FIFTY YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

No.11 MR Sqn is an elite Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force and has a rich legacy of excellence. It has the distinction of being the first fighter jet squadron of the PAF. Over the years, the equipment underwent from Supermarine Attackers through F-86, F-6 and F-16s. The squadron is credited with the highest number of “Kills” in war the country has fought. Ace pilot and national hero, MM Alam also belonged to this squadron.

GOING IN HOT

A pair of F-16s reacts instantly in search of prey after being committed by the Air Defence Controller.

ANOTHER ONE FOR THE TAIL CHOPPERS 1020 HOURS, 3 NOV-88 --- KURRAM VALLEY

During the last stages of Afghan War, Flight Lieutenant Khalid Mahmood of No.14 Squadron, destroys an SU-22 over Thal area near the border. The pilot of the SU-22 ejected and was taken prisoner.

MISSION COMPLETED

The painting depicts a formation of F-16s landing at their home base after a routine sortie.

THE GLORY OF FLIGHT

A pilot breaks the serenity and calmness of the sky at dawn as he swoops his F-16 through the clouds celebrating the glory of flight.

THE FIRST AND THE FURIOUS

Sqn Ldr Zulfiqar and Sqn Ldr Afzal (GIBS) of No 9 MR Sqn destroy an intruding UAV (Searcher-II) of IAF on the night of 7th June, 2002, during Ops Sentinel. This was the first kill of a UAV by any fighter aircraft in the world.

THE PROUD AND THE PRIDE

The portrait of a PAF fighter pilot.

FROM ASHES TO RICHES “1942 – 2005” “JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

No-6 Squadron, raised in 1942, is the oldest and the only Air Transport Support Squadron of PAF. Since its inception, the squadron had Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, Dakota and Bristol Freighters on its inventory. The main work horse of the squadron, the C-130 Hercules was inducted in 1963 and is still in service. The squadron has actively participated in World War-II at Burma front and has not missed out a single Indo-Pak conflict; like 1948 Kashmir War, 1965 War, 1971 War and Ops Sentinel. In recognition of its remarkable performance during these conflicts, the squadron aircrews were decorated with one DSO, two DFCs, eleven SJs and two TJs.

THE ACADEMY HAWKS

The elegant, trim shaped, low-wing K-8 is a joint venture of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra and the China Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). The first prototype got airborne in November, 1990 and was inducted in the PAF in 1994. Since then, the K-8 is serving as a Basic Flying Trainer in the PAF Academy, Risalpur. In April, 1999, the K-8 emerged on the scene with a new identity as a four-ship aerobatics team, proudly known as the “Academy Hawks”.

BEECHCRAFT C-12

A C-12 used by the American Embassy in Pakistan flies over the majestic Karakoram Range.

SHERDILS

When skill, precision, sharp reflexes and immaculate performance combine, they form the pride of the PAF Academy the “Sherdils”, the only aerobatics team of the Pakistan Air Force. Comprising the flying instructors of the BFT Wing, the Sherdils have earned their names through tenacious proficiency which go into each sortie depicting complete mastery over space, time and life itself. The four shipper flew on 17th August, 1972 and since then; it has become a regular feature of the graduation parades and air displays.

GUARDIAN ANGELS

A formation of Mirages fly low over the sea in search of targets as PNS Babur carries out coordination and control.

FAREWELL OLD FRIEND 30 Dec 1965 – 27 Mar 02

A tribute to the F-6, which served PAF for more than 37 years and was the hot favorite of many PAF pilots.

COBRAS BRIEFING

Pilots of No 15 Squadron carry out their briefing before the mission.

SEA SKIMMERS

A pair of Mirages from No. 8 Tactical Attack Squadron, armed with AM-39 Exocet fly over the sea in search of prey.

