Abu Dhabi, 15 Nov. 205(WAM)--President H.H Sheikh Khalifabin Zayed Al Nahyan visited here on Tuesday the UAE Air force base inAl Dhafra.

During his inspection tour, Sheikh Khalifa acquainted himself withthe quality leap made by the UAE Air Force in terms of air defence capabilitiesand possession of sophisticated defence systems. He toured the aerialwar centres, including the air reconnaissance centre , control and commandcentre and early warning centre. Sheikh Khalifa viewed a number of modernaircrafts owned by the UAE Air Force, including the US F16 and Apachein addition to the French Mirage.

Sheikh Khalifa was accompanied during his tour by General Sheikh Mohammedbin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commanderof the UAE Armed Forces and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence.

In remarks shortly after the tour, Sheikh Khalifa said he was proud ofthe progress made by the UAE Air Force as evinced by the sophisticationlevel reached by Al Dhafra centres. He noted that the air force basewas keeping pace with the latest military technology in various disciplines.

level of the air force as well as with dedication shown by UAE young menin uniform.

He further praised the ability and competence of the UAE youth to dealwith the most advanced technology.

Sheikh Khalifa also hailed the efforts exerted by General Sheikh Mohammedbin Zayed and General Mohammed bin Rashid to modernise the UAE Armed Forcesuntil the current levels of preparedness and sophistication is realised.

Sheikh Khalifa who is also the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forcesreaffirmed his support to the plans and strategies aimed at modernizingthe Armed Forces so as to further upgrade its abilities in the areasof armament, training and organization. These plans and strategies shouldbe pursued until our armed forces attain their rightful place among themost advanced armies of the world, he remarked.

President Khalifa also made it clear that the UAE 's keenness to moderniseits army and acquire the most sophisticated military technology does notin any way mean that the country is deviating from its peaceful principlesand values. Rather, it is a national defence obligation meant to safeguardthe country's achievements and maintain its security and territorial integrity, said Sheikh Khalifa, adding that this policy will also reinforceglobal peace and stability.

To substantiate this view, Sheikh Khalifa cited the positive humanitarianrole being played by the UAE Armed Forces as part of its peace-keepingmissions around the world.