Battle Ready

Air chief visits PAF base in Qadri

Sun Tzu famed doctrine has taught militaries many things, but chief among them is this: “The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him.” Being prepared for battle, should it come knocking at one’s doorstep, is the hallmark of a great military. In this spirit the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu frequently pays visits to many bases across the country. The most recent visit conducted was to the PAF Base Qadri, the air force’s operation base in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan.

During his visit, the Air Chief evaluated PAF installations, newly constructed infrastructure, equipment and support units at the base. Addressing the personnel, the Air Marshall Sidhu said that the enhancement of the infrastructure and capabilities at the base will aid in the PAF’s operational flexibility and enable the conduct of prudent response in the complex operational environment of the Northern sector. He added that the PAF is now better poised for the innovative application of air power in the North of the country. The Air Chief maintained that, “besides maintaining the highest professional standards, the need of the hour is that the PAF is ready to respond to any external or internal security challenges.”

Per the CAS the advancement in space, electronic warfare, cyber and niche technologies, coupled with artificial intelligence has profoundly affected the traditional environment of national security. Therefore, he maintained that, in order to provide a safe and secure environment against all threats, the armed forces of Pakistan will continue to synergise their efforts by bridging capability gaps through timely induction programmes. “The PAF, in synergy with, its sister services is ever ready to counter any threat to the sovereignty of our sacred motherland. It would never be intimidated by the stockpiling of weapons by the enemy,” he said.

While at the base, the Air Chief was briefed on the role and task of the various units stationed there, with a focus on operational and administrative tasks and various projects of infrastructure development being carried out at the base. Later, he visited various installations where he interacted with officers and airmen. Interacting with the air and ground crew, he lauded the level of motivation and thorough professionalism of PAF personnel.