Spring, 2023

Editor-in-Chief
Air Cdre
Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)
Editor
S. Khalil
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Note: Contents are not necessarily the

Design Head official views of nor endorsed by the PAF.
Mobin Munir Information in this magazine is current
at the time of publication.

PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine

T
his issue of Second to None has been curated with Committee collaborated with the Islamabad Polo Club to sister services and various other organizations, PAF worked PAF men have a common attribute. The ability of keeping
an eye on the promising future and a humble glance organize the thrilling event which featured incessant action day and night to ensure that it did all it could for those their head down and working tirelessly, not caring about
on our proud past. We begin with an account of the owing to the best polo players from all over Pakistan. affected by the horrendous floods. reward or recognition. This was also the case with the life
International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, IDEAS, of Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar, SJ. The perfect example of a life led
which is the most prestigious and largest defence show of The scope of PAF’s events and participation is not and During the wars with our belligerent neighbour, the first with purpose; the ace pilot has several achievements to his
Pakistan. PAF, being a regular participant, has always curated never has been constrained to national level. PAF aircraft aircraft that comes to mind are the Fury and the F-86. There name which are adequately covered in our feature. Another
one of the most-visited exhibitions of the show. This year and its dashing personnel has impressed people from all is another. The persevering Harvard which would be known fascinating piece in the issue is regarding the evolution of
was no different, as PAF’s National Aerospace Science and over the globe. A recent example of such an endeavour is in the history of PAF as a veteran which trained scores of RADAR technology. From big concrete dishes to artificial
Technology Park (NASTP) bagged the prize of being the the participation of PAF’s best in the Bahrain Air Show 2022. budding cadets during its service with PAF. Another aircraft elephant-like ‘ears’, individuals from over the globe invented
‘Most Decorated Stall’ of the event. Another event that created The JF-17s’ momentous performance amazed and thrilled, that played a key role during 1971 war was the Mirage. interesting contraptions to give a few minutes of warning
substantial buzz in the defence circles was GSTAR-2022, as it always does. However, this air show marked the proud Thrown into the foray shortly after being inducted, the sturdy against approaching enemy aircraft.
an event organized by Centre for Aerospace & Security and historic moment when PAF successfully carried out its aircraft proved its worth, holding its own against an air force
Studies (CASS). This year’s theme was ‘Evolving Global first Air-to-Air Refuelling of JF-17 through its IL-78 during an almost five times in size. Of course, the Mirage would be We hope this issue is as interesting as the topics and lives up
Order: Challenges and Opportunities’ and the event featured international ferry flight. An impressive feat, to say the least. nothing without its air and ground crew, which were equally to the expectations of our worthy readers.
in-depth discourses on international and regional security When talking of international exercises, another such event capable. Talking of capability, one cannot help remember
landscape. Another proud albeit very that attracted attention was Iniochos Air Exercise. Our foreign the impressive events of the ‘Red-letter Day’. It was on that Happy reading!
different event organized by correspondent has comprehensively covered the same for day PAF attained the historic feat by pulling-up a 16-aircraft
PAF was the Chief of the Air our worthy readers. Air Exercises and similar events are formation loop, which the PAF men executed perfectly in
Staff Challenge Cup Polo important and a significant part of an air force’s undertaking. front of a huge, awe-struck audience in 1958.
Tournament 2022, which However, it is imperative for an air force to respond to the
started from 28 November. call of the nation whenever situations may arise. The recent
The PAF Sports Control horrific floods are a prime example. Working alongside other
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)
Editor-in-Chief
chiefeditor@secondtononepaf.com

PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine

 Pakistan Air Force
03 NEWS B U LLE T IN

13 National Aerospace Science 33 Help From Above 67 Making History 85 Elnino & Lanina
PAF’s Flood Relief Operations-2022 A Feat to Remember and Cherish Effects on Region and Pakistan
& Technology Park Gp Capt Muhammad Bahroni ACM Jamal A. Khan (Retd) Zuhaib Anwar
NASTP- Making Mark at IDEAS-2022
PAF has always pledged to stand by the nation during The author brings back to life a forgotten tale of The author brings out the core reasons for the
Air Cdre Liaquatullah Niazi
times of need and this year floods were no exception. an achievement PAF was always proud of. global climate changes which are affecting our
An exclusive account of an organisation which is region and especially Pakistan
spearheading PAF’s vision of nation building in a
remarkable manner.
39 Aegean Knights 71 The Himalayan Battle Lines (Part -I)
Exclusive Report on Iniochos Beyond the 1962 Indo-Chinese Border Conflict 89 A Veteran Par Excellence
Exercise-2022 A Tribute to Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar, SJ (Retd)
17 GSTAR-2022 Seminar Report Vincent Martens
Air Cdre M Suleman Aziz (Retd)
S.Khalil
Evolving Global Order Challenges and A comprehensive research paper that has comprehensively
Responsibilities An exclusive report by our foreign correspondent studied the Indo-China conflict of 1962 and its implications A tribute to a war veteran who achieved
would take you in the midst of an air exercise thereafter on the region and beyond. outstanding feat during both the wars against the
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)
known for its professionalism and comraderies. enemy.
An exclusive report on GSTAR-2022 seminar which has
very adequately highlighted evolving global threats and
79 Doing it the Crude Way
AROUND THE WORLD
underlying opportunities in the contemporary times.
47 Meet the Harvard When Hearing was Believing 95
Aviation News

A Story of Men, Machine and their Mission

Muhammad Khan
23 Thunder Over Bahrain Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M ) (Retd)
An in-depth feature on the various evolution phases of RADAR
PAF participates in Bahrain Air Show-2022 A tribute to a veteran which played a significant technology which has now become the core of all air combat
Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd) role in training scores of budding student pilots operations.
during infancy years of PAF.
An eye witness account of Bahrain Air Show-2022 where
JF-17 remained the star.

57 PAF’s Mirages At War

29 Game of Kings Remembering the Delta Warriors
Air Cdre Kaiser Tufail (Retd)
Report on CAS Polo Cup-2022
S. Khalil The author brings out to us a tale of remarkable
feat achieved by PAF’s delta force during 1971
Let’s dwell deep inside the mysteries of game rightly
war.
known as the ‘Game of the Kings’.

Page Photo: Awais Lali

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 [PAF News] BULLETIN [PAF News] BULLETIN
PAF C-130 AIRCRAFT BRINGS BACK BODIES U.S. AMBASSADOR CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
OF SHUHADA OF BALOCHISTAN On 16 August 2022, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Donald
Blome called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu,

HELICOPTER CRASH Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office. During the
meeting, matters of regional security situation, enhanced bilateral
On 03 August 2022, C-130 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force carrying dead bodies of Commander XII Corps, Lieutenant and defence cooperation were discussed.
General Sarfraz Ali Shaheed and Commander Engineers XII Corps, Brigadier Muhammad Khalid Shaheed arrived at PAF
Base, Nur Khan. The officers had embraced martyrdom in a tragic The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel
accident on 01 August, 2022 alongwith four other military officials and the exceptional progress made by PAF over the years,
during flood relief activities. especially through indigenization. He also appreciated Pakistan’s
efforts in promoting regional peace and vowed to enhance
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, cooperation in various fields. The Air Chief highlighted that both
Pakistan Air Force, expressed deep sorrow and empathy over the the countries enjoyed cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to
loss of precious lives in the crash. In his condolence message, the further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the two strategic partners. CAS further said, “Pakistan values its
Air Chief said, “May Allah bestow the departed souls higher ranks in strong diplomatic, economic and defence relations with United States of America which are based on convergence on all
the Heaven and grant patience to the bereaved families”.
important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability”.

Both sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in training and operational domains.
COMMANDER DEFENCE FORCES OF HUNGARY
CALLS ON AIR CHIEF GRADUATION CEREMONY
On 04 August 2022, Lieutenant General Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, Commander Defence Forces of Hungary called on Air
Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office. OF NO 56 COMBAT
The visiting dignitary appreciated sound professionalism of PAF COMMANDERS’ COURSE
personnel and also acknowledged the achievements made by PAF over
the years, especially through indigenization. The Air Chief highlighted
that both countries enjoyed cordial relations and reiterated his resolve
HELD
to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the PAF On 24 August 2022, The graduation ceremony of
and Hungarian Air Force. Both the dignitaries agreed to further revitalize No 56 Combat Commanders’ Course was held at
defence ties including training and indigenous production. Various Airpower Centre of Excellence (ACE). Air Marshal Hamid
matters of professional interest and regional security also came under Rashid Randhawa, HI(M), Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
discussion during the meeting. (Administration), Pakistan Air Force was the chief guest
on the occasion.

