MISSION JAISALMER

A SAGA OF COURAGE, GRIT & RESILIENCE

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Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd) 051- 950 7751
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Editor www.secondtononepaf.com
S. Khalil
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Note: Contents are not
necessarily the official
views of nor endorsed by
the PAF. Information in this
magazine is current at the
time of publication.

PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e

 t the very onset, I am delighted to were allowed to tame the Dragon. India, PAF had to thwart the substantially bigger IAF. It third time for what would prove to be their last sortie.
inform our worthy readers of an However, according to them, it was was during this time when PAF men like Flt Lt Mir Alam, Flt This captivating story is certainly worth reading for our
important milestone achieved by more than worth it. We close the Lt Wajid Saleem and Flg Off Riffat Jamil stepped up. The worthy audience.
‘Second to None’. The magazine arc of the J-10Cs with the fourth trio was hastily given the task of bombing IAF’s Jaisalmer
has been declared as a ABC (Audit article, for which the editorial air base. Narrated by Air Cdre Wajid Saleem (Retd), the The other pieces include a detailed analysis of the holy
Bureau of Circulation) certified publication by team got up close and personal account covers in detail how the three resourceful and grail of transportation, flying cars. From Sci-fi movies
the Press Information Department of Ministry with the stunning aircraft and the relentless men accomplished the uphill task. Following to actual aviation experts, it has been predicted that
of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan. A equally dashing aircrew of No 15 the tradition of taking on missions that can only be termed flying cars are possible, it’s just a matter of time. And
great honour for the editorial team, indeed. We Squadron. Spending ‘A Day with as suicidal undertakings, PAF men have a way of dodging with companies like Boeing making strides and joining
are thankful to Allah Almighty and our worthy Dragons’ was a life time experience death at every turn. However, death can only be deceived hands, it seems like we’re on the edge of a breakthrough.
readers for making this publication a huge which would be remembered for a enough times before it demands its toll. This was exactly
success in such a short span. Without your long time to come. The experience what happened in the story of Sqn Ldr M S Alam Siddiqui So, as you can probably tell by now, we have curated an
support and admiration, it would not have been was enthralling, as the crew walked and Sqn Ldr M Aslam Qureshi. The duo was assigned with exciting and insightful issue for your reading pleasure.
possible. the team through all the latest bombing India’s Jamnagar airfield. The duo accomplished
procedures and processes that the task, not once but twice, inflicting substantial damage As always, Happy Reading!
This edition of Second to None has been penned have been incorporated to best to the enemy’s attack capability. However, this was not
down during an exceptional period of PAF utilize the J-10Cs. The tour truly felt enough for the relentless men.
history. Pakistan Air Force has always prided like the start of a revolution in PAF. Keeping aside all the
itself in perpetually upgrading its fleet and Another exciting feature is about dangers and risks, the
keeping up with the latest in technology. This the veteran Mirages of PAF. The duo took off for the
was proven once more with the induction of the aircraft has been defending the
cutting-edge J-10C ‘The Vigorous Dragon’ into aerial frontiers for more than five
PAF fleet. We are proud to declare this issue as decades now. This has only been Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)
the ‘J-10C edition’. In this issue, we take a deep made possible by the constant Editor-in-Chief
dive into the journey that led to the procurement upkeep by the technical maestros chiefeditor@secondtononepaf.com
of this state-of-the-art weapon system. We of Mirage Rebuild Factory (MRF).
start with how the aircraft is a ‘Game Changer’, The article explores the conditions
in the truest sense of the term, analysing under which the facility was erected
the deep impact that the aircraft will have in and how far it has come over the
Pakistan’s defence capability. The acquisition years and also acknowledges the
of this advanced aircraft is owed services rendered by the unsung
to the forward-thinking of Air Chief heroes of MRF, whose tireless
Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber efforts keep these machines up in
Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff Pakistan the air. A special report contributed
Air Force, whose vision by our foreign correspondent on
entails equipping the PAF Anatolian Eagle Exercise 2022 is
with the latest in aviation technology. His also the part of the current edition.
involvement was visible to all when he was
joined by two of the newly-acquired Dragons on As our tradition we dig deep into
the Parade Day fly-past. This was the exciting the annals of history and extract
start of this year’s parade, with the thrills only two different accounts of courage
ascending onwards. The third article ‘Enter in the face of unbeatable odds. The
the Dragon’ narrates the journey of the J-10C, first is the tale of a daring transport
from training to ferrying the aircraft to Pakistan aircrew which made impossible,
from Chengdu. Starting from flight simulators, ‘possible’. During the uncertain
lectures and theory, it was days of the 71 War with
a while before the
Pakistani pilots

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03
Pakistan Air Force 43 A Day with the Dragons 71 Battle of the Brass Bands 91 Lest We Forget
NEW S B U LLE T IN A Salute to Dragon Operators Marching on the Tunes of Glory Aircraft Boneyards Around the World
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M ) (Retd) Muhammad Khan Muhammad Khan

The editorial team was fortunate enough to visit the ‘Home The author brings out the tale of men behind the scenes, the We bring out to you an exotic story regarding the last resting
15 The Game Changer of Dragons’ and observe the several advancements that have unsung heroes who rightly deserve the due recognition for place of roaring airplanes which once ruled the skies in
Vigorous Dragon Joins the Fleet been made at operational, cultural and professional levels their services for PAF. various capacities.
while integrating the J-10C into PAF fleet.
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M ) (Retd)

The induction ceremony of the latest J-10C aircraft in the fleet

of PAF was not just a routine event, it was the major milestone
achieved by PAF on the path of modernisation. 53 Keep Em’ Flying 79 Mission Jaisalmer 97 Beyond the Call of Duty
A Tribute to MRF Personnel A Saga of Courage, Grit and Resilience The Story of an Intrepid Duo
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M ) (Retd) Air Cdre Wajid Saleem, SJ (Retd). Haris Masood Z uberi
S.Khalil An untold story, forgotten in the pages of PAF history has The inspiring tale of a relentless duo who went above and
23 Dragons, Falcons and More... The editorial team brings to you an in- been brought back to life by none other than the veteran beyond than what was expected of them for the defence of
PAF Flypast 2022 depth tour of MRF where the resilient himself who was part of the bombing mission against IAF their countrymen and, in the process, paid for it with their
S.Khalil men of PAF are making the impossible- Jaisalmer in 71 war. lives.
possible.
An eye witness account of the PAF fly past during Pak Day
Parade where the recently acquired ‘Dragon’ remained the
star of the show.

65 Arrows over Konya

85 Flying Cars
The Future is Now
105 AROUND THE WORLD
Aviation News

Ex Anatolian Eagle-2022 Talha ul Huda

33 Enter the Dragon Vincent Marten

Technological revolution or a sci-fi pipedream? Cars that
Beginning of a New Era Right from the tarmac of Konya, our zoom in the skies are yet to become an absolute reality, but
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M ) (Retd) foreign correspondent shares with us the technology seems to be closer than ever before!
the first hand information about the
S.Khalil
recently held international air exercise.
From training to ferrying the Dragons back home, the author
brings to you an interesting story of the PAF aircrew whose
names have entered the chronicles of PAF for the times to
come.

Page Photo: China Military

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DEPUTY CHIEF OF TURKISH GENERAL STAFF CALLS CAS OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDES
ON AIR CHIEF On 07 February 2022, ace golfer Muhammad Shabbir won the title on
the final day of 41st CAS Open Golf Championship with a gross score
On 06 January 2022, General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff, called of 268 (20 under par), 2nd position was taken by Ansar Mehmood
on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his with the gross score of 281 (7 under par), while third position was
office. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed matters of professional and mutual interest. clinched by Khalid Khan with the gross score of 284 (4 under par).

General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu commended the professionalism Closing ceremony of 41st CAS Open Golf Championship was held
of PAF and acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity in at Airmen Golf Club & Recreational Park, Korangi Creek, Karachi.
aviation industry. The Air Chief said that Pakistan and Turkey Air Vice Marshal Syed Sabahat Hassan, Air Officer Commanding,
enjoy longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which Air Defence Command, PAF was the chief guest at the occasion.
are manifested through strong ties between both air forces. The
Air Chief reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing
bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

AMBASSADOR OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC CALLS ON 29TH NATIONAL SKI

AIR CHIEF CHAMPIONSHIP
On 19 January 2022, Ambassador of the Czech Republic H.E.
Mr. Tomas Smetanka called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed CONCLUDES
Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office.
On 08 February 2022, Zahid Abbas of Gilgit Baltistan Scouts
clinched the gold medal in slalom category on the first day
The visiting dignitary lauded professionalism of PAF personnel of 29th National Ski Championship at PAF Ski Resort, Naltar.
and exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially Silver medal was awarded to Mir Nawaz of Gilgit Baltistan
through indigenization. The Air Chief highlighted the cordial relations Scouts and bronze medal was won by Abdul Jan belonging to
between the two countries and reiterated his resolve to further Pak Army. A number of teams including PAF, Pak Army, GB Scouts, Gilgit Baltistan Winter Sports Association, Chitral,
augment the existing cooperation between the two Air Forces. KPK, Punjab, Islamabad, Higher Education Commission Hindu Kush Snow Sports Club and Civil Aviation Authority
participated with vigour and full spirit in the National Ski Championship.

PASSING OUT PARADE HELD AT PAF AIRMEN ACADEMY

On 05 January 2022, Passing out Parade of Aero Apprentices was held at PAF Airmen Academy, Korangi Creek,
Karachi. Air Marshal Zulfiqar Ahmed Qureshi, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Training), was the Chief Guest at the
AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND
occasion. Earlier on arrival, Air Vice Marshal Zubair Hassan Khan, Air Officer Commanding, PAAK received the chief
guest. A total of 1824 Aero Apprentices including trainees from allied countries and Pakistan Navy successfully
CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
completed their training. On 09 February 2022, Ambassador of Switzerland H.E
Mr. Benedict de Cerjat called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air
The chief guest also awarded trophies to high achievers. Asghar Khan Trophy for the Best in Aeronautics was awarded
Force in his office.
to AFT-II Sheraz Hussain. Nur Khan Trophy for the Best in Avionics
Technology was awarded to Aero Electromech Technician-II The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of PAF
Mubashar Ul Hasan. Air Officer Commanding Trophy for the Best personnel and the exceptional progress made by PAF
in General Service Training was awarded to Academy Sergeant over the years, especially through indigenization.
Aircraftman Abdul Raouf Khan, whereas trophy for best foreign The Air Chief highlighted that both countries enjoy
trainee was awarded to LAC Bandhara of Sri Lanka Air Force. cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further
Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the over all best performance was enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the
awarded to AC Muhammad Ishtiaq. air forces of the two countries.

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COMMANDER KYRGYZ AIR FORCE SAADIA KHAN SKI CUP HELD AT NALTAR
On 01 March 2022, Saadia Khan & Children
CALLS ON AIR CHIEF Ski Cup culminated successfully at Naltar Ski
On 08 February 2022, Colonel Kylychbek Resort. A large number of ski enthusiasts and
locals witnessed the thrilling and spectacular
Akimovich Aidaraliev, Commander Kyrgyz
competitions. Prominent national skiers from
Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer all over the country contested for their place
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, in the slalom and giant slalom category of
races. Female skiers and young athletes
Pakistan Air Force in his office. During the
demonstrated their best skills under freezing
meeting, both the dignitaries discussed temperatures on highly steep slopes. Pakistan
matters of professional and mutual interest. Air Force has developed the resort at par with
the world class standards by providing all
possible facilities of international calibre.
Colonel Kylychbek Akimovich Aidaraliev
commended the professionalism of PAF and The event is named after a young skier Miss
Saadia Khan who lost her precious life in a
acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity
tragic car accident at age of 24 years. The
in aviation industry. The Air Chief said that Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic enjoy longstanding religious, cultural and tournament is being organized to provide opportunity to female players from all across the country to challenge their
historical bonds which are manifested through strong ties between both air forces. The Air Chief reiterated his resolve mental and physical toughness.
to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

EXERCISE FALCON TALON CULMINATES

On 05 March 2022, Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood,
COMMANDER IRANIAN AIR FORCE Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel),
Pakistan Air Force along with the United States
CALLS ON AIR CHIEF Chargé d’affaires in Pakistan, Angela Aggeler

On 28 February 2022, Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, Commander of the Air Force of Islamic Republic of witnessed the culmination phase of the bilateral

Iran called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his exercise Falcon Talon between Pakistan

office. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented him the guard of honour. Brigadier Air Force and United States Air Force at an

General Hamid Vahedi, also laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument to pay homage to the PAF’s martyrs. operational base of PAF. The exercise started
on 26th Feb, 2022 with the deployment of USAF

During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed matters of professional and mutual interest. The honourable guest fighter jets at an operational base. The exercise

commended the professionalism of PAF and was aimed at Interoperability in complex air

acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity in operations in realistic contemporary scenarios.

aviation industry. The Air Chief said that Pakistan

and Islamic Republic of Iran enjoy longstanding Interacting with the combat crew of both the air

religious, cultural and historical bonds which are forces, Air Marshal Zahid congratulated the participants on successful completion of the exercise. He also appreciated

manifested through strong ties between both the air & ground crew for smooth and professional conduct of this significant exercise. He added that both the air forces

air forces. The Air Chief reiterated his resolve to have a long history of enviable cordial relations and hoped that this exercise would certainly enable both the air forces

further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation to learn from mutual experiences in addition to promoting inter-operability.

between the two brotherly countries.

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SHAH KHAN CUP CONCLUDES AT NALTAR CHIEF OF THE TURKISH GENERAL STAFF & AIR
On 12 March 2022, Prize distribution ceremony of 16th OFFICER COMMANDING 22 GROUP ROYAL AIR FORCE
Shah Khan Ski Cup & National Biathlon Championship-2022
was held at PAF Ski Resort, Naltar. Brigadier (Retd) Syed CALLED ON AIR CHIEF
Kausar Hussain, Director Operations & Plans National
On 24 March 2022, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
Logistic Cell was the chief guest at the occasion. The Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff,
ceremony was also attended by Air Cdre Javed Iqbal, SASO Pakistan Air Force met Chief of Turkish General
Federal Air Command and other distinguished guests. Staff and Air Officer Commanding 22 Group,
Royal Air Force in two separate meetings
In National Biathlon Championship Alam Maqsood of today. Matters of professional and mutual
interest were discussed during the meetings.
Gilgit Baltistan won gold while Khan Ishaque of Gilgit
Baltistan Scouts won silver and Shah Noran of Pak Army won bronze medals.
Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Yasar
26 national skiers from all over the country participated in the much-awaited winter sports, which are conducted Guler commended the professionalism of PAF and
each year in the magnificent Naltar ski resort under the auspices of PAF and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan. acknowledged its developing indigenous capacity
Teams of PAF, Pak Army, GB Scouts, Islamabad and Civil Aviation Authority participated in the mega event. in aviation industry. Air Chief said that Pakistan and
Turkey had longstanding religious, cultural and
historical bonds which were manifested through
Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan jointly arrange these events each year in a bid to promote
strong ties between the Air Forces of two countries.
winter sports in the country and sports tourism in snowy mountains of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Air Chief reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

NIGERIAN DEFENCE MINISTER & COMMANDER OF In a separate meeting, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group of Royal Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Richard Maddison OBE
also called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. Air Chief said
that Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relations with United Kingdom. The visiting dignitary
NATIONAL GUARD OF BAHRAIN VISITS AHQ appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability. He also acknowledged professionalism of Pakistan Air Force. He assured
to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic and military cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. Measures to
On 18 March 2022, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed
further enhance professional cooperation between the two countries were also discussed during the meetings.
Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force
met Defence Minister of Nigeria and Commander
of the National Guard of Bahrain in two separate
meetings today. Matters of professional and mutual
GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD AT RISALPUR
interest were discussed during the meetings.
On 28 March 2022, The Graduation Ceremony of 127th Combat
Support, 43rd BLPC Course, 7th Log (A), 3rd AD (SSC) and 2nd
Minister for Defence of Nigeria Major General
Grooming Courses was held at PAF Academy, Asghar Khan. Air
Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd) commended the
Marshal Zulfiquar Ahmad Qureshi, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
professionalism of PAF and acknowledged its
(Training) was the chief guest at the occasion. On his arrival
developing indigenous capacity in aviation industry.
at the Academy, he was received by Air Vice Marshal Qaiser
Air Chief said that Pakistan and Nigeria had
Janjua, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Academy Asghar Khan.
longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which were manifested through strong ties between the Air Forces
of two countries.
A total of 63 cadets graduated at the occasion.
The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the
In a separate meeting, Commander of the National Guard of Bahrain General Shaikh Mohamed Bin Isa Bin Salman AI-
graduating cadets and trophies to the distinction
Khalifa also called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. CAS said
holders. Air Marshal Asghar Khan Trophy for the overall
that Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relations with Kingdom of Bahrain.
best performance in 127th Combat Support Course was awarded to Aviation Cadet Muhammad Talha.

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PASSING OUT PARADE OF 145TH PMA LONG AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
COURSE HELD On 21 April 2022, Ambassador of Japan
H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro called on Air Chief
On 30 March, 2022 Passing out parade of 145th PMA Long Course, 12th Mujahid Course, 19th Lady Cadet Course
Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief
and 64th Integrated Course held at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. 17 Allied cadets from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his
Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Azerbaijan and Nigeria were also among passing out cadets including international Lady
office.
Cadets.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff was the chief guest on the occasion. He reviewed
the parade. CAS congratulated the passing out cadets on achieving this milestone. The chief guest gave awards The visiting dignitary lauded the
to distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Academy Senior under Officer ASUO Abdul professionalism of PAF personnel and the
Qahar of 145th Long Course. The President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Ubaid Ur Rehman of 145th exceptional progress made by PAF over the
Long Course, the Overseas Gold Medal to Foreign Country Senior Under Officer Issa Enad Al Masoodi from Iraq of years, especially through indigenization. The
145th Long Course, Commandant’s Cane to Company Air Chief highlighted that both countries
Sports Sergeant Matee Ur Rasool of Integrated Course,
enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his
Commandant’s Cane to Company Junior Under Officer
resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the air forces of the two countries.
M Haseeb Khan of Basic Military Training Course,
Commandant’s Cane to Company Under Officer
Faizan Khan of Basic Mujahid Course, Commandant’s Various matters of mutual interest and professional cooperation also came under discussion during the meeting.
Cane to Company Sergeant Major Nida of Lady Cadet
Course and Commandant’s Overseas Medal to Friendly
Country Sergeant Hauwa from Nigeria.
Major General Omer Ahmed Bokhari, Commandant
PAF C-130 AIRLIFTS RELIEF GOODS FOR THE FLOOD
Pakistan Military Academy and large number of senior
serving / retired armed forces personnel, parents and
AFFECTED AREAS OF AFGHANISTAN
relatives of passing out cadets witnessed the parade. On 07 May 2022, The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, while expressing sympathy to
the people of Afghanistan affected by the recent floods, directed the National Disaster Management Authority to send
relief goods air. In light of these instructions, The Air Transport fleet of PAF has been assigned the onerous responsibility

FIRST DEPUTY DEFENCE MINISTER OF KAZAKHSTAN to Air lift relief goods for the flood affected areas of Mazar-e-Sharif. In this regard, a PAF C-130 aircraft laden with 22000
lbs of cargo comprising food items, tents and medicines for the flood affectees of Afghanistan The second consignment
CALLS ON AIR CHIEF will also be dispatched soon.
On 12 April 2022, Lieutenant General Khussainov Relief supplies were sent by Pakistani
Marat Rakhimovich, First Deputy Defence Minister/
Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor
Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Kazakhstan,
Ahmad Khan.
called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber
Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in
his office. During the meeting, both the dignitaries The recent floods have caused

discussed matters of professional and mutual interest. devastation in the low-lying areas of
Afghanistan, badly damaging the villages
Lieutenant General Khussainov Marat Rakhimovich and infrastructure. PAF has always
commended the professionalism of PAF and responded during natural calamities
acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity in aviation
in addition to safeguarding the aerial
industry. The Air Chief said that Pakistan and Republic of Kazakhstan enjoy longstanding religious, cultural and historical
frontiers of the country.
bonds which are manifested through strong ties between both air forces. The Air Chief reiterated his resolve to further
enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

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AIR CHIEF VISITS PAF AIR WAR COLLEGE INSTITUTE COMMANDER QATAR EMIRI AIR FORCE
On 11 May 2022, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force visited PAF CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
Air War College Institute, Faisal. On his arrival, he was received by Air Vice Marshal Hussain Ahmed Siddiqui, President
On 07 June 2022, Major General (Pilot)
Air War College Institute. The chief guest congratulated the AWCI team for transforming the AWCI into an institute of Jassim Mohammad Ahmed Al-Mannai,
the highest calibre capable of meeting the contemporary challenges. Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force called
on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber
Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan
PAF Air War College Institute is the prestigious institution of Pakistan Air Force, where mid level officers of Pakistan
Air Force in his office. On the arrival of
armed forces and friendly countries are Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force, a smartly
prepared for assumption of key Command turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force
and Staff appointments. The course presented the guard of honour. During the
meeting, both air dignitaries discussed
participants are exposed to over a hundred
matters of professional and joint interest.
subject matter experts including: Civil &
Military Professionals, Diplomats, Scholars/ While appreciating professionalism of
Academicians, Lawyers, Industrialists, Pakistan Air Force, Major General (Pilot)
Scientists, Economists and Media Jassim Mohammad Ahmed Al-Mannai acknowledged PAF’s rising indigenous capacity in aviation industry. The Air
Chief said that Pakistan and Qatar have longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which were manifested
Personnel. Exclusive Interaction with foreign
through strong ties between the air forces of the two countries. The Air Chief highlighted that both the countries
faculty and strategists is also ensured to enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the two
provide depth and academic rigor to the brotherly countries.
course.
The Air Chief further said, “Pakistan values its relations with Qatar, which are based on convergence on all important
issues relating to regional peace, security and stability”.

