Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has accentuated the importance of multinational air exercises in the pursuit of common objectives amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of air warfare.

He was addressing the participants of Multinational Air Exercise Indus Shield at the Airpower Centre of Excellence on Thursday, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The army chief visited an operational air base of the Pakistan Air Force to witness the ongoing aerial exercise Indus Shield-2023. The air chiefs of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Hungary were also among the guests who witnessed PAF’s 14-nation mega air exercise.

In his address, COAS Munir lauded the professionalism of the exercise participants and extended “heartfelt appreciation” to the Air Power Centre of Excellence for its state-of-the-art facilities and instrumental role in orchestrating such a large-scale air exercise.

He acknowledged that the centre’s “expertise and dedication have contributed to the development of highly skilled and proficient air warriors, who are ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare.” The army chief also admired the leadership of Sidhu Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber whose “firm resolve and relentless efforts” paved the way for this exercise to be one of the largest aerial exercises of the region.

While acknowledging the ever-changing nature of aerial warfare, he reiterated his commitment to support the vision of the air chief to incorporate smart inductions, cutting-edge niche technologies in the domains of cyber, artificial intelligence, IT, space and specialised innovations.

On his arrival, the COAS was received by the air chief Marshal. Later, he was introduced to the foreign dignitaries and principal staff officers of PAF.

The military’s media wing said that officials briefed the army chief, along with foreign dignitaries, on the training facility of the center and the extensive scope of the exercise which is aimed at consolidating modern concepts of aerial warfare, fostering mutual cooperation and enhancing interoperability among the participating air forces.

The air chief lauded the “utmost support” extended by the COAS in the pursuit of PAF’s modernisation drive and appreciated the “whole-hearted participation” from the 14 allied countries, which would pave the way for military-to-military cooperation in the backdrop of futuristic aerial warfare.

Air Chief Marshal Baber emphasised that exercise offered a “unique opportunity” for participating air forces to showcase their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities.

He commended the role played by PAF’s Airpower Center of Excellence in orchestrating the mega exercise, ensuring meticulous supervision, conduct, analysis and assessment of aerial warfare missions.

The air chief highlighted that the centre’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources have played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of this significant air exercise.

“The successful execution of an aerial mission requires the effective utilisation of all components of combat efficiency, including electronic warfare operations, force multipliers and support elements. These crucial aspects are diligently taught at the Airpower Center of Excellence, creating a cohesive impact on operational capabilities,” he said.