China-Pakistan joint air drill begins

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - A joint air exercise involving longtime allies China and Pakistan kicked off Tuesday in China.

Billed "Shaheen-X," the annual drill is taking place in the northwestern cities of Jiuquan and Yinchuan, according to a statement from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

PAF's lead fighter aircraft, J-10 C and JF-17, are participating in the exercise along with air and ground crew.

China's People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Pakistan Air Force have been conducting the joint exercises since 2011 which are hosted by both countries on an alternate basis.

"Shaheen exercise aims to enhance the aerial combat practices, operational readiness, promoting interoperability and creating synergy amongst the participating strategic & time-tested allies in the region," said the statement.

"The exercise would leverage the iron-brother countries to develop a comprehensive defense strategy to further consolidate their capacity of safeguarding their aerial boundaries in the face of shared challenges," it added.