PAF Squadrons History

[ghazi52]

No. 8 Squadron

The No. 8 Tactical Attack Squadron is the only squadron in the PAF that provides maritime support missions to the Pakistan Navy, in addition to carrying out its normal operational commitments as a strike platform. The squadron aircraft are capable of carrying the Exocet Antiship Missile. Although, the squadron was at full operational status, the inventory of the squadron was completed after the induction of six Mirages in December 1993. During the last decade, the squadron had the opportunity to participate in a number of operational exercises during which its performance remained exceptional. The squadron was deployed at Sargodha in 1990, 1992, 1995, and 1997 in connection with SCUP and Saffron Bandit exercises. As a strike platform, the squadron was pitched against F-6, F-7 and F-16 aircraft and it engaged all its assigned targets successfully. The CCS duly acknowledged the immaculate planning, professional execution, and high standards of flight safety particularly during the mass raids conducted by the squadron. For DACT camps, the squadron was deployed to bases and satellites like Samungli, Minhas, Shahbaz and Multan. Besides, various squadrons were also invited to the home base for the same purpose. The squadron pilots were continually exposed to the entire inventory of the PAF during the period. The innovation and initiative remained the hallmark of the squadron's weapon employment, exhibiting extremely high standards of training. During exercises High Mark-93 and 95, the squadron lived up to its reputation of sustaining back bending operations from Chander and Shahbaz, and performed exceptionally well without compromising on flight safety. The squadron maintains a close liaison with the Pakistan Navy. Exercises such as Sea Spark and Nasim-ul-Bahr are regularly conducted, covering the entire coastal region of Pakistan. A squadron contigent is required to activate the Pasni airfield and conduct operations from both the coastal airfields simultaneously. During on of the Nasim-ul-Bahr exercises, Wing Commander Shahid Latif, the Officer Commanding of the squadron, fired an exocet missile against a decommissioned Pakistan Navy ship, PNS Shahjehan, scoring a direct hit. Officers of No. 8 Squadron with their Officer Commanding Wg Cdr Wasim - 1996. The squadron also participated in the ISAC-96. Among the sixteen operational squadrons participating in this event, this squadron earned the second position. During exercise Inspired Alert, the squadron had the unique opportunity of facing USN combat aircraft such as F-14 and F-18, and it put up an impressive performance in a series of these exercises during the period 1994 to 1997. The squadron also conducted successful mass raids against naval ships, with precision, and achieved exceptional results. It took part in the Missile Firing Camp-1998, and it emerged in first place amongst the tactical attack squadrons for the ACES trophy, in 1996. All along, the squadron continued to strive for the Base the Flight Safety Trophy in 1997. On 24 September 1992, Flight Lieutenant Ali and Flight Lieutenant Mazhar intercepted a stray Indian Naval Battleship, INS Talwar, in Pakistan's territorial waters. These young men ushered it out of our territorial limits and such an occarance has not been repeated since.​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 9 Squadron