While addressing the course participants, the chief guest

COMMANDER IRAQI NAVY CALLS ON AIR CHIEF said that ACE had polished their professional skills and
On 10 August 2022, Lieutenant General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah enhanced their tactical awareness. He stressed that officers must continue to strive for excellence in their upcoming
Al Zayid, Commander Iraqi Navy called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer assignments as core professionals. He further said that success in future wars depended on timely addressing new
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his trends in warfare, enhancing contemporary technologies and integrating future capabilities. The chief guest also
office. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed matters of expressed his satisfaction on implementation of emerging warfare concepts in the elite institution of PAF. He awarded
professional and mutual interest. certificates and trophies to the graduating officers who underwent a strenuous and professionally demanding course.

While appreciating professionalism of Pakistan Air Force, Lieutenant Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for overall best performance amongst combat pilots was awarded to Squadron Leader
General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah Al Zayid acknowledged PAF’s Osama Sharif Ghani while Air Officer Commanding Air Defence Trophy for overall best performance amongst combat
rising indigenous capacity in aviation industry. The Air Chief said that controllers was awarded to Squadron Leader Muhammad Ayaz.
Pakistan and Iraq had longstanding religious, cultural and historical
bonds which were manifested through strong military ties between the The ceremony was attended by Air Officers and field commanders of Pakistan Air Force.
two countries.

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 [PAF News] BULLETIN [PAF News] BULLETIN
PSF COMBAXX INTERNATIONAL SQUASH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSFORMATION
TOURNAMENT 2022 CONCLUDES AT MUSHAF SQUASH MANAGEMENT OFFICE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE,
COMPLEX KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
On 28 August 2022, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) in On 07 September 2022, H.E Dr Samir AbdulAziz Al Tubayyab,
collaboration with Pakistan Air Force organized PSF Combaxx Chief Executive Officer, Transformation Management Office,
International Squash Tournament for Men at Mushaf Squash
Ministry of Defence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on Air
Complex, Islamabad between 24-28 August, 2022. The event
Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff,
had a prize money of USD 12000. 24 squash players from Egypt,
Pakistan Air Force in his office. During the meeting, matters
Malaysia, Iran and Pakistan participated in the mega event.
of regional security situation, enhanced bilateral and defence
Air Marshal Zulfiqar Ahmed Qureshi, HI(M), Deputy Chief of cooperation were discussed.
the Air Staff (Training), Pakistan Air Force, graced the closing
ceremony as Chief Guest and awarded trophies & prize money to Dr Samir Abdul Aziz Al Tubayyab commended the professionalism
the finalists. While lauding the PSF efforts for providing international-standard training and coaching facilities to the of PAF and acknowledged its rising indigenous capacity in aviation
players, the chief guest reiterated that the PAF and the PSF would continue to sponsor talented young players besides industry. The visiting dignitary also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts
making concerted efforts to help the country regain its glory in world squash. in promoting regional peace.

CAS said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds manifested through

PAF OBSERVES 7 SEPTEMBER AS MARTYRS’ DAY

th strong ties between both the countries. The Air Chief further highlighted that the advancement in space, electronic
warfare, cyber, niche technologies coupled with artificial intelligence had profoundly affected the traditional environment
Pakistan Air Force observed 7th September as Martyrs’ Day at all the country. The day started with special prayers and
of national security and Pakistan Air Force focused in acquisition and development of these technologies.
Quran Khawani for the Shuhada of 1965 & 1971 Wars and those who sacrificed their lives in action since the creation
of Pakistan. Both sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in training and operational domains.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the chief guest during a
Martyrs’ Day Ceremony held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Addressing on the occasion, the Air Chief said that PAF
had proud history of sacrifice, valour and professionalism. Brave sons of the soil had always responded to nation’s call
CHINESE AMBASSADOR CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
and marked glories with their blood during 1948, 1965 & 1971 Wars, Ops Sentinel and Operation Swift Retort. Pakistan On 09 September 2022, Ambassador of the People’s Republic
Air Force had evolved due to great legacy of forefathers and the airforce was striving for the advancement in space, of China, H.E. Mr Nong Rong, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
electronic warfare, cyber, niche technologies and indigenous defence capability to ensure sovereignty and territorial Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in
integrity”. Air Chief had appreciated the efforts of PAF personnel for relief and rescue operations during the recent his office. Several key areas of mutual interest along with regional
floods. He further expressed solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their indigenous and just struggle for self- developments were discussed.
determination. To pay homage to the martyrs,
the Air Chief laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Chief of the Air Staff shared broad contours of PAF’s modernization
Monument and offered “Fateha”. Principal Staff drive to achieve operational capability in the contemporary warfare
Officers, Officers, Airmen and PAF civilians in air, space and cyber space domains as per the PAF’s operational
attended the ceremony. construct. The Air Chief also highlighted that both the countries
enjoyed unprecedented strategic partnership and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties in
military to military cooperation and training domains between PAF and PLAAF. CAS further said, “Pakistan values its
Earlier in the day, a wreath laying ceremony was
strong diplomatic, economic, defence relationship and time-tested friendship with China which are based on convergence
also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas
on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability”.
Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider) at Karachi. Air Vice
Marshal Zaeem Afzal, Air Officer Commanding The visiting dignitary praised the professionalism of PAF personnel and the exceptional progress made by PAF over the
Southern Air Command, offered ‘Fateha’ and laid years, especially through indigenization. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace. Both leaders
floral wreath at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf vowed to further consolidate cooperation in various fields including emerging technologies and mutual cooperation in
of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. military industry. The honourable Ambassador also offered heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the loss
of life and devastation caused by floods in Pakistan.

