries a conventional warhead.&nbsp;The missile is equipped with a modern navigation and guidance system and is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to evade hostile air and missile defense systems.&nbsp;ISPR said the weapon system&rsquo;s precision-strike capability significantly enhances Pakistan Air Force&rsquo;s conventional deterrence and operational flexibility, contributing to the country&rsquo;s overall defense posture.&nbsp;The successful test highlights the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan&rsquo;s defense industry. Senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with scientists and engineers associated with the project, witnessed the launch.&nbsp;Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, congratulated the scientists, engineers and the PAF team on the achievement. He praised their professionalism, dedication and commitment to strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s defense capabilities.&nbsp;The air chief said such accomplishments reflect the nation&rsquo;s resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent amid the evolving regional security environment.

The tests launch marks a major milestone in strengthening the country’s aerospace and defense capabilities.

Articles tagged with "PAF"

Pakistan Air Force marks 7th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort

Pakistan air chief pledges support for Iraqi Air Force training

Pakistan tests indigenously developed Taimoor weapon system

Pakistan Air Force marks 7th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort