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PAF gets $500mn for 'urgent needs'

K J M Varma in Islamabad

The Pakistani Air Force has been given a $500 million grant for "urgent requirements" and bolstered by the arrival of new F7-MG fighter jets from China, Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir said in Islamabad on Saturday.

Ten more F7-MG fighters are expected next week. In all Pakistan will acquire 46 fighters over the next two months.

"There is nothing to be worried about. Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared," he said.

Mir said defence officials were working out strategies to effectively counter any threats from India, which had moved a "massive number" of troops to the border and planned to conduct exercises.

The PAF too had moved its assets to the border to conduct winter exercises, he said, adding that Pakistan did not have to worry as it had minimum credible deterrence both in conventional and nuclear weapons. While India has 800 fighter planes, Pakistan has 350, which are in full combat readiness, he said. "Our training is better and we are certainly in a position to take on India," he proclaimed.

Asked if there was the possibility of a pre-emptive air strike by India, he referred to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statement that all options were open. "We are vigilant and ... fully prepared and can take on any challenge," he said.

Comparing the Indian and Pakistan air forces, he said that for the last three years, particularly after Kargil, the former had been building up its strength, which was a matter of concern. But the PAF had also done its bit and was maintaining deterrence, both conventional and nuclear, keeping the gap between the countries constant.

PTI

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