It's a well established fact that in the 70s and 80s, PAF was very much present in the Middle East and North Africa.
In some of these countries, PAF was virtually running the show. Libya was one such example whose Mirage squadrons were mainly managed by ex or deputed PAF personal. In mid 80s, Libyan President, Colonel Qaddafi was in direct confrontation with US . Initially USAF F-111s based in UK carried out bombing raids hitting a Libyan airfield, later there was an issue with USN aircraft operating from aircraft carriers involved in border violations, the aircraft carriers were also allegedly patrolling within Libyan sea lanes. During these hostilities, a couple of Libyan MiG fighters were shot down by USN F-14 Tomcats. Historians have it that it was after these incidents, the Libyan leader personally approached the PAF contingent and requested them to bomb the American ships. The PAF was obviously having none of it however it continued with it's duties of flying regular missions including CAPs.
Although no further fighting took place but reportedly aircraft from both sides did confront each other, it's said that on 12 February 1986, PAF pilots flying in Libyan Mirages came across a pair of USN F/A 18 Hornets and although no air combat took place but both sides played Cat and Mouse with each other, the PAF pilots getting the better of the Hornets and returned to base with following gun camera images.
Note : Claims and detail provided by source.!!!
@Oscar ,
@Horus @waz @Irfan Baloch. If there are any discrepancies, then kindly rectify them or if not appropriate, then delete the thread.