THE GRIFFIN

No. 9 Squadron is the oldest and the most eminent Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force. Its history is a legacy of excellence and is replete with the deeds of honest labour, professional achievement, honour and duty. The squadron has the singular distinction of having seven of its Squadron Commanders risen to command the Pakistan Air Force. The painting depicts an F-16 of No.9 squadron ready to pounce on its enemy with the “GRIFFIN” in the background.

THE FIGHTING FALCON

The first of the F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired by Pakistan entered PAF service on 15 January, 1983. F-16, a fourth generation fighter, meets the PAF requirements for an advanced and potent multi-role aircraft. Outstanding as an air defence fighter, the F-16 is a true multi-role aircraft because its performance is not impaired in any way when it is switched from air-to-air to air-to-ground role. Its induction has had a profound impact not only on the attitude and capabilities of the PAF but also triggered off an energetic reaction across the border.

"SHERDILS" PERFORMING A BARREL ROLL

The sketch shows the “SHERDILS” performing a barrel roll.

PAKISTAN’S PRIDE SOARING HIGH

A testimony of brilliance emerging out of Sino-Pak collaboration and a marvel of aerospace engineering, JF-17 Thunder stands right up there with the world’s best light weight, highly agile and maneuverable multi-role fighter aircraft. Equipped with advanced flight controls systems, state of the art avionics, modern navigation aids and integrated self-protection suite, the JF-17 provides a lethal and robust platform to carry out highly accurate weapon delivery of stand-off / precision guided munitions at day / night during all weather operations deep into enemy’s airspace by virtue of its air refueling capability. Its admirable war readiness status by virtue of high sortie generation and increase on-station time, make JF-17 an un-matchable strike-force multiplier and provides the critical fire power punch much needed by small and efficient air force like the PAF.

FIFTY YEARS AND STILL HUNTING

No 17 AS Squadron “TIGERS” was raised on Ist April, 1957 and equipped with F-86F aircraft. On Ist June, 1966, the squadron was outfitted with F-86E version. It has the honor of operating from East as well as West Pakistan before 1971. the squadron fought valiantly in both 1965 & 1971 wars and claimed 01 Gnat aircraft, 30 tanks, 150 vehicles and 200 troops in total. Three veterans of the squadron have the honor of rising to the ranks of Chiefs of the Air Staff of three different Air Forces of the World, including PAF. The squadron has also been participating actively in various local as well as abroad operational exercises. During these exercises, squadron has been awarded with Non-INS “Sher Afgan” Trophy in 1997 and “Top Gun” of PAF in 1990. In 2002 the squadron was the first to be equipped with F-7PG aircraft which it flies till date.

PAKISTAN’S PRIDE

Seen over the Margalla Hills, the JF-17 thunder makes its first public appearance over Islamabad during the Pakistan day parade on 23 March, 2007.

THE DREAM TEAM

The painting depicts a lethal combination of the Pakistan Air Force fighter fleet, The JF-17 Thunder and F-16 Block 52.

LEARNING THE TRICKS

An Instructor briefs his student before sending him on a solo flight.

HAPPY LANDING

An F-7 PG returns after a routine flight.

THUNDER AT DAWN

JF-17 Thunder prototype 3 breaks the silence of the morning sky for its test flight.

DREAM TO REALITY JF-17 THUNDER

After years of careful design conceptualization and project planning between strongly bonded China and Pakistan, the first prototype of the JF-17 Thunder flew in 2003.Making rapid progress under dedicated teams of pilots, engineers, technicians and support personnel from both countries, the JF-17 soon began to exceed its design expectations and finally emerged as a high-performance, agile multi-role fighter possessing state-of-the-art capabilities in ordnance arrays, avionics and strike reach that are comparable to the world’s front line fighters of the new century.

THUNDER ROARING IN THE PAK SKIES

The JF-17 is a lightweight, all weather multi-role aircraft. It can fly at a speed of Mach 1.6 and has a high thrust-to-weight ratio. This aircraft can engage targets at all speeds and altitudes. In the surface attack and interdiction role, the aircraft is capable of striking at long distances. Among the existing PAF aircraft, this performance is matched only by the F-16s. Moreover the aircraft is equipped with an advanced flight control system comprising both conventional and fly-by-wire controls, making it highly agile and manoeuvrable.

