Hello F-7PG, Bye bye F-6…….

Shall miss the loud soaring noise that the trusty F-6 made on its way to protect Pakistani Airspace…..

F-7 PG Formally Included In PAF, F-16 Issue Still Alive: Air Chief
SAMUNGLI AIR BASE In Quetta:The News Reports, There was no final ‘no’ from US on the stalled F-16s and the issue was to be taken up by the Pak-US Consultative Group, said Air Chief Mushaf Ali Mir here Wednesday.

The air chief was talking to reporters at the phase-out ceremony of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) old horse, the F-6 aircraft. Governor Balochistan Justice (R) Amirul Mulk Mengal was the chief guest.

Lt Gen Zheng Shen Xia, chief of the Chinese PLA Air Force, Liu Gaozhuo, President China Aviation Industry Corporation, Air Marshal (R) Noor Khan and a number of high-ranking military and civil officers were also present on the occasion.

The air chief said Pakistan’s arch rival India had a much bigger air force, but the PAF rose to the occasion and was maintaining a minimum deterrence level. He added the PAF was maintaining its aircraft well and all of its jets, including the 32 F-16s, were ready for war.

He said the PAF was interested in buying western aircraft. And if such a time comes, F-16 and Mirage-2000 will be the first choice. The occasion also marked the induction of F-7PG in the PAF. Explaining the salient features of the newly inducted jet, he said F-7PG is a single seat, single engine supersonic fighter. It is modified version of F-7P aircraft with enhanced maneuvering performance and improved air to air, and air to ground capability.

Earlier, while addressing the gathering Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir said: “Pakistan Air Force has always been a prime beneficiary of Pak-China friendship that has firmly stood the test of time. We owe a debt of abiding gratitude to the government of Peoples Republic of China to keep Pakistan Air Force flying fit in difficult times.”

“F-6 aircraft, which entered PAF’s combat inventory 35 years ago, can be rightly termed as the work horse of Pakistan air force. It had been the hot favorite of our fighter pilots,” he added. Governor Balochistan Amirul Mulk Mengal in his address said: “Today, we bid farewell to the F-6, its familiar sight over the skies of Balochistan shall not only be missed, but also fondly cherished. Old fighters, just as old soldiers, fade away, but the reassuring cycle of rejuvenation and replacement continues unabated. The induction of the F-7PG is, therefore, a step in the right direction. For me, as the governor of the province, it is a matter of pride that the PAF’s newest acquisition is being housed here.”

He added that with Gwadar Port project under way, it was heartening to know that the PAF was increasing its focus on Balochistan and developing bases here. The ceremony also featured an impressive flying display by the PAF frontline jets including F-6, F-7, F-7PG, A-5, Mirage and F-16.