The army chief said this while witnessing the firing of different air defence weapon systems during the Al-Bayza-III, 2024 exercise in Sonmiani.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that the COAS viewed integrated fire and battle maneuvers of Army Air Defence systems which include High to Medium Air Defence Weapons System (HIMADS), Low to Medium Air Defence System (LOMAD), Short Range Air Defence system (SHORADs) and Extended Short Range Air Defence system (ESHORADs).

“In a landmark achievement and milestone in enhancing the Air Defence of the aerial frontiers of Pakistan, HIMAD system in maiden fire was able to successfully engage the target at maximum ranges along with other layered weapon systems which were tested during the exercise,” it said.

While interacting with the officers and troops, COAS Munir highlighted that “Armed Forces of Pakistan are modernising their systems in line with our requirements to deter and be able to respond to any threat emanating against Pakistan.”

The Karachi corps commander, Army Air Defence commander, inspector general training & evaluation and inspector general arms also witnessed the exercise.

Earlier, the COAS visited the Army Air Defence Center. He laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar e Shuhada and paid homage to martyrs of the armed forces. He installed Lieutenant General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal as Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Defence Corps.