Induction of high-tech systems will make Pakistan’s air defence impenetrable Says COAS Qamar Bajwa

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 05 Jan 2023

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Army Air Defence Centre Karachi on Thursday.

On his arrival, the COAS laid a floral wreath at Shahuada monument. Later, COAS witnessed the commissioning of state-of-the-art Chinese origin HQ-9/P HIMADS (High to Medium Air Defence System) into Pakistan Army Air Defence. Lieutenant General Hamooduz Zaman Khan, Commander Army Air Defence Command, briefed the COAS about the strategic weapon system.

Induction of HIMADS will significantly enhance Comprehensive Layered Integrated Air Defence (CLIAD) shield of aerial frontiers of Pakistan as the system is fully integrated through a well-knit Digitised System on its inventory. Capable of intercepting multiple air targets including aircraft, cruise missiles and Beyond Visual Range Weapons at ranges over 100 kilometres with Single Shot Kill Probability, HQ-9/P is considered as a strategic long-range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) with remarkable flexibility and precision.

Speaking on the occasion, the COAS said that induction of high-tech systems will make Pakistan’s air defence impenetrable in the emerging threat scenario. Highlighting the criticality of air defence in the overall defence of the motherland, COAS said that exemplary synergy between Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army Air Defence makes the country’s air defence impregnable. "Pakistan-China strategic partnership and defence collaboration is a factor of stability in the region," the COAS remarked.

Senior officials from China were also present on the occasion.