PAF C-130 AIRLIFTS RELIEF FOR UKRAINE

On 31 May 2022, The Prime TURKISH AMBASSADOR CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Mian On 13 June 2022, Turkish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed
Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed matters
while expressing sympathy to of professional and mutual interest.
support Ukrainians affected by
Russian invasion of Ukraine, While appreciating professionalism of Pakistan Air Force, Turkish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul
acknowledged PAF’s rising indigenous capacity in aviation industry. The Air Chief said that Pakistan and Turkiye have
directed the National Disaster
longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which were manifested through strong ties between the Air Forces
Management Authority to send
of two countries. The Air Chief highlighted that both the countries enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve
relief goods immediately. In
to further enhance the existing bilateral
light of these instructions, the cooperation between the two brotherly
Air Transport fleet of PAF has countries.
been assigned the onerous
responsibility to air lift relief The Air Chief further said, “Pakistan values
goods for the war stricken areas of Ukraine. In this regard, a PAF C-130 aircraft carrying food items, tents and medicines its relations with Turkiye, which are based
for the war affectees of Ukraine landed at the airport. on convergence on all important issues
relating to regional peace, security and
stability”.
Relief supplies were sent in times of of humanitarian crises and natural calamities, PAF has always responded effectively
in addition to safeguarding the aerial frontiers of the country,

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AMBASSADOR OF SPAIN CALLS ON AIR CHIEF 1ST CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF FAZAIA MEDICAL
On 20 June 2022, Ambassador COLLEGE HELD AT AIR UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
of Spain H. E. Mr. Manuel
On 23 June 2022, the Convocation of 1st MBBS Batch of Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad Campus was held at Main
Duran Gimenez-Rico called
Auditorium, Air University Islamabad. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air
on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Force was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The Chief Guest awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals to the students
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of who secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively in their professional examinations. Students who secured the
the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force highest marks in each subject were also awarded Gold Medals, whereas Dr Saad Azhar Malik was declared as the Best
in his office. Graduate, who bagged 20 Medals in MBBS. The Air Chief congratulated the medical graduates and their parents on
this significant and memorable day. He
also lauded the efforts of administration
The visiting dignitary and faculty of Fazaia Medical College for
appreciated the achieving a historic milestone.
professionalism of PAF
personnel and the exceptional While addressing the audience, Air Chief
Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu,
progress made by PAF over
Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force
the years, especially through
appreciated the standard and quality
indigenization. The Air Chief highlighted that both countries enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further of education being imparted at Fazaia
enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the air forces of the two countries. Medical College, Islamabad.

CHIEF OF DEFENCE GENERAL STAFF ITALIAN

ARMED FORCES CALLS ON AIR CHIEF NO 35 AIR WAR COURSE GRADUATION CEREMONY,
On 22 June 2022, Admiral HELD AT AIR WAR COLLEGE INSTITUTE, KARACHI
Giuseppe CAVO DRAGONE,
On, 29 June 2022, The Convocation & Graduation Ceremony of No 35 Air War Course was held at Air War College
Chief of Defence General
Staff Italian Armed Forces Institute, Karachi today. Dr Arif Alvi, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

called on Air Chief Marshal

Zaheer Ahmed Baber Addressing the graduating officers, the Chief Guest congratulated the participants on the successful completion

Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, of their course and achieving a great milestone in their career. He said that the requirements for acquisition of
Pakistan Air Force in his knowledge are changing rapidly in the present era, so acquisition of technology is the only way to gain modern
office. education. He further added that in this Hyper-competitive world, research and work on artificial intelligence is of
vital importance. He further said “We must continue to support the oppressed, regardless of their race or colour,”
The visiting dignitary and condemned the biasness shown by India against the Indian Muslims along with the human rights situation in
appreciated sound IIOJK. He added that in modern warfare whether
professionalism of conventional or unconventional, no service could
PAF personnel and achieve success single-handedly and a joint
also acknowledged the
strategic planning is required. Later on, the Chief
achievements made by PAF over the years, especially through indigenization. The Air Chief highlighted that both
Guest awarded certificates to the graduating
countries enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation
officers. Top graduate trophy was awarded to
between the PAF and Italian Armed forces. Both the dignitaries agreed to further revitalize defence ties including
Commander Waleed Arif from Pakistan Navy.
training and indigenous production.

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SPECIAL REPORT

T
e
he rapid evolution of air power

am
Four decades after PAF acquired the first delivery of F-16 Fighting

The G
complemented by advances in
technology, required that PAF Falcons, a momentous ceremony in March 2022, marked yet another
kept pace with contemporary milestone in the glorious history of the PAF. The induction of the
capabilities and employment concepts. omni-role, 4.5 Generation J-10C ‘Vigorous Dragon’ was another
This was imperative to maintain optimum step to strengthen the aerial defence of the country. Senior Civil
mission readiness. The PAF had been able and Military leadership gathered at the occasion and showed their
to develop itself as a force to reckon with,
combined resolve to make the defence of the country impregnable
through a professional, innovative and
bold leadership; resilience and skills of its
and termed the induction of this newly inducted weapon system as
human resource and above all intrinsic a ‘Game Changer’ event in the history of Pakistan.
motivation to serve Pakistan. At the
by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)
ceremony, held in March this year at Karma,
the PM, Services Chiefs’, elected members
of National Assembly and senior military
and civil officials, were all part of history in
the making as the PAF formally inducted
its latest acquisition- the J-10C ‘Vigorous
Dragons’. The induction marked the dawn
of a new era. The J-10C weapon system is
the PAF’s new pointy tip of the spear, proud
flag bearer, the game changer equipped
with EW suite, AESA radar, and the PL-
15 missile. The ‘Vigorous Dragon’, as it is
fondly called, would further strengthen the
PAF in achieving its mission, contributing
towards national security and regional
stability.

The ceremony was as glamorous as it

could be. Soon after the guard of honour
and as the guests took their seats, a fly
past of different aircraft was presented.
Approaching perpendicular to the dais and
flying right over it, first to come-in were the
famous Sherdil, in nine-ship K-8, running-in
in a “Spirit Formation.” Then a single Mirage
aircraft busted the arena in a high-speed
low-level run-in front of the guests. Next, a
4-ship Mirage formation appeared from the
left to perform a high G ‘Break Manoeuvre’.

After two four-ship formations of F-16s

and of JF-17s each presented linear bomb
bursts, a three-ship followed by a two-ship

Title Photo: At the Helm- ACM Zaheer

Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air
Staff PAF played a decisive role in the
procurement and induction of J-10C
Dragons in record time of less than
eight months. (Photo: CWO Iftikhar
Muhammad).

Inlet: ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu,

CAS PAF explaining the technical
details of the freshly inducted J-10C
aircraft to the Mr Imran Khan, Prime
Minister of Pakistan. (Photo: CWO
Iftikhar Muhammad).

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 Title Photo: J-10 C ‘Vigorous Dragon’
formation of the highly anticipated security and defence,” he said. is the most lethal, state-of-the-art
J-10C aircraft flew low along the and potent weapon system in the
region today. (Photo: Lijayang Zhuhai
runway presenting a salute to the In order to safeguard against
Air Show 2021).
chief guest. The J-10C formations all threats, the armed forces of
then fed in the landing pattern for a Pakistan continued to synergize
full-stop landing. The aircraft taxied their efforts bridging capability
to the venue and parked in front of gaps through timely inductions
the guests in a synchronized manner. programmes, ACM Zaheer
After the formation switched off Ahmed Baber further elaborated.
at main tarmac, the air and ground “Considering modern parameters of
crews formed up in front of the warfare, induction of J-10Cs jets in
aircraft. The commentators of the the air force, is the result of one Centre: ACM Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu,
aerial display were Sqn Ldr Hassaan such combined effort, which CAS PAF addressing
Jalal and Sqn Ldr Khadija Awan. merits appreciation at all at the occasion. (Photo:
levels. I must acknowledge CWO Iftikhar Muhammad).
Top: Political and
Quantum Leap the support that the air military leadership
Bottom Left: Senior national
In their speeches, the leadership and military leadership along with the
of the country articulated that the considers the induction of personnel of No
J-10C Dragon aircraft gave Pakistan J-10C Dragon a Game Changer appreciating support of the Chief after a gap of four decades, imbalance in the sub-continent. 15 Sqn pose at
event in the history of the of Army Staff in backing the air PAF is inducting the J-10C next To address that challenge, the historic event.
a much-needed competitive nation. (Photo: CWO Iftikhar (CWO Ifikhar
advantage. In his Muhammad).
force in all initiatives of national generation combat system, the induction of J-10C was
Muhammad).
opening remarks, importance. state of the art concept and a significant addition into
Air Chief Marshal Bottom Right: ACM Zaheer weaponry,” he said proudly. Pakistan’s defence system. He Bottom: Air
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, CAS PAF In his views, the induction appreciated support from China Warriors from
Zaheer Ahmed Baber and Mr Imran Khan, Prime
ceremony was testimony to Next to comment on the for providing the jets in a record Future - A group of
Sidhu, Chief of the Air Minister of Pakistan exchanging No 15 Sqn pilots
Staff, Pakistan Air Force views on the impressive the strong partnership between inductions was Prime Minister time. He complemented the
under the command
shed light on the evolving aerial display of the J-10C two friendly countries Pakistan Imran Khan, who said that the CAS, PAF for his futuristic vision of Wg Cdr Imtiaz
aircraft. ((Photo: CWO Iftikhar and China, as the two sides are pride was reminiscent of the that prevailed in Pakistan’s Rahim lines up
global challenges. Muhammad).
committed to work together wave of joy that spread 40 armed forces. “Future warfare for a presentation
in multiple domains to ensure years ago when the F-16s were will be dependent on the ceremony
for the Chief
peace in the region. inducted to defend skies with latest technologies with focus
Guest. (Photo:
latest aircraft. He lamented on developing indigenous CWO Iftikhar
He finally complimented his the efforts to create a security capabilities. As Pakistan sets off Muhammad).
“Rapidly changing team for its dedication and in the right direction, I express
geopolitical professionalism, and especially confidence on behalf of millions
environment has had the No 15 Sqn, for successful of Pakistanis, in their armed
a profound impact on induction of the new weapon forces,” Mr Imran Khan said,
the region and Pakistan. The force received from the system in a record time. cautioning that after these new
pace of changing technologies government of Pakistan, “This induction ceremony has acquisitions, belligerent forces
in contemporary war alters the under the able leadership of significant aspects. Today
character of war increasingly. the PM despite enormous
Advancement in space, network, challenges. This milestone could
electronic warfare, cyberspace not have been possible without
nano technology coupled your patronage, to equip the
with Artificial Intelligence (AI) air force with the new weapon
have significantly affected the system within a short space of
traditional concept of national eight months,” he said while also

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 Left: Pilots park the newly inducted J-10C in threatening national security would only pick up massive losses.
front of the chief guest during the induction
ceremony. (Photo: CWO Iftikhar Muhammad). “In Operation Swift Retort, Pakistan sent a message across
Left Page Bottom: J-10C seen taxiing at
the globe that Pakistan is capable of defending its borders.
PAF Base Minhas. (Photo: CWO Iftikhar. The people of Pakistan are the strength of its armed forces.
Muhammad). Speaking on behalf of the citizens, I can safely say that the
nation overcame one of the most difficult challenges during the
Bottom Left: ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber war on terror, sending a message that Pakistan could defend its
Sidhu, CAS PAF explaining the intricacies of
J-10C aircraft to Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Corps
sovereignty,” Imran Khan stressed, expressing greater confident
Commander No 11 Corps during the induction in the country’s defence capabilities, after seeing the new jets
ceremony. (Photo: CWO Iftikhar Muhammad). perform.

Bottom Right: ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber He expressed pride in the capabilities of the PAF to induct the
Sidhu, CAS PAF receiving General Qamar Javed
Bajwa, COAS at the venue.
J-10C jets and in taming the Dragons in a record time.
(Photo: CWO Iftikhar Muhammad).
Contract Signing Jun-2021
The Dragons arrived in March this year, however, the contract to
deliver these aircraft was signed back in Jun 2021. As per the
contract, the Chinese agreed to provide training, ground support
equipment and weaponry, including the famous PL-15 missile
to the PAF. Resultantly, as we have witnessed that in less than
a year, the first batch was delivered in March, 2022, reflecting
PAF’s need for urgent acquisition of the new capability. CAS, PAF
termed the contract signing with China as a historic moment
for Pakistan and for the PAF. “A Milestone achievement, a major
step forward in our commitment to defend aerial frontiers of
Pakistan. I appreciate and acknowledge the support of our all-
weather friend and strategic partner China. Pakistan has always
endeavoured for peace in South Asia without indulging in any
arms race,” ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu had said during the
contracting signing ceremony with China. The ceremony was
attended by senior leadership of both sides.

The Air Chief took the opportunity to share that the prime focus
remained on the modernization campaign, absorbing and
operationalizing new technologies along with enhancing human
resource development. This, he said, was fundamental for any
organization. “Being fully aware of the non-contact warfare
paradigm, Pakistan strives to attain its punch through a smart
induction programme of cutting edge and niche technologies,

00
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20
 Left Page Top : Like a
Rocket- A PLAAF (Air

Specifications (J-10C) Force) J-10C while

showing its lethal
General Characteristics arsenal zoom vertically,
defying the laws of
Crew 1 gravity. (Photo: China
Military).
Length 16.9 m (55 ft 5 in)
Wingspan 9.8 m (32 ft 2 in)
Left Page Bottom:
Height 5.7 m (18 ft 8 in) J-10C during ferry flight
Wing area 37 m2 (400 sq ft) from China to Pakistan.
(Photo: No. 15 Sqn).
Empty weight 9,750 kg (21,495 lb
Gross weight 14,000 kg (30,865 lb)
Left: Head On- A PLAAF
Max takeoff weight 19,277 kg (42,499 lb) Air Force J-10 C takes
off with its rocket-pods
Fuel capacity 4950 L (3860 Kg) internal.4000 L (3120 Kg) external
underneath the wings.
with 3 drop tanks (2x1600L + 1x800L)
(Photo: Pavel B).
Powerplant 1 × WS-10B afterburning turbofan engines, 89.17
kN (20,050 lbf) thrust dry, 142 kN (32,000 lbf) with
afterburner altitudes, matchless manoeuvrability and advanced integrated Electronic Warfare Suite; the aircraft
can take-on any contemporary aerial and ground threats with precision. Equipped with latest Bottom: The array of
Performance avionics such as modern AESA Radar and fully-fused sensor systems enabling employment of a PL missiles make the
dragons teeth sharp. The
Maximum speed Mach 1.8 variety of weapons, the aircraft is ideally suited for conduct of multi-domain operations. mission ready Dragon
Stall speed 200 km/h (120 mph, 110 kn) taxiis in front of the
Combat range 1,240 or 2,600 km (770 or 1,620 mi, 670 or 1,400 nmi) The J-10C Vigorous Dragon, a single-engine tactical fighter built by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation visiting guests of honour.
in Sichuan province. Developed in the 90s, the J-10 was similar in concept to the lightweight Belly (Photo: CWO Iftikhar
Ferry range 2,950 km (1,830 mi, 1,590 nmi) Muhammad).
Intake F-16 with some DNA from Canard LAVI - Israel’s cancelled fighter jet. Chinese military
Service ceiling 17,000 m (56,000 ft)
expert Fu Qianshi, recently revealed on a program that the J-10C had become the most feared 4.5
g limits +9/-3
Generation fighter in China’s “Golden Helmets” free air combat test in recent years. In the last three
Rate of climb 300 m/s (59,000 ft/min) years of the “Golden Helmets” exercise, the J-10C had repeatedly defeated the J-16 multirole fighter
Wing loading 381 kg/m2 (78 lb/sq ft) and the imported Su-35 air fighter, achieving a brilliant record.
Thrust/weight 1.05 (with Saturn AL-31FN3); 1.10 (with WS-10A)
The acquisition of modern, hi-tech. 4.5 generation semi-stealth J-10C ‘Vigorous Dragon’ into PAF
fleet in record time of less than eight months shows the commitment and resolve of the present PAF
leadership which has always remain the hallmark of this prestigious organization for decades. Not
only its flawless induction and integration into the PAF fleet, the introduction of new maintenance
concepts and revolutionary steps in bringing cultural change in handling new weapon system at the
flight lines, would surely go a long way in making the PAF ‘Second to None’.

coupled with collaboration with friendly

countries and indigenization campaigns.
Induction of J-10C, will endure, retention
of first shot capability to PAF, and that
is an important milestone for the PAF.”
The J-10s state-of-the-art AESA radar
and other components, including the
long-range PL-15 missile, would not
only boost operational capabilities but
also ensure desired technological edge
in the evolving global environment, the
Air Chief Marshal emphasized towards
the end of his speech.

The Vigorous Dragon

The 4.5 Generation J-10C is a multi
role fighter aircraft with extended long
range first-shot Beyond Visual Range
(BVR) capability. Owing to its excellent
performance in all flight regimes and

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22
SPECIAL REPORT

S T 202 2
Y PA
PA F F L

O R E . . .
AND M
On 23 March, 2022, the J-10C Dragon became
a household name. The Pakistan Day parade in the
federal capital this year saw the grandest fly past
ever, when ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief
of the Air Staff had two Vigorous Dragons flying on
his wings. The vigorous Dragons, which flew over

T
Islamabad, are the newest acquisitions from China. here were fewer nicer places to be this year on a sunny Then the guests, heads of State, Sqn. The nation’s pride, a formation
Running-in at 900 knots, the two single seat multi- spring Parade Day. The trees always looked particularly ambassadors, military attaches’, of four JF-17 Thunder of the No 26
role J-10C, crackled over Air Chief’s radio, riding fine early in the morning with the lush green grass and and families of mostly armed forces Sqn, known as the Black Spiders,
the F-16, call sign Shahbaz 1, “Shahbaz 1, this is the parade ground speckled with spring flowers under the personnel, threw their gazes towards winged their way across the Parade
soundtrack of the F-16s and the thunder of the JF-17s. The the right, to the approaching three Venue. Next, running in towards the
Shahbaz 2, it’s an honour to fly on your wings.”
Parade Day fly past this year was not just traditional, but historic ship formation of the fast and the venue was the formation of the lethal
Although, the call sign SHAHBAZ, is dedicated as well. Opening the flypast was Air Chief Marshal furious Mirages, from the No 25 Sqn. and dependable Mirage aircraft from
only to the Air Chief, but for the first time the two Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, The Mirage jet is notorious for a deep No 27 Sqn known as ‘Zarrars’. The
J-10C pilots were assigned the call signs Shahbaz Pakistan Air Force, in the F-16 Fighting Falcon Block strike attack role, delivering weapons Tigers from the No 17 Sqn chased
2 and Shahbaz 3, a unique privilege for the pilots of 52. Flying on his wings, with great aplomb, were the with utmost accuracy. Turning their the Mirages, close behind, flying in
the No 15 Sqn, which has been equipped with the two new J-10C fighter aircraft. The three jets split in heads to the right again, guests a diamond formation, in their ever-
J-10C fighter jets. a linear bomb burst manoeuvre and the CAS’s F-16 caught sight of one of the enemy’s dependable F-7PG aircraft.
climbed vertically overhead the parade venue biggest nightmares. Approaching
by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd) dispensing flares. It was an air to experience. the venue, were the Griffins, in four The most anticipated, the impatiently
state of the art F-16s of the No 9 awaited, the formidable, the hunter,
S.Khalil

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the Game Changer, the Right: Air boss of the
Vigorous Dragon, J-10C, Pakistan Air Force,
Air Chief Marshal
dazzled the audiences next. Zaheer Ahmed Babar
The J-10Cs participation Sidhu, remains the
was gratefully received. visual symbol of the
With waving flags and trust between the
continuous applause, a people and the air
force. (Photo: CWO
grateful Pakistani nation Iftikhar Muhammad).
paid a tribute to the airmen
who have done so much
to clear the skies over their
sovereign land. This was Centre: Adroitness,
pride and panache
the first time the J-10Cs
all packed in a single
were seen in action. These shot. (Photo: CWO
Vigorous Dragons belonged Iftikhar Muhammad).
to the No 15 Sqn, carrying
on the tradition of the
Bottom: The men
Cobras, the squadron that “You do not have to be an aviation
who in the decisive
has a history of astounding moment give us enthusiast to appreciate what we saw
the nation with heroism and freedom of the air: here today. The J-10s will make headlines
daring in the conflicts in The proud members
in the world’s grandest displays,” another
1965, 1971 and then again of Pak Day flypast
2022 who had the audience member said proudly.
in 2019, during Operation
honour to fly on the
Swift Retort. wings of their leader, After the fighter complement of the
ACM Zaheer Ahmed
Pakistan Air Force, the force multipliers
“The new jets flying on Baber Sodhu, CAS
PAF. (Photo: CWO rolled in. Presenting the fly past first
Parade Day celebrations
Iftikhar Muhammad). were the three AWACS, in a formation
were an amazing way
comprising one Karakoram Eagle - III of
to promote the modern
the No 4 Sqn and two SAAB-2000 of No
Pakistan Air Force and to
3 Sqn. These aircraft are well known to be
inspire future generations,”
the ‘Eyes and Ears’ of the PAF in air.
said a guest in the audience
while talking to the team of
Appearing on the horizon was a pleasing
Second to None.
sight, a formation of “Long range maritime
patrol Aircraft, P3C Orion”, which belonged
to No 28 Strike Squadron of Pakistan
Naval Aviation. Top: With ‘Vigorous Dragons’ on wings, the CAS, PAF approaches the saluting dais.
(PAF Archives).
The best was saved for the last. One of
Centre: As the two Dragons split, the CAS, PAF pulls up in a traditional salute-to-the-
the most amazing stunts flying by the
nation manoeuvre. (Photo: Awais Lali).
PAF pilots, who flew their aircraft closer
to the edge. Bottom: CAS, PAF F-16 climbs vertically defying the laws of gravity.
(Photo: PAF Archives).
A crowd’s favourite, the Sherdil team
returned to the parade venue taking flight
in their K-8 jets. Some of their manoeuvres
were basic aerobatics, others were
specialized steep turns and sudden pull
ups that seemed like playing laser tag in
the sky. For some in the audience, the
experience of watching the Sherdil turn
and roll was like watching a roller coaster
without rails.

Flying in next was Pakistan’s indigenous,

JF-17 Thunder jet. From adrenaline-
rushing combat flight manoeuvres, over
an awe-inspiring scenic and incredible

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1 2 4

landscape of the federal capital, the 1: The Parade Day celebrations had
Thunder was a show stopper. The everything aviation fans wanted to see.
Two Mirages perform ‘Zarrar’ sqn seen
performance was hands-on high in action over parade venue. (Photo:
adrenaline flying experience for the Awais Lali).
Thunder pilot, but those sharp turns,
rolls, and loops, made viewers sit on
2: Planes of fame from the No 25 Sqn.
the edge of their seats. (Photo: Awais Lali).

“We have seen amazing flying

before, but the PAF pilots make 3: The J-10C ‘Vigorous Dragons’ get top
billing on Parade Day over all other jets.
it seem unique and a once-in-a– (Photo: Awais Lali).
6

lifetime experience every year,”

said a university student after the
performance. 4: F-7 Ps of Shooter Sqn fly past the
parade venue. (Photo: Awais Lali).

The PAF prides itself on the

experience and professionalism and 5: The Tigers uphold the integrity of the
as one of the world’s top flight safety No 17 Sqn. (Photo: Awais Lali).
and combat aerobatics military
wing. 6: Black Spiders from the No 27 Sqn
wing their way over the Parade
ground. (Photo: Awais Lali).

3 7: Griffins shoot straight on

Parade Day. (Photo: Awais Lali).

