PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited the 3rd Main Jet Base in Konya, Turkey to review the multi-national air exercise “Anatolian Eagle-2021”, reported DGPR PAF.
According to PAF spokesperson, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu interacted with the participants of multi-national initiative and was briefed about the conduct of the Anatolian Eagle-2021 exercise.
PAF Chief praised the operational readiness and professionalism of the participating aircrew and accentuated the significance of training in air operations for synergetic and effective employment of assets in a real scenario.
Anatolian Eagle Exercises
Anatolian Eagle is an air force exercise hosted by the Turkish Air Force and held at 3rd Main Jet Base at Konya, Turkey. There are both national and international exercises held, the international exercises usually involving air arms of the United States, other NATO forces, and Asian countries.
The first exercise, Anatolian Eagle 01, was held by TAF Operations Command on 18–29 June 2001. As well as Turkey, the air forces of USA and Israel also participated. No Anatolian Eagle exercises were held in 2017 and 2018, but returned in 2019.
Anatolian Eagle exercises simulate a war-time environment and the difficulty level increases from easy to hard. First the training exercise is planned in the ‘White Headquarters’ building. Training is monitored with computers to help test knowledge, abilities and find deficiencies of the participants.
The scenarios consist of a “Blue Team” which attacks tactical and strategic targets in a “Red Land” during Combined Air Operations (COMAO). The Red Land is defended by opposing combat aircraft and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. Statistical studies are also completed in the White Headquarters.
PAF Chief’s Turkey Visit
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu is on his official four-day visit to Turkey. Earlier today, PAF Chief met with Dr Ismail Demir – President of Turkish Defence Industries and lauded the notable progress made by Turkish defence industry over the last few years.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu ppreciated the efforts put in by Turkish defence industry for indigenization and modernizing its defence fleet and reiterated his commitment to take Pakistan-Turkey military industry cooperation to new heights by capitalizing on the respective strengths of each side.
Later on, PAF Chief visited Military Electronic Industries of Turkey (ASELSAN) and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Commander Turkish Air Force General Hasan Küçükakyüz was also present at the moment.
During his stay in Turkey, PAF Chief was earlier bestowed with ‘Legion of Merit’ of Turkish Armed Forces in recognition of his outstanding services for promotion of collaboration and ties between the two air forces.
