M A I N   N E W S

‘US, China aid helping Pak airforce catch up with IAF’
Recent acquisitions have reduced the gap between the PAF & the IAF, says Western Air Command chief
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 2
The chief of the all-important Western Air Command of the IAF, Air Marshall NAK Browne, yesterday made it clear that aircraft given by the US and China were helping the Pakistani Air Force reduce the traditional technological gap it had with the IAF.

Terming the US arms aid to Pakistan as a “challenge’, Air Marshal Browne said Pakistan was catching up with the IAF, which has always had an edge in terms of its size and platforms. “…Earlier the difference of assets was a certain amount. But their acquisitions have seen to have reduced (the gap) between the PAF and the IAF in terms of capability of their aircraft beyond visual range missile systems, day and night operations and precision guided ammunitions,” he said.

But replying to a question if the PAF could catch up with India in the near future, Browne categorical said: “I don’t think so.” Replying to questions on the US arms aid to Pakistan, including F-16s purportedly for counter-terrorism operations along its Afghanistan border, he contended “… to say that the F-16’s will be used only for anti-terror operations is all hocus-pocus… frankly.” Quoting an example he said the F-16s could switch roles from air defence role to an attack mode during flight itself.

Just days ago, Defence Minister AK Antony had expressed India’s fears to the US that arms supply to Pakistan was an area of concern as it will be directed at India. Pakistan had been modernising its air force since 2004-05 onwards “substantially” with major aid from China by way of armed choppers, fighters and even an airborne early warning system.