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Members in the audience could feel the G force,
the thrill and the rush of the fighter jet flight when
the Fighting Falcon came in next, banking sharply
right in front of the guests at 900 knots, and then
pulling up and rolling over. “What a wild ride in one
of these magnificent warbirds, the Fighting Falcon,”
said another audience member. Prepared for some
awesome views, audiences nonetheless, held on tight
as the F-16 pilot experienced the G forces and a range

Top Left: Sherdils in a death

defying manoeuvre. (Photo:
Awais Lali).

Left: Sherdils operate

under strains of intense
gravitational forces. (Photo:
Awais Lali).

Top Right: A believable,

engaging action film.
(Photo: Awais Lali).

Top Right Inlet: The gut-

wrenching drops and spins
of those ferocious flights.
(PAF Archives).

Right: A J-10C Dragon

shocking audiences with
his prowess and daredevil
antics. (Photo: Awais Lali).

Right Page Inlet: Sqn Ldr

Sibtain Akhtar from No 14
Sqn flew the solo aerobatic
pilot of JF-17 Thunder.
(Photo: PAF Archives)

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 Pilot zig-zags the
F-16 across the sky
at stomach-churning
speeds. (Photo: Awais
Lali).

Below Inlet: Pushing the

boundaries of physics.
(Photo: PAF Archives).

Bottom Left: Pak Navy

Z-9C helicopter during
the flypast. (Photo:
Salman Falcon.pk).

Bottom Right:
‘Venomous Cobras’ of manoeuvres. The fighter pilot made everyone
of Pak Army Aviation. dream about how badly they all wanted to fly in a
(Photo: Salman Falcon. jet fighter and that it was something not yet firmly
pk).
ticked off from their bucket lists.
Inlet: Cockpit view of Wg
Cdr Affan Aslam’s F-16 The Pakistan Air Force ranks among the best not
over the parade venue. so much because it is large, but because it is so
experienced and well equipped with modern gear.
The PAF maintains a high level of readiness for any
challenge. Many of its pilots being some of the best
trained in the world, is one major reason for their
amazing success against seemingly impossible
odds. With this array of men and planes, and
especially after the induction of the state-of-the-art
Top Left: Dare Devil SSG personnel in their signature style.
J-10C fighter aircraft, the PAF will always be well
respected for its abilities and its attitude. Against Top: Right: ‘P-3C Orions’ of Pak Navy.
enormous odds, the can-do attitude remains the
same in those who serve today. Top Center: The dependable and reliable MI-17 of Pak Army.

Bottom Left: Pak Navy Sea King.

Bottom Right: The package of force multipliers on their way to saluting

dais.

(All Photos: Salman Falcon.pk).

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 Enter the
COVER STORY
It became apparent that the PAF needed a next generation aircraft and needed it fast. The
ageing aircraft had to be replaced with a more potent, reliable weapon system which could counter
the emerging threats, in case of any future eventuality. Luckily, keeping the challenges in mind,
the PAF has taken things into a new direction by acquiring the most suitable platform of present
times. Enter the Dragon. The J-10C ‘Vigorous Dragon’s’ unique design reflects the aircraft’s
mission. The large delta wing area, canards and full fly-by-wire characteristics, all contribute
to the J-10C’s excellent manoeuvrability particularly at low speeds. Its lethal fire power
and weapon-carrying capability will take
PAF’s operations to ever new heights. by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)
S.Khalil

Title Photo: History Beginning of a New Era

E
in the Making - Six
J-10C ‘Dragons’ arlier in March, a new shape Sqn Ldr Hakimullah, Sqn Ldr Farooq F the incoming Dragons, a tradition
on their way to took to the skies over Pakistan. Khan, Sqn Ldr Farooq Umar, Flt Lt Arif followed to welcome the arrival of
Kamra, Pakistan Six J-10Cs, bearing the tail Manzoor and Flt Lt Akhtar Rao, flew at new aircraft at a facility. Before Wg
from Chengdu, numbers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, his wings. Cdr Imtiaz Rahim could disembark
China, as they
and 106, entered Pakistan via PURPA and line-up his crew for presentation,
fly over mighty
Karakorum range (waypoint) on the north-eastern border Fast forward to 2022. Leading the he found Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
on a beautiful with China. Precise and lethal equipped formation of Dragons was OC No 15 Ahmed Baber Sidhu, climbing the
sunny day. (Photo: with canards, delta wing design, a Sqn, Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim Shehzada. ladder, to greet him. “Does the plane
No 15 Sqn). soaring 4.5 generation omni-role, all- Wg Cdr Bilal Raza, Sqn Ldr Jibran live up to our expectations?” asked the
weather-capable jet - PAF’s ‘Vigorous Rashid, Sqn Ldr Hasan Anees, Sqn Ldr smiling Air Chief.
Inlet: Armed-to- Dragon’ had arrived to safeguard the Zeeshan Muhammad, Sqn
the-teeth in Air future of the country for years to come. Ldr Ali Qasim, flew on the “I’ll have to admit, it is one of the best
Superiority role, The scenes were reminiscent of wings of their leader. fighter jets in the world. All the work
a J-10C Dragon the year 1968, when six French The formation is on we had been doing in China over the
seen in action at
Mirage fighters, tail numbers its way to Kamra from months, improving our tactics in the
Chengdu, China.
(Photo: Chinese ranging from 101 to 106 Chengdu. way we operate the platform, I can
Military Aviation). entered Pakistani air safely say that the capability that we
space. Leading the Back at PAF Base Minhas, have brought back with us is truly
formation was the air is rife with energy. phenomenal, far better than what we
Wg Cdr MM A sense of excitement expected, sir,” Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim
Alam. and pride runs through all, responded.
gathered at the occasion to
welcome the Dragons. All eyes It’s a significant investment, but in
glued towards the beginning of defence nothing comes cheap. The
the runway just to catch the first J-10C is a cutting-edge platform,
glance of Dragons about to appear moving the PAF into a new ball game
for landing. Assembled on the in terms of operational readiness, in
tarmac of the base is the senior terms of the nature of the platform the
leadership of PAF under its PAF was acquiring. When the Second
honourable leader, ACM Zaheer to None team spoke with ground
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the CAS crews and the pilots, it was fair to say
PAF. that the J-10C was a step in the right
direction, something that the PAF
Finally, the historic had been working towards for a long
moment had arrived. First time. It was just fantastic to see them
Dragon bearing Serial No 101, arrive, having travelled all the way
flown by Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim from China. It was a thing of beauty.
appeared on the scene. The
six J-10Cs touched down at Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed
PAF Base Minhas at Kamra. Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff,
Senior air officials observing Pakistan Air Force maintained that the
from the tarmac breathed a induction of the Dragons, highlighted
sigh of relief and applauded the the fact that the investments the
perfect landings. As the aircraft air force made in capabilities and in
appeared on the tarmac, a water capacity was significant. “The fact
canon salute was presented to that we will be flying the J-10C makes

33 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 34

 preparing backups for dropouts. Upon landing
in China, on 20 October, the crews were J10-C : Armament
quarantined in the city of arrival for 14 days. On
the second last day of the quarantine, Wg Cdr Guns 1× Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23
Imtiaz Rahim, tested positive. The rest were
cleared to depart to Chengdu, where they were Hardpoints 11 in total (6× under-wing, 2× under-intake and
quarantined for another two weeks. Wg Cdr 3× under-fuselage) with a capacity of 5600 kg of
Imtiaz Rahim spent, in all, 72 days in quarantine external fuel and ordnance
before he could join his teammates who had Rockets 90 mm unguided Rocket Pods
already started their training.
Missiles Air-to-Air Missiles Air-to-Surface Missiles
Training was focused specifically on operating PL-8 KD-88
the J-10C. “In Chengdu, we were basically PL-10 YJ-91
starting to learn how to fly this technologically PL-12
advanced jet, and then we went through all PL-15
the different mission sets and basic skills,”
Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim said. Most of the
pilot’s instructions came on the ground, in
the classrooms followed by pilots practicing
the aircraft’s most unique capabilities in an
advance simulator. Language was a major
barrier, which the PAF crew overcame with the
help of an interpreter.

After classes, PAF pilots used to sit down to

reconcile information on their own. No time to
enjoy and see China. They were trained directly
by the original equipment manufacturers
(OEM), and by Chinese counterparts with
perhaps a few more flying hours under their
belts. Few days of theoretical sessions were
followed by quizzes. During training it was
crucial that pilots got comfortable executing
J-10C’s maneuvers. Hence, simulator training
started in detail, learning avionics, switchology,
feel of controls was extremely realistic, engine
Top: A Dragon seen handling, response of controls - allowing to
in action at PAF recreate emergencies and procedures in the
a statement that PAF, has significant defence Minhas. (Photo: aircraft that really simulate what it would be like
capability and is willing to do its part in the world, CWO Iftikhar to fly in a real J-10C.
and is willing to meet its obligations,” the Air Chief Muhammad).
said during the arrival ceremony of the jets at Each PAF pilot had to complete prescribed
PAF Base Minhas, where the enthusiasm was Left: A Dragon pilot number of sorties in the simulator as minimum
contagious. A Fighting Falcon F-16 from No 9 Sqn ‘Griffins’ escorted the Dragons as they
lights After-Burner syllabus requirement, only then they could be
entered the Paksitani airspace. (Photo: No 9 Sqn).
(AB) producing allowed in the new jet. Anything they could
Taming the Dragon more than 29000
lbs of thrust
To get trained on J-10Cs and later ferry the during the take-
Dragons from China, a team of professionals off roll. (Photo:
including both pilots and ground crew, were short- CWO Iftikhar
listed. Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim Shahzada, who has Muhammad).
flown F-16s and Mirages was given the honour of
leading the contingent to China in October 2021. Right: PAF’s
His team boasted skilled F-16, JF-17 and Mirage Pointed Tip of
pilots, familiar with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) the Spear- PAF’s
and had AI exposure. first group of
officers which
got converted on
Following strict covid protocols, the team the Dragons pose
travelled in three groups over a span of three with the Dragons. A Sight to Watch - Six J-10C ‘Dragons’
weeks. Gp Capt Azkaar from Project Dragon (Photo: Chinese during ferry flight from China crossing
handled logistics, overseeing departure Military Aviation). over the mighty Karakorum range.
formalities, flight cancellations due to covid, (Photo: No 15 Sqn).

35 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 36

 Arriving Home - A Dragon in foreground
enters the tarmac as another one clears ups. We were expected to catch
the runway in the background. on to material we were taught
(Photo: CWO Ifikhar Muhammad). really quickly, the learning curve
had definitely been pretty steep,”
Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim recalled.
The instructors worked over
time, gave up a week of Chinese
New Year holidays to train PAF
pilots - no compromises to
achieve minimum standards.

The First Mission

After all the tedious ground work
- learning about aerodynamics,
aircraft systems, navigation
and instrument flying, it was
time to get a feel of the jet. PAF Since the PAF airmen had not
crews spent two days climbing flown for a long period and they
into the cockpit, strapping up needed to regain their flying
and developing equipment currency. They jumped into
familiarization. Each pilot K-8s to get used to the Gs, get
performed ground starts, after currency and understand wind
start procedures, followed by patterns and operating areas.
shut down, slow/medium taxi Before stepping foot in the
came later. some of the pilots J-10C cockpit, student pilots
do in an aircraft they could programme in the PAF, and to be needed to familiarize themselves
in the simulator – max rate at the leading edge of that is real progressed while the remaining
continued on the simulator. with the gear needed to operate
turns, vertical climbs weapon privilege and real delight,” Wg Cdr the J-10C, in their custom- Top: A group of eleven pilots became
employment techniques etc. Bilal Raza added, enthusiastic to the first ever batch to convert on to
“Finally, we had all the gear on, made G suits to fit the Dragons. (Photo: Chinese Military
feel how it would handle in the perfectly. Last Aviation).
“A lot of people underestimate air, and wanting to experience its and after months of
preparation, it was but not the
the amount of work it takes to agility and manoeuvrability. least, the Top Centre: A drone view of the Dragons
time to go flying.
become a pilot, and a fighter J10-C : Bombs Of course, a thorough pilots learnt lined up on tarmac showing off their
extended delta wing and canards.
pilot specifically. A one-hour At Chengdu, it was the job of to utilize
flight, even in a simulator might Chinese instructors to teach Laser-Guided Bombs LT-2 briefing before flight, and (Photo: Chinese Military Aviation).

mean up to several additional PAF pilots how to fly the J-10C supervisor checks were
Glide Bombs LS-6, GB3, GB2A, GB3A performed so that everything Bottom: Armed to the Teeth - A Dragon
hours of briefing, gearing from scratch. The Chinese were shows off its variety of weapons during
Satellite-Guided was in order in order before
up, flight inspections, and nervous, at first, fearing the guest FT-1 Zhuhai Air Show. (Photo: Chinese
Bombs getting airborne.” Wg Cdr Imtiaz Military Aviation).
debriefings, not to mention the crew would not be able to hack it.
Unguided Bombs Rahim said.
hours spent studying/preparing “This wasn’t like college where we 250 kg, 500 kg
for each mission,” said Wg Cdr could get through with minimum
Others:
Bilal Raza emphasizing on the passing grades. We had to attain Up to 3 external fuel drop-tanks (1× under-fuselage, 2× under-wing)
importance of training. almost 100% to qualify in each for extended range and loitering time
and every phase, there were no let
Finally, the day arrived when the
crew had the opportunity to have As the first Dragon Tail No 22-101
the first look at the aircraft. The entered the tarmac after landing, it was
PAF crew were in awe of the jet presented by a water cannon salute
when they first set their eyes during the induction ceremony at PAF
on the Dragon. First thing they Minhas. (Photo: CWO Iftikhar).
noticed was its huge size, the
slightly different shape and Its
looks as compared to weapon
systems they had already flown.
“It was a fantastic feeling and we
were in love with the bird on first
sight,” Wg Cdr Bilal Raza said.

“It’s one of the world’s most

advanced fighter aircraft and
we’re lucky to be a part of that

37 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 38

 the most technologically advanced Top: A beautiful
piece of equipment, their helmets. line up of Dragons
on tarmac during
The pilot’s Heads-Up Display was the induction
J10-C : Avionics directly projected on the visor rather
than just at the front of the cockpit.
ceremony.
(CWO Iftikhar
Type 1473H pulse-doppler fire control radar This allowed pilots to easily view key Muhammad).
data such as altitude, air speed and
Externally mounted avionics pods: direction and even select multiple Left Top: First to
targets and shoot. “Since the jet enter the tarmac
K/JDC01A targeting pod helps us so much, flying becomes
Top Left: Topped-up in Air Defence role, a Dragon shows-off was J-10Cs No
Type Hongguang-I infra-red search and track pod its lethal arsenal during a training sortie at China. (Photo: second nature. That way we can 101 flown by
China Military). focus on all the information that the Wg Cdr Imtiaz
Rahim. (Photo:
CM-802AKG targeting pod for KD-88 and YJ-91 plane is giving us,” Wg Cdr Imtiaz
CWO Iftikhar
Rahim elaborated. Muhammad).
Bottom: Smooth Landings has always been the hallmark of
KG600 electronic countermeasure pod PAF pilots. Shown in the photo is the J-10C making a full-
stop landing at PAF Minhas during the Induction ceremony. “It’s amazing to be in a 4.5 generation
Blue Sky navigation/attack pod (Photo: CWO Iftikhar Muhammad). semi-stealth fighter, kind of tip of the Left Centre: Air
Chief Marshal
spear. It’s a heavily weighted aircraft,
Zaheer Ahmed
in terms of combat power, that the Baber Sidhu, CAS
PAF brings to the fight,” Sqn Ldr PAF meeting the
Jibran Rashid said. officers of the
first batch of
J-10C. (Photo:
One part of history was achieved
CWO Iftikhar
when Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim flew the Muhammad).
first solo sortie of the Dragon. “A lot
of the challenge was trying to absorb
all the information the jet is giving Left Bottom: Air
Chief Marshal
you, operate all the sensors and
Zaheer Ahmed
the systems at the same time and Baber Sidhu, CAS
fly, the feeling was enormous,” the PAF meeting the
team leader said. All the PAF pilots ground crew of No
enjoyed basic handling, confidence 15 Sqn. (Photo:
CWO Iftikhar
building manoeuvres in advanced
Muhammad).
handling missions, in clean and
tanked configuration both. This was
followed by training of air combat
tactics and instructor training for
some of the PAF aircrew.

39 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 40

 The crews were taken aback general steep turns, building Dragons Ferry Bottom: Dragon with him. Climbed up to cruise
after engaging afterburner (AB). up Gs gradually, performing After six months of trials and on Display - Owing height followed the planned
to its remarkable
The kick was bigger than the straight in approach, accessed tribulations, it was time to ferry features and
route. “It was a proud day, proud
F-16. “There was an unbelievable information through voice the first batch of six J-10C potent capabilities, moment for all of us. We knew
amount of thrust when I opened commands such as requesting Dragons, back home. From here the J-10C Dragon that we were making history,
up the after burner for the first fuel state, hands on throttle and on, life would never be the same. would remain in the feeling was nostalgic. The
time. The J-10C can produce 29, stick (HOTAS) on most actions, The crew set down to plan the the spotlight in ferry was eventless, the weather
PAF for times to
000 lb thrust, which is 10,000 instrument approach, close ferry mission in minutest details. come. (Photo:
was good. As we entered the
lbs excess thrust than the JF-17 pattern, low go, and deploying They needed answers to all Hassan Naeem, Karakorums we were amazed
produces and as much power drag shoot and making a full the questions, what selecting Channeltek). to see the beauty of the
as two and a half Mirages stop landing comfortably within diversionary airfields, protocols landscape. We flew abreast
put together. A single Mirage 3, 500 to 4, 000 ft on a 7,500 ft in case of emergency, what is the K-2, towering 28000 feet
Right Page Above:
produces 14, 000lb thrust,” Sqn runway. the enroute weather like etc. plus the second highest peak
PLAAF (Air Force)
Ldr Jibran Rashid said. The Crossing over the Karakorum Multi-role, 4.5 of the world. As soon as the six
speed increment was so fast “It was historic and emotional range was no easy job, it needed Gen J-10C Dragon J-10C jets entered Pakistani
that post take-off procedures for Pakistanis and Chinese perfect and flawless planning shows off its sleek air space, an escort F-16 from
had to be executed in rapid both when we landed safely which the crew did. Finally, came design as it taxiis No 9 Sqn ‘Griffins’, joined the
back from a night Left: Chinese WS-
succession to remain with the for the first time. We the ferry day. The aircraft were formation of the Dragons. 10 engine could
training sortie.
aircraft. were presented with topped up with required fuel (Photo: Chinese “Welcome back boys,” the pilot produce thrust in
bouquets,” Wg Cdr Bilal and three external tanks each Military Aviation). of the Fighting Falcon, call sign excess of 29000
Once in the air, handling the Raza said. were fitted to the ferry aircraft. Griffin-1 said over the radio. Bit
jet was not the most difficult Six Dragons under Wg Cdr of a homecoming for the PAF. lbs during take-off
aspect, Wg Cdr Bilal Raza said Imtiaz Rahim started up and As soon as we established and whenever
needed during
adding, “It is actually a really headed for the take-off point. radio contact with Pakistani
combat in air. Seen
easy plane to fly, After Burners on, six aircraft ATC radar we were greeted in photo is PLAAF
the aircraft comes started to roll on the Chengdu enthusiastically. “Dragon-1, (Air Force) Dragon
with Voice Recognition runway, off to motherland. welcome home,” replied the taking-off from
Capability which makes Getting airborne, the leader ground controller on radio. Chengdu, China.
(Photo: Chinese
your life much easy.” looked around to see if the
Military Aviation).
rest of his section were The six new jets, tail numbered
Nonetheless, the pilots flew from 101 to 106, landed at PAF
at 26, 000 ft, did Base Minhas at Kamra, the Left Centre: A
material and logistical base of PLAAF (Air Force)
the new No 15 Sqn. The PAF J-10C Dragon
with Rocket pods
crews had achieved a milestone under wings taxiis
that very few others could. back after a dusk
sortie at Chengdu.
Tremendous investment had (Photo: China
been made at Kamra, which has Military).
been a key base for many years.
A fantastic new chapter in the Left Bottom: A
country’s military capabilities PLAAF (Air Force)
and history. What it said in many J-10C Dragon gets
ways is that after the induction ready for a night
sortie at Chengdu,
of this state-of- China. (Photo:
the-art, modern China Military).
and potent weapons
system, the PAF is
now operating in a
much stronger and
more efficient manner,
thanks to these
Dragons.

41 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 42

EXCLUSIVE

A D a y W i t h t h e The news of the induction of the latest, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capable,
stealthy, 4.5 generation J-10C ‘Vigorous Dragon’, into the No 15 Sqn of PAF
remained the top trend in mainstream and social media platforms during the
month of March this year. As the nation wanted to know more about the new
weapon system of the PAF, the team of ‘Second
to None’ decided to visit the Unit and bring out
for the readers, the firsthand information
from the people at the helm of affairs.
Meeting the resolute, professional and
highly motivated personnel of the elite
No 15 Sqn left no doubt in our minds that
the defence of the nation is and will
remain in the safe hands of these
proud guardians of skies.

by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI(M) (Retd)

T
oday, No 15 Sqn, is the PAF’s new pointy tip of the
spear. It is different from other PAF sqns because
of the unique aircraft it operates. Its newest

A Salute to Dragon Operators

acquisition, the J-10C is a powerful platform, the PAF is
proud of. It doesn’t need to fly treetop level, too low to be
detected by enemy radar. To conceal itself, the Dragon
All Photos Air Cdre Muhammad Ali relies on stealth technology and has advanced weapon
(Retd) & CWO Iftikhar Muhammad. delivery capabilities, with a refueling probe that extends
its combat range. J-10C has fully integrated weapons,
avionics and EW suite that make it a potent weapon
system under the contemporary environment of modern
warfare. The jet is configured with top class weapons,
the PL15 missile and variety of standoff precision
munitions, advanced radar, enabling it to detect, engage,
and destroy targets at long range in air-to-air and air-to-
surface domains. With multi role capabilities, the J-10C
aircraft, will revolutionize PAF’s operational thought,
ensuring impregnable defence of the nation.