The story of No 9 Squadron dates back to May 1944 when it made its operational debut in Burma during WW II. It was formed on January 3, 1944 at Lahore on the Hurricane IIC. It converted to the Spitfire VIII in 1945 and was initialized in June 1945. Squadron Leader M. Asghar Khan, later Air Marshal and first Pakistani Pakistani Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force was its commander at this time. The squadron was reformed at Peshawar on August 15, 1947 and among its earliest achievements was the creation of a four-plane aerobatic team, claimed to be the first in the subcontinent. It has always remained a favored squadron in the PAF. Equipped with Hurricane II C aircraft, it engaged in extensive operations in WWII theatre and was awarded a souvenir Japanese general's sword in recognition of its meritorious services. In the years that followed, the squadron maintained itself in a high state of combat preparedness on a succession of the latest fighter aircraft of their time: Spitfire VIII, Tempest 11, Fury, Starfighter, Mirage, and most recently, the Fighting Falcon. Five of its squadron commanders - M Asghar Khan, A Rahim Khan, Zafar A Chaudhry, Zulfiqar Ali Khan and Jamal A Khan - rose to lead the Pakistan Air Force. Originally raised at Risalpur on 13 November 43, the squadron was allotted to the RPAF upon partition at the instance of Squadron Leader Asghar Khan, who had commanded it in 1945 and was a member of the Air Force Reconstitution Committee in July 47. In its new capacity as the first fighter squadron of the RPAF, it was formed at Peshawar on 15th August 1947 with 8 Tempest aircraft under the command of Squadron Leader M Ibrahim Khan. After flying Tempests for almost three years, the squadron converted onto the Hawker Fury fighters in July 50. In November 56, the unit moved to Kohat which was to become its home for the next five years. In 1961, the squadron's decade-long association with Furies as well as its piston-engined chapter came to an end. In March 61 came the F-104 Starfighters - the ultimate in aircraft technology at that time. In the PAF, 9 Squadron was the only recipient of this awe inspiring Mach 2 fighter which, through its sheer power and speed, struck terror in enemy ranks in both the India-Pakistan Wars. The Starfighters, after rendering valuable service for more than a decade, faded out of Pakistani skies in the early 70s. No 9 Squadron reemerged at Rafiqui in January 1973 as a tactical attack unit, equipped with brand new Mirage-V aircraft. On 15 June 77, it became an OCU with the task of converting pilots onto Mirage fighters. On 31st August 1981, it moved to PAF Masroor and remained there till the middle of 1984. As an OCU, the squadron graduated 15 conversion courses on Mirages and in June 84, the squadron changed its location once again and moved to Sargodha, where it was reequipped with F-16 Fighting Falcons and was redesignated as No 9 Multi-Role Squadron. It was on this aircraft that Squadron Leader Hameed Qadri shot down an Afghan Air Force Su-22 and damaged another while flying an air defence mission over Parachinar on 17 July 86. 9 Squadron's record in war has been as striking as its achievements in peacetime. In the 1965 war it flew air defence, fighter escort and recce missions from the city of Shaheens on its fabled Starfighters. On 6th September Flight Lieutenant Aftab shot down an IAF Mystere which was attacking Rahwali. On the 7th Flight Lieutenant Amjad H Khan accounted for another Mystere. Squadron Leader Jamal A Khan intercepted and shot down 1 IAF Canberra at night. For their acts of valour Squadron Leaders Jamal A Khan and M. L.Middlecoat and Flight Lieutenant Amjad H Khan were decorated with Sitara-i-Juraat. Soon after the start of the 1971 war the Squadron flew its Starfighters to PAF Masroor. There, while performing air defence day/night strikes, recce and escort duties, its pilots shot down an Indian Gnat, a Su-7 and an Alize. Squadron Leader Amjad H Khan ejected in Indian territory while attacking a radar and was taken prisoner of war. Wing Commander M L Middlecoat and Flight Lieutenant Samad Changezi made the supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives in defence of the fatherland; both Shaheeds were posthumously awarded the Sitara-i-Juraat. For its meritorious services in war and peace, the squadron was awarded the squadron colour on 25th January 1979. The scrolls around the squadron crest in the middle of the banner carry the battle honours: 'Sargodha 65' and 'Karachi 71'. The squadron crest itself is a griffin; a mythical creature with an eagle's head and wings and a lion's body signifying immeasurable strength, aggressiveness and vigilance.​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 9 Squadron

