By Admin 
An important development related to Pakistan Air Force has come to light, which has given rise to new speculations regarding the security situation of South Asia. Recently, Pakistan’s Il-78 aerial refueling aircraft has landed at an airbase in China’s Sichuan province. The presence of these aircraft in China was for a very short period, due to which it is feared that Pakistan had gone to get supplies of missiles and other military equipment from China.
According to the report of Military Watch Magazine, on January 19 and 20, several Il-78 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force landed in Sichuan province of China. The report said that at least two aircraft were seen parked on the apron of the airbase and there were signs of loading activities in them before take-off. The report claims that these planes were sent with the aim of bringing military supplies for the Pakistani armed forces. However, no official confirmation has been made on this from Pakistan or China.
Deep defense relationship between China and Pakistan
China has long been Pakistan’s largest defense partner and arms supplier. Sichuan province is considered very important in terms of Chinese military activities. Many major military bases of the Chinese Air Force are present here and facilities related to the production of J-10C fighter jet are also located in this area. Defense experts believe that Pakistan is trying to get the necessary logistics support from China for long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles, advanced missile systems and J-10C fighter planes. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
Strategic importance of Il-78 aircraft for Pakistan
The Il-78 aircraft is an upgraded version of the Soviet-era Il-76 strategic airlifter and its role in the Pakistan Air Force is considered very important. This aircraft has the ability to refuel fighter planes in the air itself, due to which even short range fighter jets can perform long range missions. In case of war or tension, this capability increases the operational range and continuous attack capability of Pakistan Air Force, which is why Il-78 is considered an important part of Pakistan’s air strategy.
Pakistan’s preparations intensified due to fear of India?
The concern of Army Chief General Asim Munir is also believed to be a reason behind this activism of Pakistan. They fear that India may launch a new military operation like Operation Sindoor in the future. During the first Operation Sindoor, India’s precise military action and technical capability had surprised the Pakistani defense system. After this experience, Pakistan is busy strengthening its air defense and missile capabilities rapidly.
Presence of Chinese weapons was also seen in Operation Sindoor
According to reports, during India’s Operation Vermillion, J-10C fighter jets and missile systems of Chinese origin were already included in Pakistan’s military fleet. Now a possible new consignment from China is being seen in this connection, which indicates that Pakistan is preparing itself for a possible conflict.
Pakistan’s next eye on J-35 stealth fighter
According to sources, Pakistan is now also considering the possibility of purchasing fifth generation J-35 stealth fighter jet from China. If this deal happens, it may affect the regional power balance in South Asia and the triangular equation of India-Pakistan-China may become more complex.
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