The most distinguished capability the No

15 Sqn has, is the precision and the
accuracy of the fire power it

43 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 44

 can deliver. And of course, one of its fly the PAF’s brand new jets that can be Right: ‘Men
most striking features are the pilots in used across all theatres of conflicts. Who Matter the
Most’- A group
the squadron. This is what brought Specialized for the delivery of pin of ground crew
the team of ‘Second to None’ to the point fire power, the J-10C is capable wearing their
‘Home of Cobras’ on a fine March of things that pilots of the 50s and 60s newly designed
morning this year. Majority of only dreamed of. Able to withstand outfits inspect
pilots and the ground crew of No nine times the force of gravity and a Dragon at the
flight lines.
15 Sqn that greeted the ‘Second ready to strike anywhere, anytime with
to None’ team were part to of precision gives the J-10C a unique
the first contingent that had gone edge over its contemporaries. Once
through of gruelling training of J-10C airborne, pilots were at the controls
at Chengdu China. of a supercomputer completing
thousands of operations per second,
The Aircraft all while travelling at speeds faster
As we got settled in the office of the than sound. The massive engine Right Centre:
Officer Commanding, No 15 Sqn, it Above: A young officer output was over 29, 000 lbs of thrust. Mechanical
was the time for an informal chat of the unit proudly “Kind of like being shot out of a gun, Aircraft Tow
displaying the newly Device (QW-15)
with the men at the helm of affairs. wakes you up, gets your adrenaline
designed patch of the is the new
“It’s no ordinary combat aircraft. sqn. going,” said Wg Cdr Bilal Raza of No addition to the
It’s a supersonic high-performance 15 Sqn. Cobras flight
super computer with wings,” said the Left Above: Wg Cdr lines.
squadron’s new commander, Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim is the first “Open power and it’s like the plane goes
Imtiaz Rahim Shahzada. The J-10C officer commanding
through a transformer sequence,”
of J-10C equipped No Right Bottom:
is currently the most modern weapon 15 Sqn. described Sqn Ldr Jibran Rashid Sqn Ldr Jibran
system of the PAF. This omni-role jet of No 15 Sqn while talking to our Rashid poses
can engage targets in the air, land and Left Centre: ‘Home of team. Airborne maneuverability and with Dragon at
on sea, armed with air-to-air missiles Cobras’- Entrance of visibility were excellent, as well as the the Cobras flight
No 15 Sqn HQs that lines.
and various combinations of guided payload range, the other fighter pilots
houses a group of
and un-guided bombs/ missiles. young, resolute and of the squadron described. “Voice
Stationed at their headquarters, their professional fighter Recognition System available to pilot Left Page
jobs are clearly defined. The Cobras pilots. in the cockpit is also a huge plus. It Bottom: If Looks
can breach time and space far helps the pilot talk to the aircraft and Could Kill- Sleek
Left Bottom: Cobras and futuristic
differently than any other air force in get the various information required
Legacy- Aesthetically design is the
the region. They can escalate quickly, curated history room like fuel state, radio channel change hallmark of
telling the enemy, to stop there and takes the visitors down etc,” said Wg Cdr Bilal Raza with a J-10C Dragon.
then, and quickly de-escalate, which is memory lane as they smile.
also equally important. enter the HQ building.
Introduction of low observable
Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim is technology has changed the way war
part of the small group is waged from the air. Pilots feel they
of pilots entrusted to

00
45 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 00
46
 Left: Its All
About Team
Work- Wg Cdr
Imtiaz Rahim
along with
the team of
Engineering
officers and
ground crew.

Centre: Wg
Cdr Imtiaz
Rahim poses
with young
Dragons before
proceeding to
an operational
training
mission.

Bottom: Long
have more space to operate on their lasting trust
own terms - changes that are taking and mutual
respect are
place to make airmen more lethal during turn the J-10 and fire weapons before it can or turn Top Left: A J-10C shows off its sleek design as it takes off from base.
some of the
battle. “The Dragon is a ghost in the traits that go tail and run. Problem is if the enemy turns and runs,
sky, meaning that it’s almost invisible a long way he’s running into PL-15’s trap,” said a young officer at Centre: What a Sight- A No. 15 Sqn pilot heads towards J-10C for a training
to radar, which has been a nemesis to between the the sqn. mission.
strike aircraft since long. The aircraft
is taller compared with the low seated The first time the PAF pilots flew the J-10C that’s when
JF-17,” Sqn Ldr Jibran Rashid said. The they really started to appreciate what the new weapon Bottom: Wearing the newly designed coverall and wireless super sound-
cockpit is not congested and the jet is pilots and proof headsets , a Marshaller directs the incoming Dragon to its parking
ground crew.
system can do for them. The Helmet Mounted Display
spot.
powered by one of the best, thoroughly (HMD), enhanced situational awareness, offering the
Seen in photo
tested, WS-10 Chinese engines. is a ‘crew same overlay in all directions as the Heads-Up Display
chief’ helping (HUD), with complete weapon envelope available.
The squadron pilots were proud of the the pilot in “Every detail is displayed on the helmet visor with every
Dragon’s survivability in a contested boarding the
aircraft.
turn of the head when looking outside the cockpit. The
environment. This involves the J-10C weapon is looking in the same direction as the pilot –
avoiding threats using standoff look, lock, shoot,” said Sqn Ldr Jibran Rashid.
weapons from longer ranges combined
with updated tactics. The aircraft can It all looks graceful and beautiful but what many do
send weapons to different targets not see is all the practice and repetition that goes
with one button push whereas before into making it look that way. Flight operations in a
it took a lot of pilot’s workloads. The new aircraft are notoriously tough, said Sqn Ldr Bilal
combination of J-10’s tight turn radius Raza, “If you’re not focused and prepared you won’t
and array of PL missiles allows no last in this business very long.” Fighter pilot, the
chance to aggressive enemy fighters. words convey something in the spirit that lies in our
squadrons, something young and vigorous, decisive,
“If an enemy jet finds itself in close wanting action at once and finding its expression in
quarters of J-10, its left to choose the struggle going on every day in air. These young
between two difficult options – out men won’t just be watching a movie such as Top Gun
or Iron Eagle, they’ll be starring in it, in their futuristic
jets that would prove to be the frontline PAF jet that
would rival the most high-tech fighters of today.

Futuristic Flight Lines

During the visit, the Second to None team witnessed
some new protocols being introduced at the flight
lines for maintenance and handling of
the newly inducted weapon system. On
enquiry, we were told that ACM Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the CAS PAF has
given a new vision of ‘Model Flight Line’,

00
47 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 00
48
in line with the dictates of any the aircraft while remaining in Center: Sqn Ldr
modern air force. During the visit conversation with the pilot all the Adnan getting
ready for a
we saw the practical manifestation time during parking sequence. mission.
of that vision unfolding in its true This was another modern gadget
letter and spirit. “This vision has been introduced with the new
brought about a positive cultural weapon system that would also Bottom: A Cobra
change, the way the flight lines lands back after a
be adopted by other PAF sqns in routine operational
would now operate. Based on due course of time. training mission.
modern and practical concepts
of maintaining/ handling the
At the flight lines we observed
aircraft, the ground crew would Right: Armed to
that Operational readiness of the Teeth - displaying
now operate more efficiently,” Wg
Dragon was given the highest its lethal arsenal
Cdr Imtiaz Rahim, OC No 15 Sqn
priority. There were various of BVR domain, a
said. The visuals at the flight lines PLAAF (Air Force)
were impressive. The ground crew experts for the new aircraft,
J-10C seen in
that can easily be dubbed as the mechanical and electronic action at Chengdu,
‘Soldiers of the Weapons’ were specialists seen in action China. (Photo:
seen on duty in their new ‘Half everywhere. The squadron’s China Military).

Sleeve Coveralls’. These resilient technical groups moved into

men of No 15 Sqn in their smart position high-tech electronic Right Page Bottom:
and practical new gear looked devices to keep the modern Wg Cdr Imtiaz
more impressive as compared combat aircraft mission Rahim leading the
ready at all times. As soon as first ferry of J-10C
to their earlier turnouts. When it
aircraft from China.
came to pulling the aircraft out of the pilots brought back their
the pen, we were amazed to see Dragons after routine
a mechanical towing machine, missions, the ground
formally known as ‘Aircraft Tow crew headed by their
Device’ (QW-15) doing that instead Engineering officers
of ground crew manually pulling immediately took
the aircraft. We were glad to know the jets into shelters
that with the modern weapon use to operate in 70’s. It is easy to operate and easy towhole nation. Later the unit was active Top Inlet: Artist
for inspection, Rehan Siraj tribute
system also comes the advanced maintain, really a pleasure to work on this beauty. The in the 1965 and 1971 wars achieving
performing post flight to No 15 Sqn.
and sophisticated maintenance ‘Wireless Testers’ and ‘Auto Analysis Software’ make three more aerial kills. More recently, the The foreground
checks. Coupled with
protocols. our lives very easy to detect, analyze and rectify the squadron provided the main offensive painting depicts
visual inspection, an
faults during post flight inspections,” said Sqn Ldr Ejazeffort during Operation Swift Retort, on 27 the newly acquired
electronic inspection Dragon firing a
In the meanwhile, we saw a Ahmed, the Senior Engineering Officer of No 15 Sqn. February, 2019 when its Mirages struck
was also carried out BVR while the
Dragon taxiing back to flight He goes on to tell us that F-16s even does not have the enemy positions using stand-off previous weapons
using the smart and
lines after completing an this capability of auto analyses which gives J-10C a weapons with pin point accuracy. Another systems flypast in
sleek looking Laptops
operational training mission. remarkable edge over its contemporaries. In short, we interesting factor which got our attention the background.
connected to aircraft.
As the Dragon approached the could feel the sense of responsibility, in depth technical
was the presence of the portrait of ACM
parking bay, we once again understanding and conscientious work, which are Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in the line-up Bottom: A historic
“It’s an advance
observed something new. A basic requirements in any modern maintenance unit, of Officer Commandings in the honour photo of ferry
weapon system far
smartly turned out ‘Marshaller’ were all seen in their true meaning at the Dragon’s flight
board of No 15 Sqn. On further enquiry, flight of J-10C to
ahead of the other Pakistan.
wearing super soundproofed lines. it was revealed to us that the honourable
Chinese systems we (Photo: PAF
wireless headsets marshalled CAS has commanded the Cobras from Archives).
Cobras Glorious Past Dec 2003 to Jul 2005, a unique honour for
No 15 Sqn also known as the ‘Cobras’, have a glorious the No 15 Sqn, indeed.
history of service to Pakistan during war and peace.
As you enter the main Headquarter building of No 15
Sqn, a feel of pride grasps you right from the start.
Aesthetically curated corridors depicting the proud
history of the unit takes the visitors deep down the
memory lane. As one side of foyer area depicts the
portraits of gallant shaheeds, the other displays the
battle colour awarded to the sqn during its remarkable
services to the nation during wars. It has the unique
distinction of first kill on 10 April, 1959, when Flt Lt
Muhammad Younis, shot down an IAF Canberra over
Rawalpindi, making the Eid day more special for the

49 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 50

Chinese built WS-10 engine
generates enormous thrust
in excess of 29000 lbs for
the Dragon.
(Photo: snapperscrew)

While talking to the team of Second PAF has always been

to None towards the end of the visit, fully motivated and trained
Wg Cdr Imtiaz Rahim was very proud to deter any misadventure and
about the new induction. He said
“No 15 has a unique honour having
aggression regardless of the quantum
of the threat. Induction of this weapon
Cobra’s Legacy
scored the first kill for Pakistan Air system will enhance PAF’s capability
Force. When the time comes, No 15 to deal with contemporary aerial Ever since its inception,
Sqn, being equipped with this aircraft warfare. We are confident that the Cobras have produced
will be on the forefront in defence of personnel of No 15 Sqn, will ensure men of valour, courage
the country. It’s a beautiful jet, highly swift induction/ integration of the A Venomous cobra welcomes you as you Above: Right from the Sci-fi - Specially and excellence. Besides
enter the No 15 Sqn HQ building. designed helmets equipped with Helmet
maneuverable, highly powerful, Dragons into the PAF fleet, upholding the legacy of its glorious
Mounted Display (HMD) gives an extra
but most of all being a 4.5 Gen jet Pakistan Air Force’s legacy and the edge to the pilots while taming the Shuhada and Ghazis, the
it is unrivaled and unparalleled in PAF will continue to live up to the Dragons.
the region. Its induction is a game expectations of the nation. No 15 Sqn is also proud of
changing event”. Bottom: Comradeship is the hallmark of the very few who have made
No 15 Sqn combat aircrew. Sqn pilots
it to the top, becoming the
pose with their commander, Wg Cdr
Imtiaz Rahim. leader of this prestigious
force. Besides ACM
Abbass Khattak and ACM
Rao Qamar Suleman, the
present CAS, ACM Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu is also
a proud member of Cobras
who commanded this unit
from December 2003 to
July 2005.

00
51 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 00
52
SPECIAL FEATURE

What does it take to strip down, overhaul and reassemble, one of the world’s most dashing
fighter? It takes hundreds of professionals, expertise, precision and intuition, pushing everyone
to the limit. At the MRF, the major overhaul of Mirage is performed utilizing specified tools and
even cleaning is a specialized job. Once the Mirage is dismantled and de-painted, the teams
check the airplane structure for damage right down to the last screw. At the same time engineers
perform any repairs needed on the wings, landing gears, flaps and engine. It’s not like a Microsoft
package off the shelf. It’s like an aircraft model kit with different parts made across nine different
establishments, all under the umbrella of the MRF.

by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)

S. Khalil
The newly-overhauled aircraft is ready to return to duty, as the MRF personnel
tow it to the parking bay. (All Pics PAF Archives/MRF).

D
assault Mirage is one of the most famous fighter jets
of the air forces around the world - for pursuit, attack
and reconnaissance. It can fly at double the speed
of sound and is renowned for high levels of reliability and
versatility. In PAF, the Mirage has always been considered
the backbone for decades. However, every ten years, at the
very least, or after 2,000 flying hours, every Mirage has to
clear its schedule for an important job - a Grand Visit (GV) or
a complete overhaul. It all starts with ferrying the Mirages to
the Mirage Rebuilt Factory (MRF), expert at jet maintenance
and overhauling. During this time, engineers dismantle the
entire fighter jet and specialists check the ejection seat, the
skin and perform engine checks. All of this in nine months, at
the MRF PAC Kamra, less than an hour drive from Islamabad.

How it All Started

PAF made a contract to induct Mirage aircraft in 1967.
The first ferry flight of six aircraft under the leadership
of legendary Air Cdre MM Alam (then a Wg Cdr) arrived
from France to Pakistan on 8 Mar 1968. While the initial
arrangements for F-6 overhauling had started to take shape,
the need was also felt to establish a similar facility for the
newly inducted Mirages. The overhaul cost of the Mirage
aircraft from France was exorbitant and the process was
time consuming. In 1975, the first aircraft became due for
overhaul in France, at a cost of $1 million per airframe and
$0.17 million for each of its engines. With overhaul
dates of Mirage fleet approaching fast and
the astronomical expenditures associated
with overhauls from France, efforts to
establish an in-country overhaul
facility for the PAF Mirages
were initiated in 1974, under
‘Project-741’. It was
subsequently shaped
into the Mirage
R e b u i l d
Factory.

Humble Beginnings - DG Aero Project, Air Cdre SH. M. Saeed giving

field presentation on 20 Sep, 1976. (Photo: MRF )

53 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 54

 Above: Sqn Ldr
Naveed from
the No 50 Sqn
switches off
engine after a
successful taxi
run.

the leadership of Gp Capt Najamul Hasnain, Chief Top Left: Looks

Wg Cdr GM Siddiqui, who was reassurance, which encouraged like a brand new
Engineer at MRF, carries out the initial inspections in
appointed as first director, MRF, the PAF to acquire used Mirages aircraft- A freshly
minutest of details. “Once we strip down the plane, we overhauled Mirage
Kamra, recommended a suitable from all available sources in the
kick into the inspection mode,” Najamul Hasnain said, taxiis back after
site, where the F-6 facilities were world.
while talking to the team of ‘Second to None’ that visited the first FCF
already under construction. In mission.
the facility in January this year. In nine months, the jets
1975, under its first Director The MRF presently comprises
have to be ready for take-off and return to its squadron.
General, Air Cdre SM Saeed, nine wings, one each for the Left Centre:
Different teams work simultaneously on every part of the At MRF, the
the establishment became the overhaul of aircraft, engine,
PAF. In 2000, used Mirage IIIs Top Left: Wg Cdr plane. All of them work in sync, which is why they depend technicians take
first factory to start production components and accessories. Sarwar Imam, a mega pit stop. At Dock No 2, it had been
were acquired from Lebanon. on each other. Its like a well coordinated team work where their job very
in 1978, and accomplished The factory was also being DC Structure taken apart and looked quite different than seriously.
They were also overhauled and every member knows its responsibilities and importance
complete domestic overhaul of readied to overhaul the F-16 Repair Wing, MRF,
we might imagine. It was on its grandest
brought into service, enhancing points inside the of meeting the desired timelines.
the first Mirage jet in February, engines, and to expand its visit, as the ground crews called it, or GV-III, Bottom: Wings,
the strength of the PAF’s Mirage fuselage of an fins, nose, all
1980. The initiative gave the PAF manufacturing facilities to its third overhaul after 32 years of service.
fleet. Some of the Libyan Mirage aircraft extensively On the disassembly line, 12 Mirage jets can be docked, come off on the
the added advantage of achieving make parts for the airframes damaged after fire. The abbreviation ‘GV’ stands for a French
V, inducted in 2004, were made where they were seen in different phases of disassembly disassembly line.
a nucleus of training manpower and engines of all fighters and word ‘Grande Visite’, that involves major
air-worthy and the remaining and build-up. The Mirage V PA2 from No 8 Sqn, had
for future undertakings. Since trainers in the PAF inventory as inspection and overhaul of the Mirage
reduced to spares. Top Right: The clocked more than 2, 000 flying hours and it was time for
then, the MRF never faltered in well as those of some friendly aircraft. The entire PAF Mirage fleet has
complexities of
keeping the PAF’s fleet in the countries. undergone two overhaul cycles of GV-I and
best possible shape. In fact, the
Nine Months Cycle radar wiring inside
After the aircraft has arrived at the the nose of the GV-II at the MRF.
aircraft and engine overhaul The first package of the aircraft.
MRF from the flying squadron,
capabilities available at the MRF Australian Mirages, consisting
the first job is to put it in the
remained a source of a sizable number of aircraft,
hanger at an assigned dock. The Bottom: The only
components, spares and engines,
airplanes are lifted on jacks, Original Equipment
was acquired in 1990. These Manufacturer
similar to ones you have in cars,
planes were overhauled (OEM) certified
only much bigger later, a team of
and brought into service, facility in the world
engineers and technicians under to rebuild the
adding two squadrons to
Mirage.
the Mirage fleet of the
Director Projects WC GM Siddiqui conducting site survey
of MRF on 15 Jan 1975

55 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE S E C O N D T O N O NSE E C O N D T O N O N E PAF M agaz in e 56

Need for GVs 1 2 1. President of
The complete Mirage has been Pakistan, Fazal
Elahi Chouhdary
the backbone of PAF strike force Inaugurating Mirage
since long. The nation witnessed Rebuild Factory on
it’s capabilities, recently, in Feb 14 May 1978.
2019 during Ops Swift Retort.
First of all, I want to acknowledge 2. Role out ceremony
of A/C No. 101 on 20
and pay tribute to the services Feb 1980.
rendered by our pioneering team
of officers, airmen and civilians 3. Roll Out ceremony
who, over decades, have worked of UAE air force
tirelessly in keeping this weapon aircraft on 25 Sep 88.
“With the expected phase out of 3 4
system up in the skies,” said Air
the Mirage fleet in the near future, 4. Roll out Ceremony
Cdre Saquib Niazi, who is the of 67-101 after GV-III
the PAF needed a maintenance
Managing Director (MD) Mirage on 5 Jan 2005.
package that could keep the
Rebuild Factory (MRF).
Mirage fleet operational. A revised Bottom: Huge
maintenance package named Responsibility -
Air Cdre Saquib Niazi, said that
‘Mini GV’ was implemented in Managing Director
Pakistan was the only country Mirage Rebuild
consultation with the Original
where these versions of the Factory Air Cdre
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Mirage had been retained in Saquib Niazi
It provided almost half the elaborates on the
service beyond the lifespan of
evolution of the MRF.
GV-II. The PAF needed its Mirage
fleet to fly for some more time. GV was introduced, which had been this particular aircraft in the specified mandatory requirement for supporting
Being the center of sustenance implemented since 2012, after time so that it can return to the unit. This aircraft overhaul. The Components
for the PAF Mirages, the MRF consultation with the OEM,” MD MRF also meant a whole lot of time pressure. Overhaul Facility has continued to go
was once again entrusted elaborated. The team had gotten to work right away. through the modernization process.
with the task to find a solution. lease of life compared to GV-III,” Top: Gp Capt “At the MRF, we overhaul 550 plus The setup has acquired the capability
After carrying out a thorough Air Cdre Saquib Niazi said. The Najam explains components, fuel pump, hydraulic and Back at the cleaning bay, it was almost to overhaul and produce more than 10,
feasibility study, in consultation senior official explained that pre-
the carefully fuel systems, engine parts in the like a car wash - a little more hardcore 000 Mirage components every year.
regimented various variants of the Mirage than removing squashed insects from Lately, the JF-17 related testers have
with the manufacturer, the MRF empting the inevitable shift in the process of Mirage
devised a new inspection phase out of the Mirage fleet, the possessed by the PAF. In a year, MRF the windshield. Mirages are a good 50 also been added to the facility.
overhaul that
package by the name of GV- MRF also conducted a detailed are aced cleared overhauls 4, 500 plus parts for the PAF. years old. Every single scratch has to
III. Later, two Mirage aircraft study to enhance the fleet’s life without even a We are the OEM for the Pakistan Air be repaired. If they find larger damages, Later, the wings of the aircraft are
were subjected to GV-III beyond the year 2020. “A new
single anomaly. Force,” the senior official said proudly. they even replace parts. The engine dismantled and sent to the Wing
inspection in January, 2005. concept of the Delta- is removed first and later the aircraft Refurbishing Facility at the MRF. Since
Centre:
As the these Mirages were Sqn Ldr Farazuddin
Giving a New Look de-painted to expose the structure for PAF operates different variants of the
undergoing GV-III, there was Taimoori, Director Meanwhile back in the hanger, on Dock inspection. The Chief Engineer and his Mirage – Libyan, Australian, Lebanese,
a change in the plan. Quality, MRF, No 2, the Mirage which we saw earlier team scanned every inch of the plane single and dual seaters etc, the team
elaborates the was all dismantled. Sqn Ldr Farazuddin with utmost precision. Engine parts faced a huge challenge of keeping the
complexities of Taimoori, Director Quality, MRF and his were sent to the Component Overhaul window for maintenance work and
overhauling at the
team had to finish Facility, which was established in overhaul as small as possible. Everyone
facility.
the early 1980s, as a at MRF knows that they are the sole
Bottom: Basking facility for Mirage overhaul and PAF
in the January
sun, the newly
overhauled Mirage
is being prepared
by the technicians
for the first FCF.

00
57 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 00
58
leadership has trust in the capabilities of
the personnel. With this honour, come the
challenges of procurement and thus intensive
indigenization by the PAF,” said Farazuddin
Taimoori.