No. 9 Multi Role Squadron is the senior-most squadron of the PAF and has always been considered its most elite unit. The F-86, F-104, Mirage, and the F-16 aircraft have been on the inventory of this squadron. Since Air Marshal Asghar Khan, seven Chiefs of the Air Staff have been members of this squadron. Undoubtedly no other PAF Squadron pilots can be as proud of his history as a Griffin. This squadron celebrated its fifty year anniversary on 14 October 1993. The Griffins, in their unique style, made the occasion a memorable one. Officers of No. 9 Squadron with their Officer Commanding Wg Cdr Zahid Qadeer - 1996. The squadron was awarded 'Best Combat Ready Squadron', 'Combat Flying Training' and 'Maintenance Efficiency' trophies for the year 1991, and earned the title of 'Top Gun-1991'. The squadron again won the 'Inter-Squadron Maintenance Efficiency Trophy' for the year 1993. The Griffins led the Pakistan Day fly-past contigent and won the 'Best Formation Trophy' for the year 1996. It also earned the coveted title of 'Sher Afgan' by securing the first position in the ISAC-96. Squadron Leader Aasim Zaheer was declared 'Sher Afgan' of the competition. The Griffins had the distinction of being the 'Best Multi-Role Squadron' of the PAF in 1996. It also won the 'Maintenance Efficieny Trophy' for the year 1996-97. In 1997, it earned the 'War Preparedness' and 'Best Combat Ready Squadron' trophies for the year, and yet again was declared 'Top Gun'. The squadron was deployed at PAF Base Samungli on 27 May 1998 to provide air defence cover in connection with the nuclear tests. It successfully accomplished the deployment at very short notice. Wing Commander Azher Hasan, Officer Commanding, 9 Squadron, PAF, appeared in a live TV interview on PTV World in connection with the Defence Day Celebrations in 1998. It was acknowledgement of the squadron's performance and the meritorious services rendered to the PAF and to the nation. Wing Commander Azher Hasan, in his interview, talked about the history and contributions made by the squadron in times of peace and war. Wg Cdr Jawad Saeed OC No. 9 Sqn with squdaron pilots - 2003. Picture Courtesy: S. Hammad The squadron took part in all the operational exercises that the PAF normally conducts. These included DACT Camps, Saffron Bandit, High Mark exercises, multinational exercises and numerous air defence exercises. Five pilots of this squadron moved to Masroor with their aircraft on 7 October 1996 to participate in the ISAC-96. The team won the 'Sher Afgan Trophy'. The squadron came out as the best amongst the finest in the Air Force. It participated in the Pakistan Independence Day Golden Jubilee fly-past in 7 September 1997, along with the Turkish Air Force team of four F-16 aircraft, that had flown to Pakistan especially for the purpose. The squadron also participated in the air show at the Capital Park Islamabad, arranged by the PAF on 24 November 1997 to mark the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations. Wing Commander Azher Hasan performed solo aerobatics. The No. 9 Squadron was regularly visited by VIPs, and foreign dignitaries including the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman JCSC, C-in-C US Central Command, and several other foreign Chiefs of Air Staff. Important Events Fly Pasts for the celebration parades of the first anniversary of the independence day at Miranshah, Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu. The Squadron formed the first aerobatics team in the subcontinent. The Red Dragons Formation was formed in this squadron in 1957. The Squadron won the Flight Safety Trophy in 1960. The Squadron participated in CENTO Exercise "Mid Link" in 1974 at Masroor. Squadron Colour presentation in 1979 by Defence Minister Ali Ahmed Talpur. SHERAFGHAN & Winner of Inter Squadron Armament Competition 1996.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan Air Force F-16 Pilots From No.9 & No.11 Squadron Group Photo With ACM Mushaf Ali Mir, CAS PAF And Base Commander Sargodha Air Base, March 23, 2001.

 

[ghazi52]

No. 9 Squadron Commanders

Rank Name Date Wg Cdr Shahzad Chaudhry Jul-1987​ Tariq M Ashraf Feb-1989​ Farhat H Khan Feb-1991​ Shahid Dad Feb-1993​ Waseem Uddin Aug-1994​ Zahid Qadeer Malik Jan-1996​ Azhar H Bukhari Jul-1997​ Ashfaque Arain Jan-1999​ Muhammed Iqbal Jul-2000​ Azhar H Rizvi Jul-2002​ Jawad Saeed Aug-2003​ Aamir Masood May-2005​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 10 Squadron

With the induction of B-57 bombers in the PAF, an operational conversion unit was raised at Mauripur on 15 August 59, to train pilots and navigator-bombardiers for No 8 B-57 Squadron. The training unit was named No 10 Squadron and it carried out its assigned task for a little over six months. In March 1960, a second operational B-57 squadron, No 7, was formed which, together with its sister unit No 8 constituted No 31 Wing. Consequent upon this development, No 10 Squadron was number-plated on 1st March 1960.​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 11 Squadron

