'PAF focussing to maintain credible deterrence level'

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat said on Monday that Pakistan Air Force is focusing to 'maintain minimum but credible deterrence level.'
"Fully appreciative of our defence needs, we are trying to modernise our air force, to be able to face the dictates of the time squarely," he said in a message on Defence Day.
The message reads as "Whenever called upon to defend the country's frontiers against aggression, our armed forces and countrymen have always risen to the occasion and established new chapters of glory. On 6th September 1965, when our country was challenged, our entire nation rallied behind their armed forces and fought as an invincible force.
Every one was inspired by a patriotic fervour and was thirsting for action against the aggressors thus proving that a nation imbued with the spirit of sacrifice cannot be overawed even by the mightiest of adversaries.
While our compatriots did not waver to support their brethren in uniform in this testing time, our soldiers, sailors and airmen fought with such gallantry and professionalism that the enemy was forced to instantly give up the dream of a quick and easy victory against us.
For the PAF, like Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, it was a moment of supreme trial. Our small, well-trained and highly motivated air force met the challenge courageously and gracefully. Pitted against the numerous waves of attack from an adversary much larger in size and armed to the teeth, our gallant air warriors undertook daring missions and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, in terms of aircraft, men and material.
Our support personnel worked with equal zeal to keep our aircraft operationally ready round the clock. The PAF achieved air superiority as early as the third day and flew with full liberty over the entire battle zone and beyond, thus allowing Pakistan Army greater freedom of action.
We are proud of the success of our nation and the armed forces and their feats of gallantry in the 1965 War. We are also deeply indebted to our Shaheeds and Ghazis, and will always remember their sacrifices for the nation.
Pakistan Air Force is committed to ensure the sanctity of our aerial frontiers, and will Insha-Allah never disappoint the nation. We are focusing hard on our defence and are trying to maintain minimum but credible deterrence level. Fully appreciative of our defence needs, we are trying to modernise our air force, to be able to face the dictates of the time squarely.
All ranks of the air force are alive to the demands of their calling and our air warriors will not be found wanting when the time for action comes. We need the nation's good wishes and prayers. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfil our obligations to the best of our abilities and in line with the expectations of the people of Pakistan. Aameen. Pakistan Zindabad!"