With the clock ticking, teams had also

removed the outer shell and started looking
for any damage. This involved undoing
thousands of screws. “We are talking about
very small parts here, which is why we
need all the intuition and experience,” said
Farazuddin Taimoori.
Top: Wings moved
At the Engine Wing into position for
repair in the Wing
All materials age. In the Engine Wing, the
Refurbishing
technicians examine the fighter jet’s power Facility.
source, the ATAR engine.

Mechanics started screening the turbines, Left: Long arm

of robot at
compressor and the afterburners, and that
MRF positions
was no easy task. Over the period the men aircraft parts for
at MRF had gained mastery of overhauling inspections.
the robust ATAR engine of Mirage. Like the
airframe of the aircraft, the ATAR engine is
Bottom: A huge
also stripped down to individual components.
puzzle made up
All components undergo a thorough cleaning Once all done, the newly overhauled engine is taken to of thousands of
process to remove the contaminants Multi Engine Test Cell. pieces, checked for
accumulated during the flights. The cleaning safety and repaired
process helps in identifying the defects This facility is capable of test running F-100 and ATAR or replaced at the
engines from idle to their maximum thrust in after various docks, all
present on the jet engine parts. The cleaned
under one roof.
parts undergo non-destructive inspections burner settings.
to identify the existing defects. Specialized
radiographic inspection techniques identify As our trip down the disassembly and assembly line Right Page Above:
engine, the plane is 100 percent ready.”
Another job ticked for the mega pit stop, but
MRF Quality Certifications
even the minutest cracks in the parts. The continued, we saw a few jets getting closer and closer to The aircraft in
illustration, comes it was not the last. Mirage III / V overhauling certified by Dassault Aviation
radiographic machine is equipped with a the final product, so complex than we could comprehend.
in for repairs
robotic arm to position the part for accurate On Dock 5, the Mirage III-EP came together like a giant when four out of
puzzle. Ferried to the MRF last year, this aircraft was Leonardo certification for Depot level maintenance of all Military variants of Agusta
identification of sub surface cracks. its ten frames In the Wing Refurbishing Facility, Wg Cdr Westland AW-139 helicopter
in the various stages of re-installment – being readied were extensively
Sarwar Imam of Structure Repair Wing,
for rollout in specified time. Crews performed system damaged after Mirage Pressure Refuelling (MPR) air to air refuelling modification facility certified
catching fire. MRF, and his team checked deformities in
adjustments on the aircraft. Structure, circuit and by Aerosud
the extensions. Sometimes it could take
mechanical integrity checked and operated. “We can
a year to repair a wing, and was more Martin Baker certified facility for overhaul of MK-4 and OM-6 Ejection Seat for
simulate the aircraft flying at 40, 000 at 700
cumbersome than fixing the fuselage. In this Mirage (III/V) Aircraft
knots,” said the Squadron Leader.
hangar, the crews carried out refurbishment
“This is the point where
of wings as well as the fuselage. “At the Oxygen system overhauling facility recognized by Zodiac Aerospace
minus the
moment we are repairing the fuselage of
an aircraft extensively damaged after fire. Hose Manufacturing Facility certified by Hydropneu Technologics
Four out of its ten frames were damaged AS 9100 Rev “D”
that seemed irreparable. But we are going
to make it work. This jet will be ready in a NADCAP (National Aerospace Defence Contractor) and Pakistan National
short time. Damages to the jets could be Accreditation Council accreditations for NDT and Shot Peening facilities

ISO 17025 Accreditation for Calibration Setup

MRF carried out the SNECMA Certification for ATAR Engine Repair and Overhaul

modification of Air to Air refueling T56 AMOF (Authorized Military Overhaul Facility) by Rolls Royce

capability of PAF’s Mirage fleet J69 AMOF by Aero-Turbine USA

indigenously. TFE-731 Engine Overhaul Certification from M/s Honeywell, USA through ITP Spain

59
00 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 60
 Veterans Honoured
PAF Never forgets its Veterans- Hon
Flt Lt Saad uddin (Retd) and Asstt
Warrant Officer Kari�m Bahadur
(Retd) have given their entire life
for keeping these birds up there
for more than five decades. Both of initiated to check their serviceability. Top: A Mirage
caused by bird strikes, heavy Top Left: The
Production Wings, MRF comes apart
landing, barrier engagement, and When, Wg Cdr Sarwar Imam and turbine has them have seen the Mirages come Then comes the Re-assembly phase. for inspection-
been checked, Nine months of
belly landing etc. “But damages his team finished the wings, they 1. Production Planning
caused by fires are to be rectifiedpass it on to the next team. It really
repaired and and go from this facility and have When the aircraft has gone through work, hundreds
signed off.
2. Aircraft Production all the re-assembly phases, its time to of technicians
with precision,” Wg Cdr Sarwar is just a big systematic process, been the pivotal players in all the take a ride. Outside, under the pleasant involved.
Imam said. with every single individual along
the way adding their touch before Top Right: 3. Aircraft Component GVs. As a recognition to their long afternoon winter sun, Dock Chief, Asstt
A thorough Overhaul Wrt Off (AWO) Karim Bahadur, worked
Bottom: The
Over the years the MRF had made passing it along to the next
cleaning of the and meritorious services, MRF has alongside a young team on the landing panaflex in the
22 extensively damaged Mirages person along the line. 4. Aircraft Structure Repair
fully functional. They did not
engine is well
under progress.
recently named a ‘Olive Garden’ gear of a Mirage that was scheduled for background says
a FCF mission. Recruited in December it all.
seem they could ever fly again, Honouring the Veterans 5. Engine Production after them and has also erected a 1981, and after serving at Rafiqui, Karim
the Wg Cdr said. He also gave the Meanwhile, once the engine had Bottom Inlets:
De-painting, 6. Engine Accessories monument in their honour. Bahadur, came to MRF on March 2, 1985,
example of the damaged SAAB been installed, the aircraft has Overhaul where he specialized on the landing
re-painting and
aircraft, which had been declared to undergo two taxi tests, before cleaning being system. After retiring in 1999, as Dock
beyond repair by the original it was released for flying. The carried out by 7. Engine Repair & Chief, PAF retained his services, given his
equipment manufacturer (OEM) plane was also subjected to two the resilient MRF Fabrication expertise, especially to assist younger
back in 2017-18. “But it was Functional Check Flights (FCFs), men.
ground crews wherever they needed
repaired by the Refurbishment in which the aircraft was pushed 8. Quality Control & Quality
Assurance guidance, inspiration, and achieving
Facility, which also carries to the limits. This was followed precision. Karim Bahadur, is one of the
out indigenous production of by fuel checks for consumption 9. Logistic Support oldest indispensable crew members
parts. The aircraft is back in the during the flight. Mach runs were that the PAF refused to let go of. There
squadron and is fully operational conducted at different altitudes, is an orchard of olive trees named after
now,” he said. in which various systems were retired AWO Karim Bahadur, for serving
the Mirage legacy for four decades, just
like there is one dedicated for retired
Honry Flt Lt Saaduddin, for 50 years
of outstanding service. It is obvious
that PAF never forgets its veterans and
always honours them in a most befitting
manner.

What’s rocket science to us is mammoth

and complex work carried out at the MRF.

61 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 62

 Sqn Ldr Naveed, who also agreed meets European aviation makes us feel proud,” said Air Top Inlets:
to give a joyride once the plane standards. MRF also upgraded Cdre Saquib Niazi, MD MRF. MRF’s engine
overhaul facility.
was ready and of course after PAF’s vintage aeroplanes with “That’s all their hard work. Makes
permission from the top bosses. modern avionics suite along you proud to know that you’ve Overhauling
Major milestones cost the men with weapon integration. Air to done a good job,” he added. engines of not only
Karim Bahadur, helped the Pilots are used to the aircraft hard work, concentration and air refueling capability in Mirage Mirage but also
PAF rebuild a Mirage, obtained responding immediately and sweat. It was a job very close aircraft was undertaken by Nevertheless, the men can’t put American weapon
from Australia, which was maintenance errors are out to their hearts. If they made a acquiring state of art technologies their feet up yet. Further down the
systems.
reduced to spares. “Imagine of the question, that’s why mistake, it could cost someone’s by MRF. The facility is pursuing assembly line the wings and tail Left Page Top:
that it was just the fuselage, specialists were testing the life. Can’t afford to lose a friend or establishment of a repair facility were being added to another jet. During the re-
without the wings and fins. We plane one last time. Climbing a colleague. for 4th generation helicopters. In Finally, it looked like an aircraft. installation phase
collected its parts, put them down from the cockpit, Sqn this regard, PAC would become an Means of take-off were added all teams have
all together and recovered Ldr Naveed, performed a post MRF - A Versatile Facility approved supplier for Leonardo to another. This model was
to be in sync or
this aircraft for the PAF. Karim flight inspection, checking for risk missing the
Today, the Mirage Rebuild helicopter division and creation complete, and ready to be put to deadline.
Bahadur recalled he dedicated leaks, missing screws, engine Factory, is a dynamic setup that of a recognized maintenance the ultimate tests. It’s butterflies
his career to rebuilding the condition. With a flashlight in undertakes a variety of aircraft center would serve as a regional when the plane takes off for Left Page Inlets:
Mirage. “The Mirage is my life,” his hands, he inspected the and engine overhauls. MRF is also hub for all types of scheduled everyone involved. For the Chief A team re-installs
he added. main hydraulic lines in the responsible for structure repair inspections and depot level Engineer and Director Quality,
landing gear.
landing gear for leaks and of western platforms besides repairs. This includes overhauling their next project was already Rare opportunity to
Back to where it Belongs checked for scratches“ has the other weapon systems of of engines of Mirage, F-16, waiting in the wings. These explore deep inside
Right next to the aircraft at been completely overhauled PAF. This also includes damage C-130, Karakoram-8 and T-37 crew members were the unsung its hidden features,
the tarmac, stood proudly, and we need to ensure analysis and formulation of repair aircraft. Mirage is an engineering heroes of the PAF, for building the the cockpit.
Sqn Ldr Naveed from No 50 there are no leakages in the schemes. These capabilities masterpiece, precisely tooled Mirage for the most demanding
Sqn, who had just returned hydraulic lines. There are were instrumental in the recovery against impossible odds, a real of tasks, and transforming it
after performing a second taxi so many people thinking, of Saab aircraft. delight to fly, however, the nine- into the guardian of safety under
test and parked his jet, right in designing and producing, so month process is complex and which millions of Pakistanis slept
time for the Second to None when we jump into the air, we MRF has pioneered aviation full of challenges. “It’s something in peace.
team, to learn how well the feel confident as we have full coatings for airborne platforms which keeps you on the edge,
engineers had done the job. faith in our ground crew,” said of PAF and its upgraded facility always concentrated, a job that

63 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 64

FEATURE

I
nternational exercises are held between host countries The deployment of the fighter aircraft and cargo to
and allies to boost learning, share information and Konya was initiated on 13 June and was completed
improve using accurate simulations of real-world military on 15 June. The Pakistan F-16s from No 11 Squadron
operations. Turkey’s Anatolian Eagle is all about increasing landed at Konya on the 16 June. One of the aircraft,
the operational skill level of the participating pilots and the F-16B MLU 606, proudly donned a kill-marking in
defence personnel using realistic, wartime scenarios. Ever the form of a little Indian flag. This aircraft had the
since 2001, the year that the TuAF conducted honour of flying during “Operation Swift Retort” and
its first Anatolian Eagle exercise, many destroying an Indian SU-30MKI. Besides this victory
foreign air forces have participated in marking, all the participating F-16s had their markings
the exercises held at Konya Air Base. on the nose, which stated ‘TopGunX4’. Top Gun is
The latest iteration of this ambitious an annual squadron-level war exercise conducted by
military air operation was held once the Pakistan Air Force. No 11 Sqn ‘Arrows’ have won Above: A Jordanian C-130 arriving at Konya for deploying the Jordanian
again at Konya, lasting from 20 June this competition four times in a row. Support for the contingent for the exercise.
No 11 Sqn F-16 with Indian flag painted on it nose remained the
to 1 July 2022. Fighting Falcon deployment was undertaken by an
star of the show. These markings indicated that the same aircraft Below: PAF’s technical ground crew remained the backbone, ensuring safe and
shot down an IAF Su-30 during Ops Swift Retort in 2019. IL-78 from No 10 Sqn ‘Bulls’ and one C-130 E from
efficient operations during the exercise.
The Turkish Air Force organizes an No 6 Sqn. The Azerbaijan Air Force was supposed to
A lone F-16 of No 11 Sqn sits on the tarmac with black clouds impressive number of four Anatolian Eagle exercises be participating with two Mig-29’s and two SU-25’s,
loitering in background. throughout the year. Two Anatolian Eagle exercises are but owing to operational circumstances, the Migs
(All Photos Vincent Marten unless Specified). exclusively for the local Turkish Air Force squadrons. The were cancelled. The support for this deployment
‘Anatolian Phoenix’ exercise is a Search and Rescue exercise was undertaken by the Turkish Air Force. The Royal
with a relatively small contingent of fighters, but the stars of Air Force participated only in the second week of
the show are the participating helicopters. The International the exercise. Four Typhoon aircraft from No 3 Sqn
Anatolian Eagle exercise, over the years, has become a vital were forward deployed to Konya, while the remaining
experience for the TuAF pilots and personal. Fifteen foreign squadron is in Romania because of the Ukraine /
air forces have been invited through the years and most of Russia conflict. Another nation that sends aircraft to
those forces return to the auspicious event frequently. A total Anatolian Eagle regularly is Jordan. Three F-16s, one
of 46 Anatolian Eagle trainings have been organized, with F-16AM and two F-16BM, coming from No 1 Sqn were
Over the years, Anatolian Eagle International Exercise 37,329 military personnel invited, a whopping 3055 aircraft parked at the far end of the Anatolian Eagle ramp. The
has gained enormous attention from air forces around has participated in the event, with 25,173 sorties flown over long-awaited debut for the Anatolian Eagle exercise
the world and this year’s exercise was not different. the years. This year the participating countries included started with the participation of the Bayraktar Akinci.
Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, and the United Kingdom. This Turkish-built and designed High Altitude Long
We are fortunate that our foreign correspondent has A substantial number of observers also join the exercise Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
covered the exercise in all its details for our worthy every year. This year the observers flew in from Macedonia, is manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar. It
readers. Malaysia, South Africa, Bulgaria and Oman. was flying continuously at 15000 feet for at least 4.5
by Vincent Marten hours during one of the exercise days, an impressive
flight under any circumstances.

For the first time in the history of the Anatolian Eagle

exercise, the NATO surveillance and control unit
ARROWS OVER KONYA DARS, Deployable Air Control Centre, was deployed
to support the Turkish Air Force. DARS is linked to
the Turkish control network and provided control of
fighter operations, which was part of the exercise
Ramstein Dust-II/2022.

On 16 June, some Mass Briefings were organized Above: Azerbaijan Air Force has sent their Su-25s to participate in the
and followed by a welcome party. The day after, exercise.
Familiarization or FAM flights took place. The week
after, the real flying began with a morning wave (Eagle Below: Jordanian Air Force F-16 getting ready for the exercise sortie.
1), followed by an afternoon wave (Eagle 2). During
the first week of the exercise, the participants do not
fly any CAMAO’s (Combined Military Air Operations).
On 22 and 23 June, as the Eagle 1 morning mission,
the participants flew ASFAO’s (Anti Surface Force Air
Operations). The Turkish Navy also took part in the
exercise, with two frigates connected to the ASFAO
mission. On Friday, the end of the first week, the
exercise ended with only a morning mission. During
An Arrow from No 11 Sqn of PAF lifts off the second week of the exercise, the scope expanded
for an area fam mission on the first day of and the Blue Forces flew Combined Air Operations
the exercise. (Photo: Paul van den Hurk). (CAMAO) against the opposing Red Force.

65 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 66

1 5
6

2 3 7

8 In the second week, a DV 6: An Arrow rests on the

The Red Force had to protect tactical missions are planned and studies are carried 1: Royal Air Force participated Konya tarmac after an
in the exercise with their four Day is organized which
and strategic targets, positioned in a ‘Red out. The Command Control Centre (CCC) is exercise sortie.
Typhoons from No 3 Sqn. gives high-ranked military
Land’, which had to be eliminated by the monitoring and observing all missions in real
personnel from several
Blue Force. These were protected by GBAD time. They have the location, position, and 7: A pilot of Azerbaijan
countries a chance to take Air Force getting down
(Ground Based Air Defence) systems like flight information of all participating aircraft 2: Air Marshal Waqas Sulehri,
a closer look at the exercise. from his SU-25 after an
Surface to Air Missile Sites (SAM). The Red which are communicating with a Real Time Principal Staff Officer of PAF
witnessing operations along with During this day, the Turkish Air Force exercise mission.
Forces used their fighter aircraft to simulate Monitoring ACMI (Air Combat Manoeuvring
other senior officials during the thrilled attendees with a demonstration of
aggressor tactics. Through the exercise, the Instrumentation). exercise. the world-famous ‘Solo Turk’ F-16. The last
threat level was gradually increased to give The exercise airspace area was 180 NM by 8: A Typhoon from No 3
day of the exercise, 1 July, a Mass Brief was Sqn of RAF taxiis for the
the participants a more realistic training. 215 NM. Aircraft can use this airspace up
organized, followed by the re-deployments mission.
The White Headquarters, which is the brain until 50,000 feet. For Maritime Operations, 3: Arrows return from an
exercise training sortie. of the participating aircraft and personnel.
of the Anatolian Eagle, is where the training they reserved 140 NM by 75 NM airspace.
9: TuAF ground crew
The Anatolian Eagle is a training centre that secure their F-16s after
4 4: IL-78 deployed the PAF 9 provides aviation joint training to Turkish an exercise mission.
contingent all the way from
and allied armed forces personnel with Jordanian F-16s seen
Pakistan to participate in the in the background of
exercise. the most realistic live-simulation of the
a beautiful line-up of
operational environment. A laboratory in participating aircraft at
which needs are determined and solutions the tarmac.
5: Turkish Air Force F-4E are developed to solve continuously-
Phantoms with their colourful
updated scenarios and missions with
livery remained the centre of
attraction especially for the modern technology. The Anatolian Eagle
aviation photographers. has been and will continue to be a very
productive military exercise for the years
to come.

67 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 68

 ANATOLIAN EAGLE 2022

Through The Lens of Cees-Jan van der Ende & Tieme Festner

69 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 70

SPECIAL REPORT

Top: The Army’s Bagpipe Band is a highly-trained and talented

group, who has mesmerized the audiences with their signature
tunes all over the world.

Centre: Well - deserved - Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber

Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force hands over the highly
sought-after CAS Best Band Trophy to No 1 Band Unit, PAF Base
Nur Khan.

Below: A perfect sum of its parts - A marching band is only as

good as the skill possessed by its individual members, which
means every single participant must give his best.

A
(All Photos: PAF Archives unless specified).
s the men in their traditional barrage of melodies erupted from
Everybody believed that they had seen and unique military outfits, the performance comprising 300
it all. For the last few days, participating carrying the armoury experienced band members. The
bands from the three sister services had of glittering Trumpets, Cornets, brethren from the three forces
amazed the audience relentlessly. It was Trombones, Saxophones, Mellophones played flawlessly, not missing a
a musical gala that stunned the audience and Sousaphones entered the arena, single beat. The attendees were in
one thing was for sure; the next three awe, exhilarated for the entirety of
for days. Buglers, Trumpeters, Drummers days would be full of entertainment and the 14-minute performance that
in their specially crafted outfits played amusement for the audience. Everybody was signaled the commencement
military tunes in synchronization. Every was seated and hush prevailed over the of Inter-Band Competition held
performance was better than the last, all crowd. Then, it started. The audience at AHQ Islamabad. It was an
vying for the honour of winning PAF inter- waited with baited breath as one unit experience that would stay with the
band competition 2022. after another marched in. A perfectly- audience for the rest of their lives,
synchronized performance given by a perfect example of how capable
the seven different band units from and skilled the band units of PAF
by Muhammad Khan the three sister services. A glorious really are.

71 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 72

Inter-Band Competition 2022
This year’s Inter-Band Competition was unique
and was a mega event. The three-day annual
‘Musical Fiesta’ was part of the Diamond Jubilee
celebrations of Pakistan as the nation celebrated
75 years of independence this year. The band
units knew that securing the trophy would mean
glory for all the band members for years to come.
The event was attended by the four band units of
PAF, three band units from the Army and a half
unit from the Navy. The competition was held
amongst the PAF band units only, the army and
navy band units were participating as the guests
showing the goodwill for the event.