No 11 Squadron, known as the 'Arrows', has the singular distinction of being the first jet squadron of the PAF. The squadron occupies a glorious place in the annals of PAF history; it is credited with the highest number of 'kills' in the two wars the country has fought and the famous PAF ace Squadron Leader M M Alam belonged to this family of air warriors. The squadron was also honored in 1983 by being the first PAF unit to be equipped with the F-16 Fighting Falcon. No 11 Squadron was first formed as a light bomber unit on 1 January 49 at RPAF Station Mauripur; it was to be equipped with twin-engined Brigand aircraft. However, the first Brigand crashed on its way to Pakistan and procurement of these aircraft was cancelled; the squadron was number-plated in February 1949. Two years later, in June 1951, the unit was revived under its first squadron commander, Squadron Leader A Rahim Khan, with the new role of fighter interceptor and this time it had the privilege of being equipped with the first jet fighter in the PAF inventory, the SuperMarine Attacker. It remained the only jet squadron in the PAF until the large scale induction of F-86F Sabers in the mid-50s. The unit was reequipped with Sabers on 18th January 1956, and its role was changed from Fighter-Interceptor to that of Fighter-Bomber Squadron. In 1965 the squadron was a part of the elite 33 Wing at Sargodha. After proving its mettle in the 1965 India-Pakistan War the squadron was reequipped in 1966 with the Shenyang F-6 (the Chinese-built Mig-19) and its role was changed to air superiority. The squadron shifted to PAF Base Rafiqui in January 71 and remained stationed there till January 83. In between, it operated during the 1971 War once again from Sargodha. In January 1983 the squadron was moved back to Sargodha to be reequipped with F-16s; its role was then changed to that of a multi-role squadron. No 11 Squadron can boast of many distinguished pilots and squadron commanders. Three of its commanders reached the top leadership of the PAF: A Rahim Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Khan and M Anwar Shamim. Squadron Leader F S Hussain, its squadron commander in the year 1953, became a legendary figure in the PAF for his highly professional and daring aerobatics displays. M M Alam became a household name in Pakistan after his unprecedented achievements in the 1965 war. Operating from Sargodha in September 65 the squadron flew 227 sorties in the seventeen days of war with India. The unit was employed on air defence duties as well as in support of the army. It was credited with shooting down 10 Hunters and 3 Gnats and damaging 3 Hunters, together forming a significant proportion of total PAF air victories. Squadron Leader Alam claimed 9 aircraft in only three sorties and also had the singular distinction of shooting down 5 Hunters in a single combat sortie. Flight Lieutenants Jilani, Yousuf Ali and Saad Hatmi shot down 1 Gnat each. Only 1 aircraft was lost due to enemy action and the pilot, Flying Officer Shaukat, flying as Alam's wingman on a fighter sweep over India, was taken prisoner of war. The officers who were awarded combat decorations in the 65 war, included Squadron Leader M M Alam (Sitara-i-Juraat with Bar) and Flight Lieutenants S A Hatmi and Yousaf Ali Khan (both Sitara-e-Juraat). The squadron was again located at Sargodha for the 1971 war during which it flew several air defence and close support missions. During these operations the 'Arrows' were credited with two kills; Flight Lieutenant Atiq Sufi shot down a Su-7 and Flight Lieutenant Aamer Ali Sharieff a Mig-21. Only 1 aircraft was lost in action and its pilot Flight Lieutenant Wajid A Khan was taken prisoner of war. Formal recognition of 11 Squadron's acts of valour and meritorious services in defence of the fatherland came in the form of a colour presentation on 18th November 1974 at PAF Base, Rafiqui. The colour was presented by the Prime Minister, Mr Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The battle honour inscribed on one of the scrolls of the banner reads: 'Sargodha 65'. The squadron crest consists of an arrow encircled by eleven stars signifying the pursuit of professional excellence. In 1981, No 11 Squadron won the professionals trophy for its performance in exercise Jetstream.​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 11 Squadron

