Pakistan gets Chinese AWACS aircraft
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad,Nov 14, IRNA -- Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Saturday received four Chinese Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, the PAF said.
The Rollout Ceremony of first Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS aircraft for Pakistan Air Force was held at Hanzhong, China in which Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, was the Chief Guest on the occasion, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said.
The ZDK-03 system is an advanced airborne system with sophisticated integrated sensors and communications suite, a PAF statement said.
The PAF had signed a contract in 2008 with CETC of China for the joint development of 04 ZDK-03 AWACS aircraft configured to Pakistan Air Force specifications.
The ceremony was attended by Commander People Liberation Army’s Air Force and other senior military and civil officials of China.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman in his speech said this system will strengthen the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force to maintain peace with honour in the region.
He added that system is part of the overall Pakistan Air Force strategy of transforming itself into a lean and technologically advanced Air Force.
“This is another milestone in the exemplary history of cooperation between Pakistan and China,” the Pakistani air chief said.
He appreciated the efforts by all members of the Chinese team and Pakistan Air Force personnel who remained involved in the development of the system and its timely rollout.
During his speech, he also emphasized the long and enduring relationship between Pakistan and China.
Chairman CETC Mr. Wang Zhigang in his speech said, 'China and Pakistan have formed a special all-weather strategic partnership. Our cooperation is based on time honored brotherhood which is not going to fade with passing time”. He said the ZDK-03 project is a milestone in the bilateral collaboration on national defence technology.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30074134
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