The competition was judged by seasoned

veterans from the tri-services, one from each
force. The judges judged the bands in terms of
their general discipline, dress and instruments
Top: PAF Band
inspection, performance while marching in
members playing
columns and drawing different patterns. The melodious tunes
event was also attended by student bands of for the audience.
Saleem Nawaz Fazaia College, PAF Base Masroor
and Fazaia Inter College, PAF Base Minhas, who
Top: The conductor also made a impression at the Centre: Not to be
of a band is akin to closing ceremony. left behind-Cadets
performed whole-heartedly with their senior a flagbearer, leading from the Saleem
counterparts. This year, the competition had a from the front Nawaz Fazaia
special treat for the attendees and viewers. This and keeping it all The best was kept for the finale of
College, PAF Base
was the combined performance given by all the together. the event. While playing tunes of Masroor exhibit
national and folk songs, all Band their marching
Left: Giving it their Units drew collectively the digit finesse during
all - One of the
“75” surrounded by Crescent. a well-practised
participating PAF
This year’s winner was The performance received huge display.
Bands marches
out to give an applause from the audience. Bottom Left: Young
enchanting
the No 1 Band Unit of PAF performance. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed
cubs from Fazaia
Inter College,
band units present, as described breath-taking performance on the Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, PAF Base Minhas
from PAF Base Nur Khan. Bottom: The Grand
Performance - The at the start. The exercise was famous tune of ‘Mujahido’ by No Pakistan Air Force was the Chief impressed the
audience with
audience had the made all the more impressive by 1 band unit of PAF mesmerized Guest at the closing ceremony their high-spirited
privilege to witness
the fact that the band units only the audience so on other, ‘Allah of the event. The Chief Guest display.
the three forces awarded trophies and prizes to
come together to had three days to practice and o Akbar’ by No 2 PAF Band unit
master it. equally captivated the audience. Winner Band, Best Band Master Bottom Right:
give a breathtaking The snare and
display. Three days mega event witnessed It was a tie breaker till the very and Best individual performers.
bass drums are
some remarkable end. Smartly turned out in their No 1 Band Unit, Nur Khan won the irreplaceable
performances by the traditional chequered dresses, the Inter-Band competition for heart and soul of a
participating band the bagpipers from Pak Army the year 2022-23. The entire marching band.
units. On one hand the

73 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 74

ceremony was enhanced drastically when brass and chamber orchestra musical
at the end, CAS, PAF announced 1 million equipment. Using these instruments, the
cash for each band unit of PAF, in addition RPAF band was formed on 1 February
to cash prizes they had already won. It 1948 in Drigh Road, Karachi.
was a befitting end to the event. The Chief On 16 November, 1948, Training Flight
Guest also appreciated performance and was established within the RPAF Central
artistic pursuits of all the participants. Band. The first batch of inductees was
trained by musicians from the band
History of Brass Bands musicians of the Royal Army. After a
A military band is a highly-trained group decade, in 1959, the band was given the
of military personnel that is charged title PAF Central Band. The first separate
with providing musical performances Music Training Flight (MTF) was erected
for military and official events. Although, in Karachi in 1965. In 1973, the band was
hierarchies differ from nation to nation, officially given its due and converted into a
the leader of the band is termed the unit and moved to PAF Base, Kohat. After
Bandmaster or Director of Music. The line- 7 years, in 1980, the unit was relocated to
up of the tracks played by the band usually PAF Base Chaklala. Another development
have a patriotic or nationalistic tilt, with was the changing of the title of MTF
national anthems and national songs to Musical Section. The entire unit was
being the favourites. Military bands reassigned to Pre-trade Training School
are of two types; Stationary bands and in Kohat. The name of Music Section was
Marching bands. As is obvious, marching once again changed, gaining the title of
bands have to practice even harder to be School of Music.
able perform while executing all sorts
of enthralling manoeuvres. Another Induction and Training
historical classification of military bands Top: One of the Induction into PAF band stream is
skills that makes
is made on the basis of instruments. through a proper procedure. The only
marching bands
The first is field music, which includes so impressive real requirement is a passion for music
bugles/horns, bagpipes, fifes and drums. is their ability to and a dedication to the motherland. Once
This formation was used when the most undertake their the recruits are short-listed, they are sent
important function was to control troops highly-specialized to Kohat and begin their training in Pre- Top: Army band unit playing their signature tunes under instructions from their
movements and bandmaster.
and entertainment. The second type trade Training School. Later, the trainees
formations, while
came into being with the invention and not missing a are sent to School of Music, a speciality Centre: A Class of Their Own - The PAF Bandmasters need no uniform to be identified, their
widespread use of the keyed trumpet or beat on their military educational institution formed to intense focus and steely gaze can be recognized in a heartbeat.
the saxhorn family of brass instruments. instruments. train recruits in the field of martial music.
The third classification is the mounted Bottom: Drummers from Pak Army unit were all in perfect sync while performing for the
audience.
band, which used to accompany cavalry After the foundation has been laid,
Above: Bands from
and, at times, artillery formations. tri-services played the trainees are issued their musical
various military instruments. These instruments are
Marching for Pakistan tunes in perfect to be maintained and h o n o u r e d
When the freedom fighters were finally harmony. by the trainees for the larger part
able to wrest control from the colonizers of his careers. An issued i n s t r u m e n t
and Pakistan was born, it inherited Centre: Windpipes will be part of trainee’s life
of Brass - It until he ascends to the
requires enormous level of a Band Master.
stamina to play Once the recruits pass
these difficult out from the initial course,
brass instruments
while marching. they are designated to
band unit.

Bottom: The men PAF now has four

of the hour-The distinguished band
Bandmasters of
the participating units. These units are
bands stand stationed in Risalpur, Nur
proud after the Khan, Kohat and Korangi
competition. Creek. Each of the bands

75 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 76

have their own area of expertise and and retired officers. Another major event
are assigned duties based on area for the band units is 23 March. However, Price Winners
and nature of assignment. The band the event closest to the heart of the NO 1 Band Unit, PAF Base Nur Khan
which resides in Korangi Creek covers band members is unquestionably the
ceremonies held in South Pakistan. The PAF inter-band completion. PAF Band Best Band Master: Assistant Warrant
band posted in Risalpur usually spends from PAF Academy Asghar Khan also Officer Javed Nawaz (No 1 Band Unit)
its tenure in Risalpur performing on the perform during the guard mounting
graduation parade ceremonies. The ceremony held at Mazar-e-Quaid on Best Musician: Corporal Technician
band at Kohat Base usually performs 6th September every year in which a Vikram Kumar (No 3 Band Unit)
in ceremonies located in Northern and contingent of cadets from the academy
Central Pakistan. The band in Nur Khan take over duties as the guards at the
PAF Band Units have performed in
Base is reserved for VVIP and similarly mausoleum.
several different nations and impressed
exclusive duties, which includes the tri-
thousands of spectators around the
services guard of honour and tri-services However, the most important event
globe. The nations that have hosted PAF
contingent performances. The band is for the PAF bands would remain the
Band Units include Brunei, Germany,
usually dispatched in 2 configurations; Inter-Band Competition. The event
Malaysia, Libya, Turkey, Russia and
full band (40 members) and half band was initiated in 2008 and the first
China. The band gathered immense
(20-22 members). competition was a huge success,
praise when it took part in the Spasskeya
cherished by band members and the Top: ACM Zaheer Ahmed
Tower Festival in 2015. Also known as
PAF Band operates directly under the attendees alike. Then, the event could Baber Sidhu, CAS,
the Military Music Festival (IMMF), the
Admin Branch’s department Directorate not be curated for the next decade, for PAF pose with senior
event is held in Moscow annually. The management of the
of Protocol and Ceremonial. The various reasons. In 2018, the tradition
event features performances from the event and participating
Directorate of Protocol and Ceremonial was once again rejuvenated by the then
best military bands in the world. The PAF bandmasters at the
is the authority which manages the CAS in all its splendour. It was again held conclusion of the
band unit was a part of the tri-services
overall careers of the bands while in 2019, under the patronage of Air Chief ceremony.
military band that captivated the hard-
administrative and day-to-day support is Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan. It was all
to-impress audience and earned a good Left: Harder than it looks
provided by the base they are stationed set to become a proud annual tradition.
name for the country. - It requires years of
at. However, like everything else around the
training to gain the ability
globe, the plan was interrupted by the to execute manoeuvres
PAF Band Events Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, after perfect to the last beat.
PAF Bands are an integral part of all the involuntary break, the event was
prestigious ceremonies in PAF. They revived immediately owing to the keen Bottom: The Grand Finale-
All Band units of PAF
pay tribute in all their fervour whenever interest of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
synergized their efforts
a Guard of Honour is presented to the Ahmed Baber Sidhu. to present a memorable
CAS and visiting dignitaries at the AHQ. performance.
Their bugles also cry in proud lament
at the funerals of their distinguished
brethren. The Defence Day dinner is
another auspicious event where their
presence is cherished by all the veterans

77 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 78

AN UNTOLD STORY

MISSION
JAISALMER
A Saga of Courage, Grit and Resilience

M
Daring aircrew of PAF’s Air Transport Wing flew some ukti Bahini insurrection in
unbelievable misions during both wars with the enemy. From erstwhile East Pakistan,
carrying out low-level bombing raids in their improvised ‘B- fully abetted and
supported by India, had reached
130’ bombers to paradropping special forces across the border, its peak by the last quarter of 1971.
these missions are part of PAF’s glorious history. Narrated by Our armed forces deployed in that A group photo of PAF transport command at PAF Base Chaklala. Sqn Ldr Wajid
the veteran himself, this is a story of one such mission of 1971 theatre were severely handicapped Saleem sitting 5th from left. (Photo: Air Cdre Wajid Saleem (Retd)).
war which would definitely leave our readers spellbound. logistically as well as numerically.
Despite all odds, they were Lists of both air and ground Operations had no orders for us and we Captain retreated to the rest area, I got busy
by Air Cdre Wajid Saleem, SJ (Retd). holding the fort most valiantly crews to deploy to various bundled off temporary quarters in Canal Rest with the nitty gritty of planning.
and chivalrously. Since it was planned dispersal airfield had House. Next morning, two of us the Captain
a well ingrained concept of the been drawn, essential aircraft and Navigator, got urgently summoned by To start with, the intelligence officer was
military, that defence of East lay in spared were readied, so that no Base Operations. We had barely arrived at to pick up and glean as much information
Tonnes of bombs the West, an all-out war with India sooner ordered dispersal could the base when a light aircraft brought in as possible about the target lay out, its
drop on airfield was all but inescapable. Clouds of
as panicked IAF go ahead swiftly and without any our Squadron Commander Wg Cdr Yunus defences and enemy radar coverage etc.
personnel run war were gathering ominously and hiccups. and Navigation Leader Sqn Ldr Rizwan Emerging picture was downright scary.
for their lives threateningly, and outbreak of an all Chaudhry. Quickly we went into a huddle. Base was reportedly guarded by 200+
during C-130’s out conflict with India was imminent. The day finally arrived, and C 130 Our task for that night was handed over Shilka Radar controlled anti-aircraft guns.
historic attack
aircraft dispersal was ordered without much ceremony: Attack Jaisalmer a variety of surface to air missiles and off
on Jaisalmer. Month of November 71 was spent,
(Painting: Gp on 3 Dec, 1971. The previously runway at low level. Time on target 03:20: course a serious threat of interception
Capt Hussaini by the transport elements of PAF in drawn-out composition of the Load 25000 pounds comprising 500-pound by fighters operating from Jaisalmer and
(Retd)). providing logistic supports to combat crew sets couldn’t be maintained bombs with delay fuses Uterlai. The only factor in
units deploying to their war time due to various administrative minimum being 30 favour was that not much
locations. All the C130s were to deploy
I drew the lot with FLt
and operational costraints. So, seconds. The meeting low-level radar cover was
to the dispersal airfields as soon the reallocation of the crews had to was over before it had Mir Alam as Captain, Flg available to the Indians
hostilities broke out. be resorted too. even started and we were in that area. Conclusion
left on our own to plan Off Riffat Jamil the Co Pilot, was that ingress at low
I drew the lot with Flt Lt Mir and carry out the task
Alam as Captain, Flg Off Riffat assigned. It appeared
myself the Navigator, plus two levels, lower the better,
wasn’t a cause for much
Jamil the co pilot myself the daunting and dangerous. SNCOs as Flight Engineer and worry, and the real threat
Navigator, plus two SNCOs as After a few minutes, to our well-being will be
Flight Engineer and Loadmaster. anxiety gave way to Loadmaster. Orders were the airfield defences.
And off course a complement business. In hindsight, Just visualize a huge
of technicians. Orders were to a mission that sounded to deploy to Mianwali. Off we aircraft, flying low and
deploy to Mianwali and then like suicide, turned out to went and landed at Mianwali also slow clearly visible
await further orders. Off we went be a lottery, which only a on a moonlit night.
and landed at Mianwali just a few lucky ones win. just a little before dusk. Highly vulnerable to say
little before dusk. the least. Surely gives
To supplement counter air offensive effort, you goosebumps if nothing else. For me it
So far, we had no inkling that war PAF had decided to commit C130 in the was payback time. Attempting to calm my
had broken out. But as we landed, Heavy Bomber Role. Indian Air Force Base nerves, I got to work.
we noticed four B57s, fully armed Jaisalmer in Rajesthan Sector, directly
with pylon hung munitions, impacted on Pak army operations in the As I sat down to formulate the flight plan,
waiting for take-off. This was area, and was hence chosen as the first suddenly a thought occurred to me. From
indication enough that we had target for our heavy bomber B130. Planning the nature of the mission, the heavy terminal
jumped into the fray. Base for the mission fell in my domain, and as the and on-route defences, it appeared that all

00
79 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 80
 further, a huge area was covered
in heavy fog. A quick parley and
we decided to press on hoping
that the fog would clear up.
Honestly no one wanted to miss
out on the opportunity. We flew
almost up to Rahim Yar Khan
but there was no letup in the
adverse weather condition. We
were forced to abort. With heavy
hearts, we returned to Mianwali,
some cursing the luck, some
the weather and some even the
technicians who serviced the
aircraft. its spinner ruptured by shrapnel crew will take over our mission. Top: Flt Cdt Riffat
of an exploding bomb. As the No options left, we headed Jamil (Standing last
Next morning 05 December, aircraft was unfit for operations, row 2nd from right)
for the Base with our bag and at his graduation
greeted us with some more bad we were to ferry it back on three baggage. ceremony. (Photo:
news. First, the previous night engines for repair at Chaklala. PAF Archives).
the Indian Canberra raid caused Also, that another C130 was As we entered the Guard Room,
odds were stacked against us, countries in my navigation bag, Past midnight, 4/5 December, we Top: A C-130B
comes in for damage to one of the propellers; inbound Mianwali, and the new we saw the damaged C130
and in all probability, it was to and on this occasion used them took off at the calculated Brake Left: Flt Lt Mir Alam
landing at a getting airborne, flying on three
be a “One Way Ticket”. In such for planning. This was to prove a Release Time to make good the sitting on the wing of
forward operating engines. Now what? Operations the mighty Hercules
a dismal scenario, why make a Coup d Maître, given Time on base during 1971 didn’t know much but simply, as the aircraft gets
return flight plan? Why waste because as Luck was not on our Target (TOT) of war. (Photo: PAF
that the replacement crew had rectification on
time? However, if we did get out, we learnt 03:20 a.m. Luck Archives).
one of its engines.
later B57s as side that night. We had barely was not on our
decided to ferry the aircraft and
I would be able to rustle up a (Photo: Air Cdre Mir
left us, the original crew to take
plan to get us back. A personal well as F104s stabilized on course when side that night. Alam).
Bottom Left: Flt Lt the mission using replacement
decision had been made To perhaps had the airborne radar, our We had barely Riffat Jamil (2nd aeroplane. Lucky for us our
attack the primary target, failed to locate stabilized on from left) along
Jaisalmer. The primary low level navigation
flying gear has been left behind Bottom: Flt Lt Mir
Jaisalmer runway, final run in was course when with a group of
Alam (Standing
PAF aircrew at including my Nav Bag with all
to be 150 degree, because of the reason being aid, decided to quit. But it the Airborne 2nd from right)
an unidentified my treasures.
given runway alignment. Finding that our locally- Radar, our along with a foreign
was a moon lit night, and we airfield. (Photo:
delegation. (Photo:
a suitable IP (Initial Point) from printed maps primary low PAF Archives). The mission to Jaisalmer was
where the final bomb run was to had the position could still manage. However, level navigation PAF Archives).
a go on night of 5/6 December.
start was the first problem. An of Jaselmir a little further ahead, the aid decided
Bottom Right: Flt When the aircraft was in final
IP was found at ideal distance Base wrongly to quit. But
and only 3 degrees off the final marked and
area was made impossible to we decided to Lt Wajid Saleem
(right) during
run. Planning backwards the was in error transverse by impenetrable, carry on. It was training in UK.
construction of the remainder by about 10- thick fog. to be moonlit (Photo: Air Cdre
of the flight plan was a breeze. I 12 n.ms. Allah night, and we Wajid Saleem)).
preferred using American maps, surely has his could manage
and always carried the latest own ways. navigation through visual
edition, covering all neighboring references. As we flew a little

81 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 82

 Visibility was so good that we literally followed
the road to Ramgarh and from there to Mokul
our IP. Navigation was easy but pilotage
required great concentration because of
flying so low, manually all the way. Following
of roads was an advantage because of good
height perception so facilitated.

Finally, time for culmination of all the effort

put in: final bomb run from IP to the Target.
Six minutes to TOT and all bomb pallet tie
downs removed. One minutes arming pins
of Bombs removed. Twelve seconds short
and we started the pull up to drop height
of 700 feet. As we pulled the Captain calls
Top: Sqn Ldr stages of bomb loading and along the Indus River to Rahim “Wajid. There’s nothing there”. As if on cue
Mir Alam Khan maintenance checks etc., an Yar Khan (RYK), from where the anti-aircraft guns opened up turning the
(Sitting 3rd from enemy bomber raid warning was ingress into India was planned sky into spectacle of light. Some kind of
left) along with received. A C130 sitting in the along RYK- Ramgarh Axis. A clear rockets giving out a blue plume of fire were A Hercules comes-in for landing at a forward operating base during 1970 war.
faculty and newly open presented a huge and easy night with moon shining brightly, also noticed. Responding to the Captain’s (Photo: PAF Archives).
graduated officers target. Laden with thousands of navigation wasn’t a problem. After query, I yelled, ‘Do we have something below
of transport stream pounds of live penetrating or not”. The runway was in sight but at 90
at Transport bombs, a direct “Do we have Indian air degrees instead of being in line. Primary
Conversion School, hit by the enemy space, the main target couldn’t be attacked. So, I located the
Chaklala. (Photo: would have something below or not”, worry was a technical area with some kind of hangers and
PAF Archives). spelled disaster I yelled. Primary target pick up by the a tarmac. I pointed it out and Captain quickly
for the entire Air Defence aligned with selected point of impact. A drop
base. A spur couldn’t be attacked. So, I Radars and a was given, bomb load exited, and we dived
of the moment located the technical area possible fighter down to make our getaway.
Right: Young Flt Lt decision was interception.
Riffat Jamil poses to immediately with some kind of hangers Safety lay in Suddenly our Load Master who could see
for camera at PAF take-off and and a tarmac. I pointed it out flying as low behind through the open ramp called and said
Chaklala. (Photo: be clear of the as possible. there was a MiG 21 behind us. Instinctively
PAF Archives). i n s t a l l a t i o n s . and Captain quickly aligned We started Captain threw in a very steep turn to break
Loading was with select point of impact. A off at 500 feet into the possible fighter on our tail. After
stopped though AGL, slowly turning 90 Degrees, Loadmaster when asked
full bomb base drop was given, bomb load descending reported the MiG 21 to be still behind us.
Bottom: Flt Lt Mir had not yet and at RYK Captain rolled the wing level saying it was not
exited, and we dived down
Alam (1st from gone in and we were down a fighter? Clear of the enemy base perimeter
right) along with 5000 pounds to make our getaway. to 200 feet, it was time to go home. We had made it back Sqn Ldr Wajid Saleem along with aircrew and foreign officials at an unidentified airfield.
load was yet to and further (Photo: PAF Archives).
Army Liaison in one piece.
officer after flying be loaded. Never mind, even a 20 descending to 100 feet AGL which
a sortie in support K bomb cargo was enough. We was maintained for the entire Captain wanted the heading back, which I
of army troops. quickly strapped in and started duration of passage through didn’t have because flight plan for the return
(Photo: PAF the engines and taxied out. Still India both inbound as outbound. was not there. I told him to turn West. What
Archives). on the taxi way, enemy raid was is the heading?” he asked. My response 270
overhead and ATC was asking Degrees, perplexing of course. But then I
us to switch off and evacuate. put my Captain at ease by saying “Go 270.
Remember shouting” Take Off. Will give you an exact heading in a while,” I
Take off” and felt the aircraft said. The return flight was uneventful and
leaping forward. The captain we recovered at Tank in wee hours of the
was thinking the same but was morning on 6 Dec, 1971.
a micro second ahead of me. We
did a fast rolling take off and as Mission success was first confirmed by
the wheels lifted off the ground another C130 returning from Jodhpur,
the bombs were already falling. A because they had observed huge fires in the
disaster averted perhaps. direction of Jaselmir. Later reports confirmed
extensive damage to the fuel dump causing
Giving a wide berth to Miawali massive fires plus 200-250 casualties.
Base we set course, for the Flt Lt Wajid Saleem (standing 1st from left) along with group of officers at
PAF Risalpur). (Photo: PAF Archives).
assigned target. Our route lay

83 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 84

TECH WATCH

A
formerly steaming cup of tea lies cold and
forgotten on a lumpy table, in a dark and
murky corner of a café in London, 1998. A
young woman in dishevelled clothes sits buried in a
stack of pages, notes scribbled all over a manuscript,
struggling to bring some form of genius through
her ink. This woman is J.K Rowling, whose first
book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, has set
the literary world ablaze with a world of magic and
fantasy. Now at her second book, with the bar set
impossibly high, she struggles through her second
chapter. What could possibly
be magical, dreamy and
relatable enough?...A flying
car! That’s it, that’s every
child’s dream, every teenager’s guilty fantasy, every
inventor’s endgame!

How did the world go from two fictional characters

whizzing through the clouds in a magical flying car,
to being so close to the world’s first commercially
available flying car, in a mere 21 years? In the
words of famous fictionist and inventor
Arthur Clarke: any sufficiently advanced
technology is indistinguishable from magic.
The anecdote that science disproves magic
is false; on the contrary, technology has
actualized everything previously thought of
as impossible.

