By Islamuddin Sajid
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - The first ever two-week long multinational counter terrorism air exercise involving Pakistani, Turkish and Saudi air forces ended in southeastern Sargodah in Punjab province on Saturday, according to a Pakistani air force spokesman’s statement.
The exercise, named ACES MEET-2017, had begun on Oct. 16 at Pakistani air force’s Mushaf Operational Air Base Sargodah.
Contingents of Turkish Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force comprising fighter aircraft, combat pilots and ground technical crew had taken part in the exercise, the statement said.
The main objective of the exercise was to maximize the combat readiness of the air forces by providing a realistic training environment in air combat training and counter terrorism operations.
The participating crews simulated contemporary air combat tactics utilizing state of the art training aids. Besides live para drops by commandos of Pakistani air force’s Special Services Wing in the contested air space, a large force employment concept was also practiced during the exercise.
Addressing the participants, Pakistani air force chief Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman lauded the professionalism of the Turkish and Saudi air forces, and hoped that they would take back good memories of their rewarding interactions from Pakistan.
The Turkish team leader Maj. Orhun Atasever thanked the Pakistani air force for its hospitality and for arranging such an exercise.
"This international exercise was met with the same standard as the exercise of other countries of the world; sharing of this professional experience knowledge and combat experience are true manifestation of our good relationship," Atasever said, who concluded his remarks with Zindabad (Long Live) Turkey-Pakistan brotherhood.