UK unveils a new strategic vision document aimed at boosting the long-term viability of Britain’s defense sector; China and Pakistan conduct a three-week air exercise Shaheen 2 in China’s northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
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    • According to reports, a plan aimed at boosting the long-term viability of Britain’s defense sector moved a step closer on September 9 with the government and local industry unveiling a new strategic vision document. The vision, which has the backing of several government ministries, Prime Minister David Cameron and key industry companies, is expected to lead to an action plan unveiled in time for next year’s Farnborough Airshow in July. The Defence Growth Partnership plan results from a similar cooperation between government and industry in the civil aerospace sector. That resulted in a stream of initiatives to boost Britain’s long-term position in the sector, including a pledge of £500 million (US $781 million) from each side over four years to invest in research and development ideas. 1
    In another development, according to reports, China and Pakistan began a three-week air exercise titled Shaheen 2 (Falcon 2) in Hetian Prefecture of China’s northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the beginning of this month. The exercise, which lasts till September 22, is the second in a series of such exercises, the first of which was held in Pakistan in March 2011. Significantly, for the first time an air force of another country will be participating in such an exercise in Chinese airspace. Pakistan’s latest fighter type, the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, is operational with two Pakistani Air Force (PAF) squadrons, but has not been sent to participate on this occasion. 2

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