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 [PAF News] BULLETIN [PAF News] BULLETIN
C-17 AIRCRAFT CARRYING FOOD & SHELTER RELIEF AIR CHIEF OVERSEES OPERATIONAL EXERCISE OF
GOODS FROM USA LANDS AT NUR KHAN AIR BASE PAKISTAN AIR FORCE
On 09 September 2022, US C-17 aircraft arrived at PAF On 28 September 2022,
Base, Nur Khan carrying humanitarian aid for the flood Pakistan Air Force conducted
an operational Air Defence
affectees in Pakistan. The aircraft was received by
exercise focusing at fostering
high ranking officials of Pakistan Air Force. The United
synergy while considering future
States operated several sorties comprising of life saving warfare challenges. The aim
humanitarian supplies through an air bridge to Pakistan to of the exercise was to practice
provide support to the flood affectees. The humanitarian counter air operations in order
relief support by the US is aimed at providing succour to to validate contemporary
employment concepts. The exercise was focused on integration of PAF and Pak Army air defence assets while training
the sufferings of flood victims and help Pakistan during a
PAF operational crew to develop, practice and validate tactics against envisaged threats.
testing time.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force oversaw the operational PAF
Air Defence exercise. While monitoring the conduct of exercise from Command Operations Center, the CAS assessed
AIR CHIEF integration and synergistic employment of offensive and defensive forces in synergy with Army Air Defence in order to
validate contemporary employment concepts under near-realistic threat scenarios. PAF operational assets including
INSPECTS PAF fighter aircraft, air defence elements, force multipliers and Battle Management Centers were also integrated in the
exercise.
OPERATIONAL
AIR BASE GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD AT
PAF ACADEMY, ASGHAR KHAN
On 17 September 2022, in order to carry out operational evaluation of PAF installations, newly constructed infrastructure, On 29 September 2022, The Graduation Ceremony of 146th GD(P),
equipment and support units, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force 92nd Engg, 102nd Air Defence, 92nd & 94th Royal Saudi Air Force
visited operational base Skardu in the Northern Sector. Engg Cadets’ Courses were held at PAF Academy Asghar Khan,
Risalpur today. General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of
Addressing the personnel, the Air Chief said that, “This enhancement of the infrastructure and capability would augment Staff Committee was the Chief Guest on the occasion. On arrival
PAF’s operational flexibility and enable generation of prudent response in the complex operational environment in the at the Academy, the Chief Guest was received by Air Vice Marshal
sector. PAF was now better poised for added sustenance and innovative application of air power in the North. Besides Muhammad Qaisar Janjua, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Academy
maintaining the highest professional standards, circumstances demanded operational readiness to respond to any Asghar Khan.
external/internal security challenge.The advancement in space, electronic warfare, cyber, niche technologies coupled
with artificial intelligence had profoundly affected the traditional environment of national security. In order to provide A total of 115 Aviation Cadets, 10 Gentleman Cadets and 22 Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets graduated at the passing out
safe and secure environment against all threats, the armed forces of Pakistan would continue to synergize their efforts parade ceremony. The Chief Guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating cadets and Trophies to the Distinction
by bridging the capability gaps through timely induction programs. PAF in synergy with its sister services was ever ready Holders. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for the best performance in General Service Training was
to counter any threat to the sovereignty of the sacred motherland. Pakistan Air Force would never be intimidated by awarded to Aviation Cadet Academy Under Officer Sabeeh ud Din, whereas Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best
stockpiling of weapons by the enemy.” performance in Engineering discipline was awarded to Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Mohammad Saqib Sher.
Chief of the Air Staff Best Pilot Trophy for outstanding performance in Flying Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet
The Air Chief was briefed on the role and task of the various units with a focus on operational and administrative tasks Ahsen Ali Khattak. Best Allied Cadet Trophy for 92nd Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets’ Course was won by Royal Saudi
and various projects of infrastructure development being carried out at the base. Later, he visited various installations Air Force Cadet Fahad Mobarak Al Johani whereas, Best Allied Cadet Trophy for 94th Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets’
where he interacted with the officers and airmen. Interacting with the air and ground crew, the Air Chief lauded the level Course was awarded to Royal Saudi Air Force Cadet Waleed Khalid Abdullah Al Turki. Sword of Honour for overall best
of motivation and thorough professionalism of PAF personnel. performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Mohammad
Saqib Sher, whereas Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Flying Training was awarded to Aviation
Earlier on his arrival at the base, the Air Chief was received by Principal Staff Officers and base key staff. Cadet Mohammad Saad Bangash.

