By Imtiaz Hussain Abro.

Pakistan showcases new fleet of Turkish drones on Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary.

On Sunday, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) unveiled the modernization of its aerial division, featuring enhancements with Turkish weaponry, including drones, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation.

A two-and-a-half minute documentary titled “Pakistan Air Force on the Path to Modernization” showcased the Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2 uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), along with the JF-17 Block III and J-10C military jets, which were newly incorporated into its arsenal this year. The JF fighter aircraft series is a joint production of Pakistan and China.

In a statement, the Pakistan Air Force emphasized, “The video highlights the fact that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah illuminated the oppressed Muslims of the subcontinent with a ray of hope and united them as one nation to achieve a separate and independent homeland for them. It is because of Quaid’s tireless efforts that we are breathing in a free state today.”

Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Secretary for Defence Production, Humayun Aziz, stated that Turkey and Pakistan would further collaborate in new areas, including uncrewed aerial vehicles and advanced fighters. He noted progress in submarines and shipbuilding and highlighted ongoing joint efforts in small arms and other military projects.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born on December 25, 1876, envisioned and founded a state based on the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice, according to the Pakistan Air Force. The statement emphasized that Jinnah’s ideology, vision, and guiding principles of faith, unity, and discipline serve as a beacon in the nation’s journey to greatness.

The documentary, as reported by the Stratcom Bureau, a Pakistan-based defense-related social media platform, showcased various new additions to the Pakistan Air Force’s inventory, including Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2, indigenous loitering munitions, new ultra-long beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, an array of new surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), precision-guided munition (PGMs), and more.