Pakistan plans military exercise with U.S.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 8 (UPI) -- The Pakistani air force joins U.S. counterparts in joint maneuvers over North America using the F-16 Fighting Falcon in late 2010, sources said Monday.

Sources to the Pakistani newspaper The National said U.S. and Pakistani teams would participate in defense maneuvers in the United States.

"The joint exercises have been planned in the wake of the quality performance of the Pakistani air force in air raids in the tribal areas as part of the war on terror as well as the recognition of its air power in South Asia," the source said on condition of anonymity.

Pakistani military officials said air force operations eliminated several top militant commanders in the volatile provinces along the border with Afghanistan.

Islamabad expects to receive additional F-16s ahead of the operations slated for late 2010. The News said U.S. and Pakistani officials would meet soon in Washington to discuss the schedule and logistics of the operation.

Pakistani Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman is expected to receive recognition from U.S. lawmakers for his outstanding contribution to counter-terrorism operations in the region during the joint operations.