After playing a significant role in the Afghan War, this squadron maintained its legendary traditions during numerous operational exercises in the last decade. It made a landmark contribution to the history of the PAF by winning the 'Top Gun' trophy of ACES, three years in a row, in 1993, 1994, and 1995. While deployed at Masroor in February 1990, the squadron carried out GB trials at Sonmiani air-to-ground range and also participated in exercise Hit Hard-XII. In July 1991, the squadron participated in a DACT Camp against 5, 18 and 20 Squadrons. There was an imminent threat to our nuclear installations in early 1992, and the squadron had to fly the national contingency 'Thunderbolt' for a period from 19 February 1992 onwards. During the last decade, the squadron remained very busy during all the operational, air defence and multi-national exercises, as well as Saffron Bandit, DACT Camps, Inspired Alert etc. Besides, the squadron is also an operational conversion unit for the F-16 aircraft. Therefore, the squadron is responsible for conducting these courses. The squadron achieved a unique distinction when all of its instructors gathered on-type flying experience in excess of 1,000 hours. During High Mark-93, the squadron achieved 100 per cent of the allotted task; the squadron earned 225 kills out of all the shots claimed. ATLIS attack had a 100 per cent success rate. The squadron secured third position in the ISAC-96, held at Masroor. After the nuclear tests by India in May 1998, the tension in the borders heightened. The PAF was out on higher alert and the squadron was moved to its wartime location on 24 May 1998. In spite of the very hot weather and the degraded facilities at the satellite, the squadron measured up to the task, and successfully and satisfactorily performed the day and night ADA duties till Pakistan's tests were completed on 28 May 1998. Officers of No. 11 MR Squadron with their Officer Commanding Wg Cdr Raja Rizwan and coveted trophies. The Inspectorate team visited the squadron on 28 October 1991 and termed the inspection as exceptional. The ACES team visited the squadron on 8 February 1993 and the squadron won three out of four trophies, including 'Top Gun' for the year 1993. During ORI of 1995, the squadron won the ACES trophy for the second consecutive time, winning three out of four trophies again. In 1996, the squadron achieved a landmark in the history of the PAF by retaining the coveted ACES trophy for the third consecutive time. During ACES inspection in 1997, the squadron secured the second position, staying very close to the 'Top Gun' squadron for the year 1998. The squadron had the honor of receiving a number of important visitors, including the Prime Ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs if Staff, the Defence Ministers and the Chief of Air Staff.​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 12 Squadron

No 12 Squadron was formed in March 50 with Squadron Leader A K S Ahmed as its first commanding officer. It was at first a heavy bomber squadron with 8 Halifax 4-engined WW II bombers and started flying on 5 April with 2 MK VIII and 6 MK V1 aircraft. The squadron was number-plated on 18 August 50 and all its aircraft were placed in long term storage at RPAF Station Mauripur. The unit was reactivated in 1951 and resumed operations in the month of August. In October, the squadron took part in exercise 'Wise Owl' and carried out practice bombing on Churna Island; parachute flare dropping was also carried out during night practices. In September 1953 the unit was converted into No 12 Composite Squadron with Squadron Leader Mukhtar Dogar as its Officer Commanding. It was assigned a variety of tasks including VIP and Air Headquarters communication flights on Viking and Dakota aircraft, target towing for ack on Furies, and heavy bomber operations on Halifax’s . In early 1954 the squadron received 2 new Bristol Freighters followed soon after by 2 Wayfarers and 2 Tempests. In May a Freighter specially equipped for paratrooping was added to the fleet. In February 57, the squadron flew its newly acquired SA-16 Albatross maritime aircraft in a sea rescue exercise in cooperation with the Navy. In November 58, the SA-16s participated in the CENTO exercise 'Midlink' held at Karachi. The SA-16 that was primarily meant for Sea Search and Rescue, was equipped with special search radars and had an exceptionally long endurance. In August 59, SA-16s participated in exercise 'Jet North' which also involved the Navies of UK and New Zealand. In November, during exercise 'Midlink-11', the squadron flew its longest ever non-stop flight of 15.45 hours in an SA-16. On 9 July 60, the squadron was moved from Mauripur to Chaklala, where it was equipped with a Fokker F-27 aircraft for the use of VIPs and visiting dignitaries. On 15 February 77, the squadron received a DA-20 Falcon for VIP flights while in October 78, a Piper Seneca-II belonging to the Atomic Energy Commission was also assigned to the squadron for operation.​