The courage it takes to dream big:

It takes one man’s courage to turn fiction into flesh. The invention of the It takes one man’s courage to turn fiction into flesh.
wheel brought the world every invention that has followed. Alan Turing’s The invention of the wheel brought the world every
monstrosity that was the first computer, designed to crack the Nazis’ enigma invention that has followed. Alan Turing’s monstrosity
that was the first computer, designed to crack the
code, turned into computers, laptops, phones and every digital device
Nazis’ enigma code, turned into computers, laptops,
imaginable. Enabled by these forgotten men, Bill Gates gave the world user- phones and every digital device imaginable. Enabled
friendly software, Elon Musk brought innovation to Space exploration and by these forgotten men, Bill Gates gave the world
Steve Jobs introduced Apple. Lost to the pages of history, is an inventor that user-friendly software, Elon Musk brought innovation
enabled the world to materialize flying cars, just because he kept trying to to Space exploration and Steve Jobs introduced
colour the canvas of his own dreams. Apple. Lost to the pages of history, is an inventor
that enabled the world to materialize flying cars, just
by Talha ul Huda

85 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 00

86
 When George Jetson first flew across
American TV screens in his flying
car-like vehicle in 1962, many of us
began wondering when we could buy
our own Supersonic Suburbanite or
Spacion Wagon. Amazingly, that day
may be around the corner. After a
century of unfulfilled promises, flying
cars may fill the skies in the next few
decades. There are still some obstacles
to overcome, including receiving
approval from the FAA (Since most of
the development is being conducted in
the US), but the cars are close to being
finished.
company was later morphed into a Skycar, and its fuel mileage will be
There is no lack of engineers taking on
UAV development forum called the comparable to that of a medium-
the challenge to design a new breed
“Aerobot”. Mr Moller claims that sized car, getting 20 miles (32.2
of flying cars. While sleeker, more
he is now very close to developing km) to the gallon. The initial cost
advanced cars have been developed in
the first mass-marketed flying car. of a Skycar will be about $1 million,
the last decade, no one has come close
In 1965, he demonstrated his first but once it begins to be mass
to opening up a flying car dealership.
attempt, the XM-2, which hovered produced that price could come
While the process might be tedious and
off the ground but didn’t go down to as low as $60,000.
imperfect till date, here are a few bold
anywhere. In 1989, Moller unveiled
individuals attempting to deliver a flying
the M200X, which has now flown The four-seat Skycar is powered by
because he kept trying to color cabin, with the pilot/chauffeur the absurdity of a flying car to a Top: Tall leap car to the world.
for mankind - 200 flights and can go as high as eight rotary engines that are housed
the canvass of his own dreams. sitting in the front seat and the possibility. 50 feet (15.24 meters). Moller’s inside four metal housings, called
Slovakian “AirCar” Attempts to live the dream through
two passenger side-by side. is cleared for mass latest design, the Skycar M400, nacelles, on the side of the vehicle.
Curtis Glenn: The first step on Using a four-blade pusher Over the 20th Century, the production. (Photo: history:
is designed to take off and land There are two engines in each nacelle
the aero car planet propeller, and a twin-boom industrial revolution morphed www.reddit.com). vertically, like a Harrier Jet, in small so that if one of the engines in one
In 1917, Glenn Curtis, American tail, the plane boasted a 100 into the tech renaissance, with • Paul Moller is a shining example
spaces. It can reach speeds of 400 of the nacelle fails, the other engine
Aviation Mogul yet little known horsepower (75 kW) Curtiss OXX cars becoming faster and of human consistency and the
Bottom: The mph (644 kph), but will cruise at can sustain flight. The engines lift
for his concept of the first engine which drove the propeller sleeker and planes flying higher; inability to give up. He has spent
original Curtiss around 350 mph (563 kph), and the craft with 720 horsepower, and
flying car, designed the Curtiss via shaft and belts. The aircraft and the amphibian of both, the Autoplane more than 50 years and
it has a range of 900 miles then thrust the craft forward. The
Autoplane, recognized as the had a four-wheel undercarriage, flying car, quietly and gradually attempts to take millions
(1449 km). Gasoline, diesel, Wankel engine replaces pistons of
first Automobile capable of with the front two wheels being rose to a realistic shape. off, circa 1910s. of dollars
(Photo: www.
alcohol, kerosene and propane a conventional engine with a single
achieving flight. The Autoplane steerable. The wings and tail In 1930, Waldo Waterman developing his Skycar. His
reddit.com). can be used to fuel the triangular rotor spinning inside an oval-
was a triplane, using the wings could be detached for use as an introduced the Arrowbile, a
from a Curtiss Model L trainer, automobile. Although it never tailless, two-seat, single-engine,
with a small fore-plane mounted achieved full flight, the fact that pusher configuration roadable Right Page Top:
on the aircraft’s nose. The it hopped up in the air gave aircraft. An Arrowbile or Aerobile Wishful thinking –
Autoplane’s aluminum body mankind the push that it needed was able to achieve full flight, but will we get to book
an Air-Uber soon?
matched that of a Model T and to keep the dream alive. Curtis’s the design wasn’t popular.
(Photo: oilprice.
had three seats in an enclosed futile efforts at the time, shifted com).

Right Page Bottom:

The Moller Skycar
has been in
development for
40 years, shining
example of not
giving up. (Photo:
freedom-motors.
com).

87 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 00

88
shaped chamber, which creates fantasies come true by 2009 or 2010. A
compression and expansion decade later, the Chinese company is still
as the rotor turns. There are working tirelessly to perfect their technology,
three combustion chambers in one step closer every passing day to a
the Wankel, with a crankshaft different world.
between them.
The Terrafugia team is currently working
To make the Skycar safe and on a personal air vehicle (known as the
available to the general public, “Transition”) that pretty much looks like an
it will be completely controlled SUV with retractable wings. The Transition
by computers using (GPS) won’t be able to whisk you off on a non-stop
satellites, which Moller calls flight to any destination, but you will be able
a fly-by-wire system. In case to get as far as 500 miles in one “jump.” And,
of an accident, the vehicle will amazingly, the designers hope it will do it on a
release a parachute and airbags, single tank of premium unleaded gas. Oh, and
internally and externally, to don’t worry about having to rent a car once
cushion the impact of the crash. you reach your getaway -- as hinted at in its number of accidents and experimental flying, counterfeit aircrafts, faulty
name, the Transition gets decent mileage on parts, unskilled piloting, illegal commute, criminal activities, unequal
• MACRO Industries in the road, too! (Planned vehicle specs: In flight, distribution of resources, haywire law and order; we could go on and
Huntsville, Alaska is another the Transition will fly up to 120 miles per hour on. On the silver lining in this dark cloud, commercially available flying
consistent player in the to their desired destinations. parking space. Top: As fascinating as and get 30 mpg. On the highway, it will get cars would also make global commute more accessible. Accidents and
game, in the process of Drivers will simply get in, it may be, public access 40 mpg and around town, it will get 30 mpg.) mishaps foretold, having the canvass of our skies painted with aero-
developing a flying car that turn on the power and • Branko Sarh, a senior
to flying cars may be A full-size prototype is planned, but for now cars would be another huge stepping stone for mankind, perhaps even
it’s coined the SkyRider X2R. a disastrous policy the designers are working with a one-fifth as significant as the wheel or the computer. Here’s to hoping that some
enter the address or phone engineer at McDonnell challenge. (Photo: flyer.
This aero car will be able to number of their destination. Douglas Aerospace, scale model in the wind tunnel and relying on engineer, somewhere in the world, makes a breakthrough soon and
co.uk)
take off and land vertically. SkyRider will do the rest. attempted to develop a computer simulations for development. renders the world airborne.
SkyRider incorporates MACRO said that the flying car, called the Sokol
the interior design of a system will be almost fully A400. Sarh designed a
Bottom: The Skycar’s Are we prepared?
2-seat sports car with the USP is VTOL – Vertical • The mass availability of flying cars is
automatic, but may allow 4-passenger vehicle that Take Off and Landing.
mobility of a helicopter some manual control. would pop out telescoping an exciting yet frightening prospect.
(Photo: www.newsweek.
or airplane. The company Commands will be entered wings at the push of a pl) For a number of logic-induced reasons,
has released a statement just by telling the car what button. The Skycar will be It would push the world into an era of
that it is also developing 5 you want it to do. operated completely by dangerous fuselage-living: catastrophic
and 7-seat models of the Right Page Top: In
computer and guided by science fiction, vehicles
SkyRider, and it should fit in • In 1990, Kenneth Wernicke GPS satellites. with aerial mobility are
most two-car garages. The formed Sky Technologies always projected in the
navigation system will be to develop a small-winged Consistently yours, distant future. (Photo:
controlled almost entirely by flying car. His Aircar has Terrafugia www.hotcars.com)
GPS satellites and cellular flown at 200 to 400 mph Imagine packing a few
services. MACRO Industries’ (322 to 644 kph) and driven bags, get in your car and Right Page Bottom:
SkyRider X2R will also use at 65 mph (105 kph). It’s FLY anywhere from your Terrafuga, a tech startup
this fly-by-wire also small enough own curb? The folks behind is developing a street-
legal roadable aircraft –
to fit into an the start-up “Terrafugia”
system to the TFX. (Photo: edition.
average had hoped to make those cnn.com)
safely transport passengers

89 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 90

 Forget
FEATURE

Aircraft Boneyards Around the World

A
ircraft boneyards are often the last resting the aircraft are utilized in the best way possible. Title Photo:
Giants in their
place for aging or decommissioned Aircraft boneyards also cater to aircraft that are
Final Days: An
aircraft. When an aircraft has lived out functioning but need to be temporarily stored as aerial view of the
Several hundred veterans stood erect, old yet still proud. Every single one of them had served their time, its use, has been damaged beyond repair or has they await repair or their services are needed. aircraft boneyard
made their nations proud. They had served in every role possible, from combat to support to logistics. Wars simply become obsolete, it requires a low-cost, These usually distant facilities house hundreds in Tucson,
had been won on their shoulders; thousands relied on them to do what had to be done. They had proven their convenient parking solution. If they could talk, of aircraft of all makes and models, from multiple Arizona.
worth time and again. However, they were past their prime. They had done their time and, now, they stood in these aircraft would tell tales that would make air forces and travel services all around the world.
the scorching sun, waiting eagerly to be relevant again. No, this is not a tale of human soldiers or generals. anybody’s head spin. But alas, they had to depend Some of these aircraft stay there for decades
This is the fate of thousands of aircraft which have lived their lives to the fullest and finally have to be retired. on their human counter-parts to preserve their before being scrapped. Others are kept around for
legacy. They just stand there, silent, waiting for a short while before being bought.
Though the glory is usually hoarded by men, these machines play an almost equal part in the action. the next order of business. Eager to soar in the
clouds once more yet equally content with being Over the years, experts have observed a trend
by Muhammad Khan useful elsewhere. when it comes to aviation. The airline industry
operates in cycles. Initially, the first aircraft
These aircraft can continue to provide service in boneyards filled up after World War II, when air
several different ways. This is where an Aircraft forces around the world discarded obsolete
Boneyards come in. Please note that an Aircraft aircraft and converted to the superior jet
Boneyard is not necessarily an aircraft graveyard. aeroplanes. The process of selling or recycling
The purpose of a well-run Aircraft Boneyard is not the previous aircraft took years. The second
to discard of aircraft efficiently. It is to ensure that influx of aircraft into boneyards happened

91 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 92

 when the classic prop airliners even accommodating a single 3
were discarded in favour of jet passenger. In the last couple of
passenger aircraft in the 60s decades, the economic crisis,
and 70s. Then, 1974, the oil global uncertainty, fuel shortages
crisis happened, once again and several other factors have
landing a big chunk of active kept the boneyards full.
aircraft at boneyards. These
planes returned to service after Aircraft boneyards are complex
the oil supply stabilized, only to organizations which require
be sent back when the airlines skilled personnel and endless
were deregulated in the early diligence. And since most
1980s. The parked airliners went personnel running them hail
back into service gradually but from aviation backgrounds, its
operations were once more an emotional endeavour. Let’s
interrupted by the travel shock dive deep into what exactly goes
after 1991 Gulf War. During the on in an aircraft boneyard.
mid-90s, the skies were once
again filled with aircraft and Why deserts?
business was booming. Aircraft Most aircraft boneyards are 1
boneyards were almost empty. stored in desert-like territories,
in organized groups, each for 1: A Convair 240 the aircraft are parked on. The soil in
usually far way from main stored in Arizona,
different statuses and purposes. such territories is hard and doesn’t give 4
However, the prosperity was cities. The aircraft are lined up reportedly sold to a
The dry, hot weather of such in that easily. Below the top layer, under
ended in a single day. The 9/11 Mexican agency but
territories are perfect for aircraft never shipped to the six inches of dirt, lies a clay-like layer
attack changed the course of
The dry heat, low boneyards because of multiple owner. (Phillip C.) known as the caliche. If this sub-layer
history, effecting millions of lives
reasons. The dry heat, low levels is present in the soil, the preserved
and several nations in its wake.
The aviation industry was heavily
humidity and little rain of humidity and very little rain 2: Still Glorious: An
impressive group
aircraft can be directly parked on the
around the year ensure that the soil. This saves a hefty amount of costs
affected. Entire fleets were sent ensure that the aircraft aircraft rust and deteriorate at
of C-5 Galaxies
by not having to construct concrete
to boneyards. With perpetually and several other
looming terrorist threats, sky- rust and deteriorate at a much slower rate than they aircraft rest after parking ramps or fields. It’s even better
would in normal territory. Rust impressive careers if the soil is alkaline. The absence of
high fuel costs and passengers
worried about their safety, air
a slower rate than they and corrosion is the biggest the 309th Aerospace traffic and other sources of pollution
Maintenance and
enemy when it comes to parked also helps greatly, proving a smog-free
travel suffered a substantial would in normal territory. aircraft. So, if the goal is to
Regeneration
environment for the parked aircraft.
blow. The boneyards were once Group’s Aircraft and
again filled. In some instances, Rust and corrosion is the prolong an aircraft life, humidity Missile Storage and
must be kept at a low-level. Maintenance Facility Another huge benefit that such
aircraft which had just rolled off biggest enemy when it on Davis-Monthan territories offer is the low cost of the
the assembly line were flown AFB, Arizona. (U.S.
Another benefit that such storage area. Airports and hangars have
directly to a boneyard, never comes to parked aircraft. territory offers is the surface that
Force Photo by Staff
sky-high operative costs. This translates
Sgt. Perry Aston)
directly into the fee they charge for
storing an aircraft. Compared to these
prices, aircraft boneyards demand 3: Being prepped: An aviation tech spraying the special insulated coating on
peanuts for storage. a C-130 at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s Boneyard. (Troy Paiva).

4: A derelict fragment of US military’s B-52 Stratofortress with the signature

USAF stencils still visible looms against the night sky. (Troy Paiva).

5: Old Friends: A Boeing 737, 727 and MD-80 wait out their last days in the
Mojave Desert, retired but not alone. (Troy Paiva).
5

00
93 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 94
1 1: The remains 4
The conditions are of a commercial
aircraft shot by an
favourable for aircraft, ingenious technique
called ‘light painting’
but it is a harsh and by artist Troy Paiva
(Photo: Troy Paiva)
unforgiving environment
2: Shot mostly at
for a crew to work in. night to avoid the
scalding desert
The high heat and the heat and unwanted
intruders, these
scorching sun takes it toll pictures use the
moon’s natural light
on you. It takes a special to create beautiful
compositions.
2 breed of people to able to (Photo: Troy Paiva).

do this long-term. 3: Two damaged

North American
It is extremely important that F-86 jets slumber
their last in the
they retain their best-possible Mojave Desert in 5 the hulking C-5 Galaxy can take longer
condition because an aircraft California (Photo: than a day to completely defuel. The
can last upto 50 years in a Troy Paiva) process is comparable to a blood
boneyard. The process has transfusion. The aircraft is completely
4: A Second Life as
evolved over the years and a Canvas: Painted
drained from the tanks and the fuel
varies from boneyard to by graffiti artist lines using high-power pumps. Then,
boneyard. But generally, these Andrew Schoultz, special viscous oil is poured in, which
are the steps that are followed this Lockheed lubricates the parts and provides a
L-1329 JetStar was
in the leading ones across the painted in 2012
protective coating to the tank and
This, of course, does not mean of people to able to do this world. fuel systems. Doing this prevents
and exhibited in the
that such territory doesn’t long-term. But then again, it is a Pima Air and Space corrosion over the years. The aircraft
come with its own set of special kind of a career. The first step is washing Museum (Photo: is usually fired up to complete the last
challenges. The high-speed the aircraft thoroughly.
airhistory.net).
part. Once this is done, technicians
wind needs to be tackled. Preservation Especially if the plane has locate and disable any volatile parts
5: Another
It needs to be ensured that As we’ve discussed before, an served in corrosive or rigorous masterpiece, the and mechanisms that may be present
dust cannot enter the aircraft. aircraft boneyard is not a place environments. For example, derelict cockpit in the aircraft. For example, the
Aircraft are built to fly. The that aircraft necessarily go to any airplane that has served
almost feels organic
charges that activate the ejection
die. It is not a huge, sprawling and alive when seen
high-speed gusts of wind mean on an aircraft carrier has to seats can be a nasty surprise for a
through the artist’s
that all the parked aircraft plain filled with aircraft be thoroughly cleaned of lens. (Photo: Troy crew member if they haven’t been
need to be fastened down carcasses. Instead, good any residue salt. Next comes Paiva) properly disposed of.
firmly with strong cables. The aircraft boneyards are just a defueling the aircraft. The crew
pitstop for aircraft, before they designated to do this task 6: A solitary engine
conditions are favourable for The aircraft is then handed over to
from a Boeing 747
aircraft, but it is a harsh and are used again in partial or full can completely drain multiple 6
lies in the world’s the ‘Spraylat Crew’. Spraylat, and
unforgiving environment for a capacity once again. We shall aircraft in a day, depending largest civilian other similar brands, is a paint-like
crew to work in. The high heat go into detail into how exactly on the size and nature of the
aircraft boneyard,
latex-based substance which is
these preserved aircraft are Pinal Airpark,
and the scorching sun takes it aircraft. Larger planes with permanently flexible, which is easy
located in Arizona.
toll on you. It takes used. However, lets look at how multiple (Photo: Jarod to remove when needed. Referencing
a special breed these aircraft are preserved. engines like Opperman/ Wired. a diagram which is usually supplied
com)
by the owner of the aircraft, the
crew will coat every window, access
panel, seam and opening with the
substance. The insulating quality of
the coating keeps the aircraft cool
on the inside while protecting it from
wind and other elements.

95
00 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 96
AN UNTOLD STORY
very beginning of war, Air Marshal Nur Khan checks, the Station Commander
launched pre-emptive air strikes. By 1630 Gp Capt Khaqan Abbasi stood
Hrs, F-86 Sabres from No 19 Squadron from on the tarmac waving them good
Peshawar led by Sqn Ldr Sajad ‘Nosey’ Haider, luck. Sqn Ldr Alam Siddiqui –
No 5 Squadron led by Sqn Ldr Sarfaraz A who had the knack for charming
Rafiqui and No. 11 Squadron led by Sqn Ldr everyone with his humour –
M M Alam from Sargodha were ready to chuckled over the radio, “It had to
get airborne for strikes against Pathankot, be war for our old man to wish us
Halwara and Adampur respectively. luck!” Laughter echoed adding
great flavour to the historic
Meanwhile, at Mauripur – PAF’s premier moment. At 1805 Hrs, the B-57s
bomber base at Karachi – the night-intruder took off one after another. 1850
force of B-57 Bombers from No 8 Squadron Hrs at last light was the time
was ordered to prepare for a surprise dusk over target (TOT). Within minutes the
strike against Jamnagar. bombers left Karachi behind. Shortly
after contact with Badin radar, the
As per recent intelligence, Jamnagar airfield navigators announced they were
at the South-Western Indian town of Gujarat entering Indian airspace.
state was a threat for Mauripur, Karachi and
adjoining areas. In preceding months, two In order to avoid detection by radars,
IAF aircraft had ventured into Pakistan from
they flew as low as 250 feet above
the region – an Ouragan from Jamnagar was ground level (AGL). Clocking nearly
intercepted and forced-landed by PAF F-86s 360 knots (415 mph) the bombers
from Mauripur and the pilot Flt Lt R. L. Sidha
loaded with 4x1000lbs bombs,
detained. 56x2.75” rockets and 4x20mm cannons
were over their target in nearly 45 minutes, Top: Sqn Ldr M S Alam
At 1800 Hrs, as the crews of the 6 bombers now under the cover of spreading darkness. Siddiqui PAK 3579.
ready for Jamnagar strikes performed R/T
Above: Sqn Ldr M Aslam
Following the strike plan, one by one they Qureshi PAK 1460.
‘Sqn Ldr Alam Siddiqui’s Triple Attack’ - depicting final
climbed up to 8,000 feet and descended
moments of the fateful mission.
(Painting by Gp Capt (R) S. M. A. Hussaini). to release their loads of 4 bombs on the Left: A formation of
airfield from the height of nearly 4000 feet. B-57s approaching their
(All pics provided by author unless stated otherwise). target.
Carried out with textbook precision, the
mission was accomplished like clockwork. Below: Sqn Ldr Qureshi
The formation quickly headed back to (Standing 1st left)
0330 Hrs, 7 September 1965 – Two young Squadron Leaders from No 8 Squadron of No 31 Bomber Wing at Pakistan Mauripur, keeping very low till they had and Sqn Ldr Siddiqui
Air Force (PAF) Station Mauripur (now Base Masroor) in Karachi, sat strapped in the tandem cockpit of their Martin B-57B crossed the border.
(Standing 9th left) along
with the members of
Bomber No. 33-941. No 31 Wing, PAF few
Landing at 1940 Hrs, they were greeted months before the ‘65
Their mission was to bomb India’s Jamnagar Airfield 225 nautical miles (258 miles) South-East of Karachi. In the front with cheers. All 6 B-57s were back from war at Mauripur.
seat was 31-year-old pilot Sqn Ldr Mohammad Shabbir Alam Siddiqui and on the back seat was 32-year-old navigator enemy airspace unscathed, completing
Sqn Ldr Muhammad Aslam Qureshi. Completing final checks, they rolled for takeoff – yet again – on a high-risk strike the first dangerous deep-strike operation.
deep into enemy territory. The enemy had been stunned – element
by Haris Masood Zuberi
arlier, in the morning of 6 hooked up by the side (and) appeared his family about the situation and his
September, eager crews of No to be a walking armoury.” In his upcoming missions. Seeing his usual
31 Wing, PAF had listened to signature humorous style, he declared cheerful manner as he drove off in
Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s motivating his resolve to take down as many of his jeep, his 21-year-old wife Shahnaz
speech declaring full-scale war with the enemy as possible – if he were to hardly assumed it would be the last
India. Sqn Ldr Shabbir Alam Siddiqui’s eject in enemy territory. time she was seeing him. Later that
enthusiasm about finally getting a evening from the lawn of her home at
chance to test their training against Anticipating orders for night strikes, Mauripur, she saw his B-57 formation
the enemy in actual wartime had the crews were advised to rest and take off among five other bombers.
been remarkable. According to his report for briefings at 1500 Hrs. While
Squadron Commander, Sqn Ldr Rais some pilots opted to relax at home, Since a crucial aspect of the PAF
A Rafi (later Air Cdre), “He equipped Alam Siddiqui remained at the Wing to air-war strategy had been to ensure
himself with every kind of weapon stay ahead of mission preparations. He neutralization of vital elements of the
- a pistol, a sten gun, and a dagger only made a quick visit home to inform larger Indian Air Force (IAF) at the

97 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 98

of surprise was evident by absence Top: A B-57
of fighter interceptors and more with its
armament were not surprised to find him OC Wing, Wg Cdr Hameed Although, he could have
surprisingly anti-aircraft artillery parked at lurking around in his flight Qureshi had been scheduled to avoided flying for the third
(AAA). This observation on the first PAF Base suit – ready for more action. take-off on his second missiontime within a span of 9 hours,
bombing mission proved crucial for Sargodha.
Since his return at 0025 Hrs, at 0335 Hrs. However, since he enthusiastically opted for
ensuing operation. It was decided he hadn’t even considered return from the earlier dusk this mission, fully aware
Left: Sqn Ldr
to continue a ‘Bombing Shuttle’ over Alam Siddiqui going back to his anxious mission, he had suffered a there would be no break for
Jamnagar through the night, this time (1st from left) young wife and two infant medical condition and seemed him even the next day. With
as single bombers following each during his time
sons. It was inconceivable for incapacitated. While the flight
the Squadron OC in the air
other at intervals till dawn. Each crew with No 14
Sqn equipped the perpetually dynamic Alam surgeon checked on him, crews and the Wing OC getting
who had flown the dusk mission was with F-86s. Siddiqui to leave in the midst of were concerned for disruption medical assistance, he
to fly a second sortie. Owing to the decisive action while some of of the planned sorties. Sqn took initiative as a senior
darkness and the enemy being on full his colleagues were still flying Ldr Alam Siddiqui at once officer of the Wing.
alert conditions were much riskier. deep into Indian airspace. As he volunteered to go instead. Instead of wasting time to
Top Left: Sqn Ldr Alam
actively sought another chance brief fresh crews or ordering Siddiqui (1st from left,
As the aircraft fuelled and reloaded, to get airborne, fate presented Incidentally, this sortie was another pilot, while nobody sitting) with No 31
Sqn Ldr Alam Siddiqui hopped into him an ideal opportunity – The scheduled last for the night. stepped beyond the second Bomber Wing, PAF.
another B-57 aircraft (No. 33-945) mission, he chose to fly again
with call-sign ‘Zulu 753.’ Among the Top Right: Sqn Ldr Alam
himself. The significance of Siddiqui (standing 3rd
six pilots who had just returned from his decision to ensure this from left) with No 31
the dusk mission, he was the first to navigator had no difficulty reaching further orders. Sqn Ldr Alam Siddiqui last raid was not delayed Bomber Wing, PAF.
head back to the target. This time with the target head-on and on time, despite got back to the Operations Room or missed turned out to be
the senior navigator Sqn Ldr Aslam the navigation difficulties involved filled with an extraordinary energy to Above: The shaheed
momentous – as discovered officers in a historic
Qureshi, who held the appointment in low-level deep night-strikes. Once keep contributing to the effort. Then later through Indian accounts group photograph taken
of the Wing Navigation Leader. He above the target, they dropped bombs holding additional responsibility of from Jamnagar. at AHQ in 1964.
had earlier been among the crews at approximately 2325 Hrs. With the Wing Operations Officer, he had
reserved for Peshawar when the dusk the mission successfully completed been on his feet since he reported Right Center: Sqn Ldr
His former OC Sqn Ldr (later Alam Siddiqui as a
strike went ahead. Since the move to they quickly headed back. Winning for duty early in the morning on 6th. AVM) Saeed A. Ansari who navigator before earning
Peshawar with No 7 Squadron was against odds once again, they landed Throughout the day he had kept busy had also been his instructor his pilot’s wings in 1957.
called off, he was keen to fly his first at Mauripur at 0025 Hrs – initial with arrangements. He had played his during his Risalpur days,
war mission. moments of 7 September 1965. role very well on the first day of the Left: Plt Off Alam
tried to dissuade him from Siddiqui with AVM
war and now deserved to head home. volunteering to fly again. “They Arthur McDonald C-in-C,
They took off at 2240 Hrs and crossed All crews returning from second have not seen the target – I RPAF during a parade
the border in darkness. The expert missions were supposed to rest till Instead, at 0300 Hrs, his Wing mates have just returned from there. inspection.