7 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 8

 [PAF News] BULLETIN [PAF News] BULLETIN

STUDENTS OF PAF SCHOOLS & COLLEGES DIRECTOR JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF OF THE SAUDI
CONTRIBUTE IN FLOOD RELIEF ACTIVITIES ARMED FORCES CALLS ON AIR CHIEF
On 17 October 2022, a Saudi Armed Forces
On 11 October 2022, Recent monsoon rainfall and the super floods demanded great efforts and support for saving
delegation led by Major General Hamed Bin Rafei
humanity, working shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Air Force personnel. Students of PAF schools and colleges Al Amri, Director Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Saudi
made indigenous efforts to bring cheers amongst the distressed children of flood affected areas. Armed Forces, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan
Air Force in his office today. During the meeting,
The PAF students came together to raise funds on their own to buy treats which included chocolates, sweets and
matters of regional security situation, enhanced
stationery items for the brothers and sisters in these testing times. More than 17000 packets comprising sweet treats bilateral and defence cooperation were discussed.
were distributed in the flood affected areas which brought back the lost smiles on the faces of suffering children.
Major General Hamed Bin Rafei Al Amri expressed
his grief over the devastation caused by floods in
The activity reflected PAF’s resolve of
Pakistan and offered sincere condolence to the
being the first responder to the nation’s call families of the victims. He praised efforts of PAF
wherein PAF had always stepped forward personnel for their support to civil administration in
for conduct of relief activities to alleviate relief activities and rehabilitation process of the flood affectees. The dignitary also acknowledged the rising indigenous
the sufferings of those affected by natural condolences of PAF in aviation industry and agreed to further optimize the existing ties between both the air forces
particularly in training and operational domains.
disasters.
Chief of the Air Staff shared broad contours of PAF’s modernization drive to achieve operational capability in
the contemporary warfare in air, space and cyber space domains as per the PAF’s operational construct and said
that Pakistan Air Force was fully focused in acquisition and development of these technologies. The Air Chief said
that Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoyed longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which are
DEPUTY DEFENCE MINISTER, IRAQ manifested through strong ties between both the countries. CAS thanked the visiting dignitary for the unflinching
support extended by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated that assistance from our global partners shall be vital for

CALLS ON AIR CHIEF rescue and rehabilitation of the flood victims in Pakistan.