 

[ghazi52]

No. 12 Squadron

The role of the No. 12 Squadron is to transport VIPs, both home and abroad. It is also responsible for the calibration of navigational aids throughout the country. The squadron flies the President, the Prime Minister, the CAS, foreign heads of state, and other important dignitaries. A C-130 carrying the President of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, the American Ambassador to Pakistan, and several others from Bahawalpur to Chaklala, crashed on 17 August 1988, killing everybody on board. The Officer Commanding 12 Squadron, Wing Commander Mashood, was the captain of the ill-fated aircraft. On 31 January 1989, Group Captain Maqsood, Wing Commander Sabahat and Wing Commander Inam operated the first VIP flight from a Boeing 707. From 24 June to 8 July 1990, the squadron flew eleven relief flights to Tehran on the Boeing 707 aircraft. The Prime Minister of Pakistan was flown to Kuwait 25 March 1991. This was just after the Gulf War, when the Kuwait airport had no navigational aids and the city was engulfed in thick clouds of rising smoke from the burning oil wells. From 14 to 22 May 1991, the squadron flew six relief missions to Dhaka. In 1994, a PIA Boeing 737 was officially handed over to the PAF for VIP commitments. Initially, eight officers were sent abroad for training. They continued their line training with the Boeing company instructors in Pakistan. The Boeing 737 flew for its first VIP sorite with the President of Pakistan on 13 December 1994. The operating crew included Wing Commander Jamal, Wing Commander Anjum and Squadron Leader Aasim. On 7 November 1995, after take-off from Darwin, Australia with President Farooq A. Leghari on board, the No. 1 engine of the Boeing 707 caught fire, and suffered severe damage and the rupture of a fuel tank. Wing Commander Kamal, who was occupying the captain's seat at than time, landed the aircraft safely at Darwin. From 15 to 20 October 1995, a number of missions were flown to Kandhar and Mazar-e-Sharif on DA-20 and F-27 aircraft, as part of the shuttle diplomacy between Pakistan and Afghanistan. During 1997, a number of peace missions were flown to various cities of Afghanistan including Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kandhar, and Shabbarghan, carrying Mr. Iftikhar Murshad, Additional Secretary of Afghanistan Affairs and others, for negotiations between the Talibans and Iran. During one such mission on 12 July 1997, while flying at night from Mazar-e-Sharif to Peshawar, the aicraft, Fokker F-27, was diverted to Mazar-e-Sharif due to an inflight emergency. Because of lack of communication facilities and poor lighting conditions on the runway, it was about to be shot down by the Afghans who mistook ot for an enemy aircraft. However, it landed safely. Wing Commander Khalid Kamal was the captain of the aircraft. As in the previous year, extensive peace missions were flown to Afghanistan carrying the Additional Secretary of Afghanistan Affairs, Foreign Office Officials, a Saudi Prince, and an Iranian delegation. These dignitaries were meeting for negotiations, and to ease tension between Iran and Afghanistan. As a result of these peace missions, the Government of Afghanistan released five captured drivers initially, and all the remaining prisoners later, who were flown to Islamabad in a Fokker aircraft. During the month of July 1997, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi was converted on DA-20, and flew his first mission to Lahore on 28 July 1997. From January 1993 to April 1994, the squadron flew 181 hours on the Boeing 707 aircraft, in support of the United Nation's peacekeeping mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. Between May 1993 and June 1998, the squadron flew 950 hours for missions to Ankara, Colombo, and Almaty as chartered flights for Shaheen Air Cargo.​

 

[ghazi52]