99 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 100

I can cause more damage…” In the wee hours of 7 Alam Siddiqui’s zealous nature
he said. Determined and September 1965, this almost certainly going lower
decisive as he always was, dauntless duo now below the gathering clouds
Alam convinced Ansari with rolled off Pakistan’s for precision. With the airfield
his typical smile and energetic soil to give the enemy below now lit up and visible they
handshake and drove off to yet another pounding made the first bombing run and
the flight lines in his jeep. – true to the motto dropped 2x1000lbs bombs over
of their squadron ‘Ik the airfield. The flares were risky
Sqn Ldr Aslam Qureshi Aur Zarb-e-Haidery.’ business – while they made the
meanwhile, had been up to They took off for airfield below visible, they also
his own heroics. Right after their target from lit-up the attacker for AAA
landing from his first mission, runway 27 in B-57 gunners below.
he used his authority to assign No. 33-941 at
himself the navigation slot 0335 Hrs bearing Just so happened that
on this last mission as well. call-sign ‘Z-6.’ As when the lone ‘Zulu 6’
While he could have avoided the bulky dark suddenly showed up
it on the pretext of having warrior-aircraft diving through the clouds
flown earlier or pressing aptly signed to deliver its fury over
responsibilities on ground, he ‘Zulu’ took a the enemy airfield, eight
rose to the occasion. Once sharp left turn Seahawk fighter aircraft of
settled with arrangements he heading 130 the No. 300 Indian Naval
had just reclined in an empty degrees, the sky Air Squadron (INAS) were
room when he was informed was moon-lit. In all probability preparing for a massive
about Wg Cdr Hameed keeping in line with the profile strike against PAF’s
Quershi being unable to fly followed by the night’s earlier Badin radar installation excess weight the
and Alam Siddiqui taking over. sorties, they flew low at no more at dawn on 7 September. The crew jettisoned
He quickly joined the pilot for than 500ft AGL. At a speed of Top: A page from B-57 meanwhile making a the B-57’s 2 rocket launcher clocking somewhere between Bottom Left: Left:
briefings. nearly 360 knots (415 mph) the diary of Sqn quick circuit swiftly climbed pods. They landed very close 360 and 400 knots (415- Sqn Ldr Alam
Ldr Aslam Qureshi and came in for another dive to Siddiqui in a No 14
circulated by IAF to the INAS Seahawks and 460 mph) impact was now Sqn F-86 Sabre.
and Indian media. release the 2 remaining 1000lbs have since been preserved by imminent. PAF B-57 No. 33-
bombs. By now the silence India as souvenirs of the PAF 941 eventually hit ground and
of the previously blacked-out night-raid, as confirmed by crashed in an agricultural field Bottom Right: A
Left: Sqn Ldr Alam airfield which had been on the PAF B-57 from
their aircraft fast approached Siddiqui’s wallet Rear Admiral (Retd) Satyindra 10 miles East of the Jamnagar Mauripur leading
Jamnagar. En route, they had recovered from the receiving end of PAF’s wrath Singh in his book ‘Blueprint to airfield – apparently martyring a formation over
radio contact with Sqn Ldr Rais wreckage. since 1900 Hrs (PST) opened Blue Water - The Indian Navy both the courageous officers the Arabian Sea.
A. Rafi who was exiting the area its furious retaliation with AAA 1961-1965.’ Suddenly ‘Zulu 6’ on impact. (Photo: PAF
fire. As ‘Zulu 6’ dived in for the Archives).
after his attack at 0340 Hrs. He Left Below: Sqn suffered direct hits from Indian
advised them “Watch out for Ldr Alam Siddiqui second attack, it was inevitably AAA below causing serious However, unusual absence of
low clouds…use flares to light receiving his pilot’s caught in an Ack Ack (AAA) damage. The aircraft began to prompt news about the bomber
up the target.” Just as he had wings from the barrage. lose control. Already low, the and its crew officially received
C-in-C, RPAF.
just done moments earlier. now damaged bomber began from India following the
Flying through the fierce losing altitude. Unable to pull loss initially caused helpless
The aircraft reached over the Right Page Above: fireworks, hurriedly to get rid of through much farther, while bewilderment. As a result, the
target at approximately 0415 Family photos
of Sqn Ldr Alam
Hrs Pakistan Standard Time Siddiqui and Sqn
– almost first light, nearly Ldr Aslam Qureshi.
some 40 minutes after take- (Source: Family).
off from Mauripur, loaded with
4x1000lbs bombs to wreak
havoc on the enemy airfield.
According to procedure, the
crew climbed up for the dive
bombing to about 5000ft or
more AGL and dived to release
the bombs at about 3000 feet
or less – first dropping flares
to light up the target during
descent. Owing to Sqn Ldr

101 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 102

fate of this intrepid duo remained eventually its being hit by Ack Ack.
uncertain for days and eventually Another eyewitness Sqn Ldr Kesav
decades. IAF’s unexpected tardiness Chandaran narrated, “Our Station
in claiming a ‘kill’ caused speculations. Commander Gp Capt G. H. King had
Combined with the details on filed a kill report. The crew may have
absence of Ack Ack or interceptors attempted crash landing as the B-57
experienced on previous raids, the crashed towards the road to Rajkot
presence of low clouds, very low flight and hit a large tree – its tail may have
profile and possible fatigue due to been hit moments after they damaged
the pilot flying third mission fostered a hangar.” Adding, “There was no fire
assumptions about ‘Z6’ including the on impact and a broken watch was
bizarre possibility of having crashed recovered from one of the crew and
into the Arabian Sea en route. kept at a museum somewhere.”

In India however, the fate of this In 2006, 40 years after the September
bomber and its crew was certain. 1965 war, Air Cdre Najeeb Ahmed
Ack Ack had indeed claimed B-57 No. Khan (Retd) met Mrs
33-941 kill which was acknowledged Shahnaz Alam. Having
by the Indian authorities shortly been very close to
afterwards. Indian military had Sqn Ldr Alam Siddiqui
retrieved a diary attributed to the crew. Shaheed, he was
Images of its pages were immediately touched by his dear
released to the media. Naturally shaheed friend’s wife’s
utilizing propaganda value in the anguish and sentiments
middle of war, various Indian English for her lost husband
and Hindi newspapers had published – even four decades
news of the shooting down along with later. He wrote to IAF
images of the diary pages as well as requesting information
the B-57 wreckage declaring that the and details about the
crash had taken place very close to fate of the crew from
Jamnagar airfield (The Statesman, the fateful mission.
Calcutta & Delhi, 13 September 1965; In a historic gesture,
The Times of India, Bombay & Delhi, then IAF CAS Air Chief
14 September 1965; Indian Express, Marshal S. P. Tyagi
Madras, Bombay, Delhi, 14 September carried out exclusive
1971 wars, as far as bombing last raid been called-off due allowed to bomb the ‘seeing- Top Centre: B-57 Bomber
1965). research and officially Crew strapping up for a
missions were concerned. to crew discrepancy, the INAS eye’ of PAF and its air defence
informed that as per Mission.
crew in Jamnagar would establishment at Badin (…) on
When a POW exchange took place records, eye witness
The loss of two fighters of No have caused devastation. the morning of 7 September Top Right: A B-57
between the two nations in January accounts of locals,
5 Squadron from Sargodha This dauntless duo managed the war would have been Bomber formation.
1966, India handed over a fragment images and material (Photo: PAF Archives).
created legends – Sqn Ldr to annihilate the Indian over much earlier and (Indian)
of an oxygen mask attributed to the attributed to the wreckage and the crew it was certain that B-57 No. 33-941
Sarfaraz A. Rafiqui and assault when they ferociously aircraft losses would have Left Page Centre: B-57
pilot along with the wallet of Sqn had made it right over Jamnagar Airfield – dropped two bombs and was in
his wing-man Flt Lt Yunus descended on the enemy been minimized.’ flight lines at Mauripur.
Ldr Alam Siddiqui, in a distressed second circuit to drop the remaining load when it was caught up in AAA – was
Hussain. Within hours they through the clouds just when (PAF Archives).
condition but still holding its contents inevitably hit, and minutes later crashed few miles across the airfield, martyring
were followed by Sqn Ldrs the Seahawks were preparing In having so gallantly laid their
including family photographs. The the crew. IAF further pin-pointed the crash site at an agricultural field 10 miles Right: B-57s starting
Alam Siddiqui and Aslam for the raid. Damage to the lives, they added a golden up with the signature
Government of Pakistan changed east of the airfield and facilitated a visit to the location. A documentary was
Qureshi of No 8 Bomber runway and control tower left chapter in the glorious history smoke. (PAF Archives).
the status of the lost crew from MIA produced by CNN-IBN showing the location and old pictures, including one
Squadron from Mauripur. no time for them to reorganize of PAF which is rich with such
to KIA, but somehow the uncertainty from a local daily displaying the wreckage with Indian Navy officials beside it. Above: B-57 bomber
Together it was these heroes and make it to Badin before traditions of selfless devotion
regarding their fate perpetuated in crew climbing into the
whose courage and devotion dawn. Their sacrifice not only literally beyond the call of tandem cockpit. (PAF
the absence of an official verdict. In While plight of the fighter squadrons from initial missions in the north brought
on the very first evening of the preserved national prestige duty. Archives).
2005 the acclaimed book ‘The India several heroes to the forefront by the very first afternoon of the war, achievements
war inspired fearlessness and but also contributed to the
Pakistan Air War of 1965’ by P. V. S. of bombers from the same night remained relatively under-explored. No 8
shaped the psyche of PAF’s significant edge which PAF
Jagan Mohan and Samir Chopra Squadron persevered in silence while its crews delivered the momentous tasks
air-warriors facing an enemy maintained through the
revealed accounts including that of of preserving the defences of the south by offering IAF enough poundings to
superior in numbers. war. As Rear Admiral (Retd)
Air Cdre K. A. Hariharan, an IAF pilot keep it on ground. During the war, two operational missions in a night were
Satyindra Singh of Indian
then stationed at Jamnagar, who considered the limit. Sqn Ldr Alam Siddiqui had first taken- off at 1805 Hrs
Facts took nearly five decades Navy puts it, ‘Had the eight
had witnessed the last bomber’s and for the third time at 0335 Hrs. Flying 3 combat missions within a span of 9
to become evident. Had this Seahawks at Jamnagar been
raid, the illumination by its flares and hours in the same night is accepted as a record. Especially during the 1965 and

103 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e 104

Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD

More F-35 Fighters on Dutch US Air Force awards

contracts to start
Defence Shopping List designing F-35 weapon
by Stephen Losey
by David Donald 8 June
3 Jun 2022
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air
Force has awarded contracts
to three companies for the first
phase of a new program to
develop an air-to-ground stand-in
Concept art from Lockheed Martin depicts a stand-in attack weapon fired from a jet. Lockheed, attack weapon that the F-35 jet
Northrop Grumman and L3Harris Technologies have each received $2 million contracts from the US could use to destroy enemy air
Air Force to start designing a weapon that could be used to target enemy air defenses from an F-35.
defences.
(Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin, Northrop

WASHINGTON — The Air Force’s secretive beginning of the EMD phase. Although Grumman and L3Harris
and highly classified Next Generation Air the service has already been working Technologies said this week the
Dominance fighter program has started on NGAD for about that long, because service selected them for phase
its crucial engineering and manufacturing it just recently started work on the EMD one of the SIAW program. The
development phase, Secretary Frank phase, it will still be several more years three-month contracts, each for
Kendall said Wednesday. before the program will reach IOC. $2 million, were awarded May
25, Lena Lopez, a spokeswoman
In a discussion at the Heritage Foundation, “The clock really didn’t start in 2015; it’s for the Air Force Life Cycle
Kendall said the Air Force began early starting roughly now,” Kendall said. “We Management Center’s Armament
experimental prototyping on NGAD in think we’ll have capability by the end of Directorate, said Wednesday.
Two KLu F-35As are seen during a February 2022 exercise with a pair from the UK-based 48th Fighter 2015, when he was the Pentagon’s top the decade.”
Wing. Having been bought by eight NATO nations to date, plus Switzerland and NATO applicant Finland, acquisition official. This was essentially The Air Force signaled it was
the F-35 is key to the defence of Europe. (Photo: U.S. Air Force) an X-plane program, he said, designed to But NGAD could also be the most preparing to move forward with
reduce risk and develop key technologies expensive aircraft program in history. the SIAW in supporting documents
needed for the production program. Kendall told lawmakers in April each for its proposed fiscal 2023
piloted aircraft under the program budget, which for the first time
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought the defence of Europe sharply into focus, Concept art from the Air Force Research
The technology has continued to progress, would likely cost several hundred million requested $78 million to start
and many NATO nations are significantly increasing their defence expenditure as a Laboratory from 2018 showing a potential
next-generation fighter concept, or F-X. Air he said, and the NGAD effort is now dollars apiece. procuring 42 of the weapons.
result. The Netherlands is one of them and has committed an additional €5 billion
Force Secretary Frank Kendall said June envisioned as a “family of systems”
per year to the military budget, representing an increase of around 40 percent. The 1 that the Next Generation Air Dominance incorporating several elements, including The Air Force asked Congress for The Air Force said this weapon
future spending plans are laid out in a white paper—“A Stronger Netherlands, A program has now entered its engineering and a handful of autonomous drone aircraft almost $1.7 billion for NGAD in its fiscal would allow it to strike enemy
Safer Europe: Investing in a Robust NATO and EU”—that was introduced by defence manufacturing development phase. (AFRL) accompanying the manned aircraft in 2023 budget, including $133 million targets that create an anti-access,
minister Kajsa Ollongren on June 1. formation. in research, development, testing and area denial environment and can
evaluation funding. be rapidly moved. These potential
For the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, royal air force) the main element is the
purchase of six more Lockheed Martin F-35As, raising the total number to 52. This
The Air Force’s It typically takes the Air Force’s acquisition
programs almost seven years to reach
targets include integrated air
defences systems, ballistic missile
launchers, land-attack and anti-
initial operating capability from the
will permit the creation of a third full squadron to join the current 313 Squadron at
Volkel and 322 Squadron at Leeuwarden. The white paper also notes that “the entire next-gen ship cruise missile launchers,
GPS jammers, and anti-satellite
systems.
F-35 fleet will be expanded with modern long-range and precision weapons” and that
the future use of unmanned fighters is being examined. Long-range engagement
and suppression of enemy air defence are regarded as important aspects of future
fighter has The stand-in weapon would have
a shorter range than standoff

moved into a
KLu operations. weapons, which are designed to
be fired from a distance outside
The number of General Atomics MQ-9A Reapers will also be doubled to eight to the range of enemy defenses,
increase maritime and overland intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance (ISR)
capacity. The Reapers will also be armed in the future, with that program to enter the
critical new typically by an aircraft such as a
B-52.

phase
parliamentary approval process next year.

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Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD

BAE Systems Pratt &

expands Whitney wins
anti-jam $4.4 billion
contract for
receiver
F-35
capabilities
engines
by Stew Magnuson A Pratt & Whitney F135 engine undergoes by Stephen Losey
ground testing at Arnold Air Force Base in 16 June 2021
7 June 2022 Tennessee. (Rick Goodfriend/Air Force)

WASHINGTON — The Defence

BAE Systems’ DIGAR enhances the reliability of navigation, positioning and timing data in disruptive electromagnetic signals. Credit: Department awarded Pratt &
BAE Systems.

BAE Systems has expanded its Digital GPS Anti-Jam Receiver (DIGAR) capabilities by beamforming it with Trimble receivers
Poland reveals plan to Whitney a bridge contract worth
nearly $4.4 billion to provide at

buy AW149 helos in deal

least 250 engines for the F-35
and its own receivers. fighter.

With the new beamforming capabilities, the level of GPS jamming protection for aircraft is increased by a million-fold, in turn
allowing the pilots to execute their missions in contested environments. potentially worth over $1B The contract modification from
the F-35 Joint Program Office will
ROME — Poland plans to buy AW149 helicopters, the by Tom Kington cover production of the 15th and
The software was developed by the engineers at BAE Systems’ Cedar Rapids facility, Iowa, US, to ensure its antenna defense ministry said Monday, with one Italian bank 15 June 2022 16th lots of the F135 engine used
electronics are compatible with industry-standard Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (EGI). estimating the order could be worth €1.1 billion (U.S. in all three variants of the F-35.
$1.15 billion) to manufacturer Leonardo.
DIGAR now provides the only antenna electronics to beamform with BAE Systems’ receivers, as well as Trimble GPS The Pentagon said Wednesday
“In the near future we will sign contracts for the supply of mine destroyers ... AW149
receivers that are embedded in aircraft EGIs. that 178 of the engines that will be
multi-role support helicopters, two observation satellites and tank destroyers,”
produced under this contract will
according to a tweet from the ministry, which cited Defence Minister Mariusz
go to U.S. F-35s. Pratt & Whitney
Two Amphibious Aircraft Programs on Blaszczak.

Polish news portal Defence24 reported the order will include 32 helicopters, with
said the remaining engines will go
to the forces of allied nations that

Drawing Boards by Stew Magnuson

6 Sep 2022
assembly handled in Poland by PZL-Świdnik, which is controlled by Leonardo. It
also reported Poland will acquire the helicopters in three different formats: combat
also fly the aircraft.

support; command; and reconnaissance and electronic warfare. If all options in the contract are
There are now two amphibious airlift programs in their early stages that might help move troops and supplies rapidly as the
Defence Department continues its strategic shift to the region. exercised, Pratt & Whitney said
it could cover as many as 518
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency recently kicked off its Liberty Lifter project, with a goal of flying a long- engines at a total value of about $8
range, “low-cost X-plane capable of seaborne strategic billion.
and tactical lift,” the agency said in a press release.
This deal is intended to keep F135
“The new vehicle concept seeks to expand upon existing engines in production while Pratt &
cargo aircraft by proving revolutionary heavy air lift Whitney and the F-35 JPO finalize
abilities from the sea,” the agency said. a formal production contract for
lots 15 through 17, for which they
The envisioned plane will combine fast and flexible reached an agreement in principle
strategic lift of large, heavy loads with the ability to take in April.
off and land in water. Its structure will enable both highly
controlled flight close to turbulent water surfaces and Pratt & Whitney expects to start
sustained flight at mid-altitudes. In addition, the plane delivering these engines this year,
TAMPA, Florida — Defeating the “tyranny of distance” in the will be built with a low-cost design and construction and continue through the end of
Indo-Pacific — with vast oceans and seas to traverse — is a 2025.
key concern among U.S. military leaders. philosophy, the agency said.

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Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD

This A-10C
Warthog unit
wants to
bring more
‘brrrrrt’ to
Europe
by Rachel S. Cohen
11 June 2022

Capt. Mariah Althaus, an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares for
flight at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, May 18 in support of the Defender-Europe 22. The annual U.S. Army-led large-scale, multinational joint
exercise aims to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.
(Tech. Sgt. Enjoli Saunders/Air National Guard)

A Maryland Air National Guard unit recently sent a fleet of 10 A-10C Thunderbolt II attack planes to participate in
multinational combat exercises in eastern Europe, one of its largest training delegations there in the past decade.

It’s the A-10 enterprise’s latest step toward a greater presence in Europe as it pivots away from decades of combat missions
in U.S. Central Command.

The 104th Fighter Squadron arrived in Iceland May 5 to participate for about two weeks in the Army’s “Swift Response”
exercise, then joined the “Defender Europe” exercise for another two weeks.

Budget boost in hand, Germany puts more

sub-hunting planes on its shopping list
by Sebastian Sprenger
4 June 2022
WASHINGTON — German lawmakers today passed a €100 billion (U.S. $107 billion) defence budget boost, initiating a major
spending spree over several years that is expected to include seven new P-8 Poseidon maritime-surveillance planes in
addition to five copies ordered last year.

The bill to establish a special fund for Germany’s armed forces,

the Bundeswehr, passed parliament by a vote of 593-80, with
seven abstentions. Together with the country’s regular defence
budget of roughly €50 billion, the money is meant to get Berlin to
spend an average of 2 percent of its gross domestic product on
defence over five years — a fiscal target set for NATO members.

The vote makes good on a push announced by Chancellor Olaf

Scholz in late February to boost Germany’s defences following
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defence officials have said they
want to use the extra money to reverse deep cuts made to
Germany’s military during the post-Cold War period, when a A Patrol Squadron 4 sailor directs a P-8 Poseidon
conflict in Europe involving Russia appeared unlikely. aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island off the
coast of Washington state in 2016. (U.S. Navy)

109 PA F Magazi ne SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF M agaz in e

  
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