“THE AGILE CHEETAHS” FIFTY YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

No 20 Squadron was raised initially as a flight at PAF Base, Masroor in March 1956, and was equipped with RT-33 photo recce aircraft. In 1963 the squadron made a major contribution towards the demarcation of the border between Pakistan and China. 1964, it undertook a task of immense national importance when it photographed the major river basins of the country to facilitate the work of the World Bank s Indus Basin Project.The unit can justly be proud OF its contribution towards the site selection OF Mangla AND Tarbela dams, the two largest IN the country. IN 1965 war, despite the great disadvantage OF operating a slow AND unarmed aircraft, the pilots OF 20 Sqn operated well inside enemy territory AND photographed vital targets both FOR the PAF AND the Pakistan Army. IN 1971 a detachment OF the squadron was deployed IN East Pakistan also TO provide photographic intelligence TO the army. IN June 1977, the sqn was re - equipped WITH Mirage - III RP AND was assigned the role OF tactical attack AND day / night reconnaissance. IN May 1986, the Sqn was re - equipped WITH the F - 6 aircraft, AND was assigned the role OF air superiority.It became the first sqn TO operate the F - 7 P IN 1988. IN October, 2002 after 14 years OF flying the F - 7 Ps, the Sqn was re - equipped WITH the newer F - 7 PG variant.

“THE VENOMOUS COBRAS” A LEGACY OF PRIDE AND HONOUR

No 15 Sqn call sign “COBRAS” was raised on 15th June 1956 at Mauripur, as a tactical attack sqn. It has the singular honour that the first F-86 aircraft which took to the Pak skies belonged to its inventory. On 5th September, Sqn Ldr S M Ahmed, the Squadron Commander, became the first pilot to cross the sound barrier and create a sonic boom in Pakistani airspace. On 21st Dec 1956, the F-86s of No 15 Sqn took part in the first formation aerobatics demonstration of Sabres, which was witnessed by the visiting Chinese Premier Mr. Chou Enlai. The sqn also has the distinguished honour of drawing first blood when Flt Lt Mohammad Younas created history by shooting down an intruding Indian Air Force Canberra on 10 April, 1959, an Eid day. This was the first aerial kill by the PAF. In September 1965 war, it was a Cobra, Flt Lt Imtiaz Bhatti, who shot down two enemy Vampires alongside Sqn Ldr Rafiqui of No 5 Sqn. Thanks to their marksmanship , the incident led to the reduction of the enemys air force by 35%, as all Vampires and Ouragons were grounded. Cobras performed well in the 1971 war by guarding our skies and again drawing blood when Flt Lt Mujahid Salik shot down an enemy Hunter. Over the years, the Sqn has operated F-6, F-7P and Mirage aircraft from different PAF Bases. The Cobras flying their war machines have preserved the sanctity of motherland’s territory. Yet again during 2002 Ops sentinel, the Cobras remained true to this tradition.

"SEA SKIMMERS"

A pair of Mirages with Exocet missile in search of prey over the sea.

"RIDING THE THUNDER"

Presented to PLA Defence Minister by the CAS.

"THE BANDITS"

No. 7 Squadron

"CARRYING THE FLAG"

Presented to the Prime Minister on the occasion of first JF-17 roll out ceremony.

"THE EVER VIGILANT"

Keeping an eye on the bad guys.

"AL-SAQOOR"

PAF Falcons fly with Saudi F-15s in exercise AL-SAQOOR.

JF-17 THUNDER PAKISTAN’S PRIDE

Seen over the Margalla Hills, the JF-17 thunder makes its first public appearance over Islamabad during the Pakistan day parade on 23 March, 2007.

INDUS VIPER 2008

A joint exercise between TUAF and PAF.