​

No. 14 Squadron

​

No 14 Fighter-bomber Squadron was formed at Peshawar on 1 November 48 with Squadron Leader Khyber Khan as the first squadron commander. After being number- plated on 15 January 49, it was reactivated on 16 December 49 under the command of Squadron Leader J K Zuromski. The squadron left for Miranshah on 24 March 50 on its first operational deployment. Its task was to police the tribal areas of North Waziristan in order to contain the insurgency fomented by the Faqir of Ipi. In 1954 the squadron went through various memorable experiences like the activation of Tezgaon airfield at Dhaka in March, an air display for King Saud at Peshawar in April, a fire power demonstration at Fort Sandeman in May and exercise 'November Handicap' in November. In 1955 there was a summer camp at Samungli in May, a fly past over the Pakistan Day parade in Karachi in August and another tour at Miranshah in October and November. In September 56, No 14 Squadron pilots started leaving for F-86 MTD classes which had been set up at Drigh Road. The squadron moved to Mauripur in November and soon became operational on the Sabre. In November 57 it took part in the naval exercise 'Crescent' and an army co-op exercise 'Yellow Lizard'. In March 59 the squadron won the Perry-Keene armament trophy with a comfortable margin. While in Mauripur the squadron also participated in CENTO exercise 'Shahbaz'. In March 64, the squadron again won the coveted Perry- Keene armament trophy. Soon to follow was another Samungli camp from 20 May to 30 June 64 and then, on 7 October 64, the unit was permanently moved to Dhaka, under the command of Squadron Leader Shabbir Hussain Syed who had taken over in March 63. No 14 Squadron's exploits during both the 65 and 71 wars constitute an unforgettable part of the PAF's history and have been graphically described in this book in the chapters titled 'Triumph in the East' (1965) and 'Intrepid under Siege' and 'Three Days of Fury' (1971). Here it would be sufficient to mention the high point of each episode. The strike against Kulaikunda on 7 September 65 was led by Squadron Leader Shabbir with Flight Lieutenants Haleem, Baseer and Tariq Habeeb and Flying Officer Afzal Khan as formation members. They took off at 0631 hours with two 120 and two 200 gallon tanks and gun ammunition only. The formation arrived over the target without being intercepted and caught 14 Canberra's neatly lined up on the tarmac. The formation put in two attacks each on these Canberra's and on three Hunters also parked on the tarmac; they destroyed ten Canberra's and damaged the rest as well as two Hunters. Squadron Leader Shabbir and Flight Lieutenant Tariq Habib were awarded Sitara-i-Juraat. In 1971, placed in a no win situation against a force of 10 IAF squadrons comprising Mig-21 s, Su-7s, Gnats and Hunters, No 14 Squadron kept the flag flying till literally the last gasp. Their peerless valour won them six Sitara-i-Juraats. In July 72, No 14 Squadron was reformed with F-6 aircraft at Sargodha under the command of Wing Commander Muhammad Afzal Chaudhry. When Wing Commander J A Carrapiett took over in April 73, plans were underway to assign the squadron the role of an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The, plan ultimately crystallized in January 1974 where after the squadron successfully graduated 10 pilots of the first OCC on 6 November. At this stage the unit was moved to Mianwali which was then an upcoming training base. On 1 November 76 the squadron was presented with its colour by General Muhammad Sharif, Chairman joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The parade was commanded by the squadron commander Wing Commander Anwar-ul-Haq Malik while the colour bearer was Flying Officer Abrar Ahmed Tahir. The squadron colour has the battle honours of Kulaikunda 1965' and Dhaka 1971' on two of the six scrolls. To facilitate the unit's training role, a trainer version of the F-6, the FT-6, was added to the squadron inventory in May 77 when FT-6s were ferried across from China. During the ferry flight however, a valuable member of the team was lost over the Himalayas, after ejecting from his disabled FT-6. ​ Group photograph of No. 14 Squadron with their Officer Commanding Wg Cdr Pervez A Nawaz - 1983. During its tenure as an OCU, No 14 Squadron had graduated over 100 pilots operationally trained on the F-6. In September 86, the squadron was re equipped with F-16 multi-role aircraft. After reforming in Sargodha under the command of Wing Commander Sheikh Amjad Javed the squadron flew over to Kamra where an impressive re equipment ceremony was held on 2nd October 1986 reviewed by the Chief of the Air Staff. Wing Commander Amjad Javed commanded the parade and Squadron Leader Sohail Gul Khan and Flight Lieutenant Badar Islam were the old and new colour custodians respectively.

