Exercise Saffron Bandit 2012-13
January 24, 2013
Saffron-Bandit 2012-13 Exercise Patch
ISLAMABAD (ISPR):
"Pakistan is a peace-loving nation.:shocked::shocked:Nevertheless, I am confident that we as a Nation, the Armed Forces and specifically the Pakistan Air Force, are well-prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity." This was stated by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Kahlid Shamim Wynne, while visiting the ongoing Exercise Saffron Bandit 2012-13 held at PAF Operational Base on Thursday today.
He further said, "The prevailing complex global geo-political environment and regional threat situation are not only unique but also more challenging, since we face both internal and external threats. Therefore, readiness and war preparedness have attained enhanced significance. PAF is a potent and frontline element of National Security, and through the highest levels of professionalism; it will always measure up to the expectations of the nation. In fact, the nation and the sister services draw strength from PAF's commitment and motivation."
Earlier, the CJCSC flew in an AEW&C Aircraft to observe the complexities of aerial warfare and the professional handling and employment of integrated air and ground combat elements by the aircrew. It was yet another historic event when Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force himself participated in the exercise and examined the war preparedness of PAF Combat Squadrons.
While interacting with the participants after flying the mission, General Kahlid Shamim Wynne said, "The opportunity to interact with the skilled Air Warriors and to practically fly with them in Exercise Saffron Bandit has afforded me an insight into the high quality of training standards maintained by the PAF. This Exercise,with the mandate of providing exposure and training to PAF's Combat Crew in near-realistic environment, certainly serves well for enhancing war preparedness in the hi-tech scenario of aerial warfare. It is heartening to see PAF stepping into the future with its newly acquired capabilities and emerging concepts of employment."
Exercise Saffron Bandit is a triennial command level exercise conducted in PAF since 1994. A sequel of five exercises has been conducted so far while sixth Saffron Bandit i.e. for year 2012-13 is in progress. This time, the environment is unique where modern capabilities of PAF are operating under one umbrella for the first time and Pak Army Aviation and Army Air Defence are also deployed for undertaking the exercise.
Earlier, on his arrival he was received by Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. He was given a comprehensive briefing on the Exercise Saffron Bandit 2012-13.
The CJCSC inside an AWACS Aircraft.
The Air Chief sitting in an F-16, participating in the exercise.
[video=facebook;4844615505549]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4844615505549[/video]
