Pakistani and French Air Forces Hold Exercises

AFP- Pakistani and French warplanes fought simulated dogfights over the Arabian Sea on April 11 as the two countries began naval exercises, officials said.

French naval Rafale and Super Etendard jets based on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle were pitched against aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force, they said.

”This exercise is the first in a series which will allow French and Pakistani forces, who have excellent military relations, to train together,” an official at the French embassy in Islamabad said.

After these aerial war games, the French carrier group will take part in exercises in May involving the French nuclear submarine Saphir.
The group is also supporting the U.S.-led coalition and NATO forces operating in Afghanistan.

France staged a major naval exercise with Pakistan’s regional rival India earlier this month.