 

[ghazi52]

No. 14 Squadron

This squadron had been an OCU for the F-6 aircraft until September 1986, when it was re-equipped with the F-16 multi-role aircraft and shifted to Kamra. The squadron's stay at Kamra (later renamed Minhas) proved to be extremely fruitful. During the long Afghan War, the squadron flew extensive combat air patrol missions over the western borders. The ever vigilant presence of the Tail Choppers on the border earned them five kills. On 16 April 1987, Squadron Leader Badar Islam, with Squadron Leader Khalid Pervez Marwat as his No. 2, shot down an Afghan Su-22 with an AIM-9L missile. Squadron Leader Saif-ur-Rehman was controlling the formation. On the night of 4 August 1988, an Su-25 was shot down and its Russian pilot, who ejected, was taken prisoner. Squadron Leader Athar Bukhari was the pilot of the F-16 while Squadron Leader Taufiq Raja controlled this night interception. On 12 September 1988, Flight Lieutenant Khalid shot down two Mig-23 aircraft; Squadron Leader Irfan-ul-Haq was the controller. Again on 3 November 1988, Flight Lieutenant Khalid Mehmood shot down an Afghan Su-22. Squadron Leader Saif-ur-Rehman controlled this formation. On 9 September 1993, a nine-ship F-16 formation made a farewell fly-past over Minhas to say goodbye before departing to for Sargodha. During the month that followed, the squadron was re-equipped with the Chinese F-7P aircraft, under the command of Wing Commander Abbas Petiwala. Pilots of No. 14 MR Squadron with their Officer Commanding Wg Cdr Mela - 1993. On 1 November 1998, the Tail Choppers celebrated their fiftieth year. Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) M. Khyber Khan, the first Squadron Commander of the 14 Squadron, reviewed the Golden Jubilee Celebration parade. The Squadron Commander, Wing Commander Kahleel Ahmed, commanded the parade while Flying Officer Faisal Gul was the colour bearer. The parade was dovetailed with the fly-past of the 'Missing Man Formation'. This fly-past, led by Wing Commander Arshad Mehmood, was meant to pay tribute to the martyrs of the squadron.​

 

[CT-9914 "Snoop"]

would anyone happen to know why the air force didn't carry over the heritage from Indian squadrons, similar to what the army had done? Since we had inherited 3 squadrons, with one of them being the oldest squadron of the Indian air force.

 

[Baibars_1260]

On 16 April 1987, Squadron Leader Badar Islam, with Squadron Leader Khalid Pervez Marwat as his No. 2, shot down an Afghan Su-22 with an AIM-9L missile. Squadron Leader Saif-ur-Rehman was controlling the formation. On the night of 4 August 1988, an Su-25 was shot down and its Russian pilot, who ejected, was taken prisoner. Squadron Leader Athar Bukhari was the pilot of the F-16 while Squadron Leader Taufiq Raja controlled this night interception

Thanks for reminding.
We are so focused on our eastern enemy that we tend to forget the heroic defense of our western borders.
Fighting the VVS of the Soviet Union was no mean feat.
Do we have pictures and video footage of the captured Russian pilot and downed aircraft? This would be a great addition to the forum media library.

 

[CT-9914 "Snoop"]

Thanks for reminding.
We are so focused on our eastern enemy that we tend to forget the heroic defense of our western borders.
Fighting the VVS of the Soviet Union was no mean feat.
Do we have pictures and video footage of the captured Russian pilot and downed aircraft? This would be a great addition to the forum media library.

there is some media on the forum. pafwallpapers.com also had a good collection of media from this time period, including stills from Sqn Ldr Badar Islam's gun can but unfortunately the website has been down for a while now.