The decisive and dominant role played in modern warfare is that there should be an effective and well-equipped airforce. Our strategy, based on defence, can only be served if we seek to improve and provide the latest weaponry for use by our airforce.
The decision by the USA to provide F-16s is welcome, inspite of the enormous delay and financial losses we suffered in the attempts to procure these airplanes for our defence. We need to concentrate and explore more avenues to upgrade our air defence system.
While we can do without the Boeing 777s, that PIA has been unable to properly maintain and operate effectively, the F-16s are the lifeblood, without which our defence capability was badly damaged. Instead of indulging in luxury by trying to get the latest in commercial aircraft, we need to save our hard-earned foreign exchange for our survival and defence.
Perhaps it will not be a bad idea to sell PIA's future options or confirmed orders, and utilise these resources on our vital defence needs.
The Singapore Airlines makes considerable profits by selling its aircraft options and aviation fuel hedging. Airlines, like PIA, should concentrate more on service and get out of this frenzy to sell and buy all that they can, amidst allegations of irregularities.
What can be the rationale or justification for selling fully paid for old aircraft and getting almost the same vintage of commercial airplanes on lease. All this smacks of foul play.
Pakistan should also consider buying Mirages, so that in future our airforce fleet is not hounded by suspension of vital spares. We need to set out priorities right, sort out our vital defence needs, and concentrate more on training our armed forces.
It is time to take the army out of the political mess, it has got itself involved in. The bond that existed between the masses and their defenders needs to be restored.
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