On 17 October 2022, Secretary General Jabbar Thejel

Mutlag, Deputy Defence Minister, Iraq called on Air Chief PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN
Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff,
Pakistan Air Force in his office. During the meeting, several
key areas of mutual interest, enhanced bilateral relations
VISITS AIR HEADQUARTERS
and defence cooperation were discussed. On 19 October 2022, the inaugural ceremony of a two-day
flagship international seminar titled ‘Global Strategic Threat and
Secretary General Jabbar Thejel Mutlag, Deputy Defence Response’ (GSTAR) arranged by Centre for Aerospace & Security
Minister, Iraq commended the professionalism of PAF and Studies (CASS) was held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Dr Arif
appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace. Alvi, President Islamic Republic of Pakistan was the chief guest
at the occasion. On his arrival at Air Headquarters, Islamabad he
Chief of the Air Staff said that Pakistan and Iraq enjoyed was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu,
longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds manifested through strong ties between both the countries. The Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.
Air Chief further highlighted that the advancement in space, electronic warfare, cyber and niche technologies coupled
with artificial intelligence had profoundly affected the traditional environment of national security. Pakistan Air Force President Dr. Arif Alvi in his inaugural speech appreciated the
was fully focused in acquisition and development of these technologies through smart inductions and human resource PAF’s key initiatives directed towards maximising the field of knowledge into its operations. The President appreciated
development for cost effective operations. the CASS administration for the conduct of a thought provoking seminar on the contemporary strategic issues. The
President said, “The complex dynamics of the world politics has exponentially changed the traditional balance of power
Both the dignitaries also agreed to further optimize the existing ties between both the air forces particularly in training and security environment which demands befitting response through national cohesion. The present era marked the
and operational domains. creation of new centres of power created by technology and wealth. There is a need to construct a new order on the
basis of equality of humans, respect for human security, harnessing of new technology and a commitment to peace.”

9 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 10

 [PAF News] BULLETIN [PAF News] BULLETIN
CAS-SERENA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL MEN & AIR CHIEF INAUGIRATES AIR BOSS OPERATIONS
SERENA HOTELS-COMBAXX SPORTS INTERNATIONAL ROOM & AIR BATTLE MANAGEMENT SCHOOL AT
WOMEN SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP-2022 CONCLUDES AIR POWER CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
AT MUSHAF SQUASH COMPLEX Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force inaugurated newly established
Air Boss Operations Room and Air Battle Management School at Air Power Center of Excellence on 20 January, 2023.
On 23 October 2022, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) in
collaboration with Pakistan Air Force, Serena Hotels and Combaxx While addressing on the occasion, the Air Chief said, “Pakistan Air Force has realigned its operations with special focus
Sports, organized Chief of the Air Staff Serena Hotels- International upon high-quality combat training and prompt induction of modern weapon systems. He further added that Pakistan
Air Force has prepared itself for the challenges of the 21st century and is fully capable of thwarting any potential threat”.
Men & Serena Hotels- Combaxx Sports International Women Squash
Championship at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad Islamabad.
Held between 19-23 October 2022, as many as 48 players from
16 countries including Germany, Spain, Egypt, Singapore, Austria,
Malaysia, Serbia, USA, Brazil, Hungary, England, Qatar, Czech Republic,
Iran, Kuwait & Pakistan participated in men and women mega events.

Air Marshal Muhammad Zahid Mahmood, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force graced the closing ceremony as
chief guest and awarded trophies and prize money to the finalists.

The women’s final was played between World No 72 Ms Fayrouz Aboelkheir from Egypt and World No 82 Ms Malak
Khafagy also from Egypt. Fayrouz Aboelkheir defeated Malak Khafagy with a game score of 6-11, 12-10, 4-11, 11-6, 12-
10 in 37 minutes.

GERMAN AMBASSADOR CALLS ON AIR CHIEF

On 03 November 2022, Ambassador of the Federal
Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Alfred Grannas, called on
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the
Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office. Several key areas
of mutual interest along with regional developments were
discussed.

Chief of the Air Staff shared broad contours of PAF’s

modernization plan of smart acquisitions from allied AIR CHIEF INSPECTS OPERATIONAL AIR BASE OF
countries, upgradation of infrastructure and revamping
of training. The Air Chief also highlighted that both the PAKISTAN AIR FORCE
countries enjoy unprecedented strategic partnership and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral
ties in the military to military cooperation. CAS further said, “Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of
defence relationship with Germany which is based on convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace,
the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force
security and stability”.
inspected PAF Base Rafiqui to
carry out operational evaluation
The visiting dignitary offered heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the loss of life amidst devastation
of the PAF installations,
caused by floods and appreciated the efforts put in by Pakistan Air Force for relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.
equipment and support units on
The honourable Ambassador praised the professionalism of PAF personnel and the exceptional progress made by
11 January, 2023.
Pakistan Air Force over the years, especially through indigenization. He also appreciated Pakistan’s continuous efforts
for regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all The Air Chief expressed his
levels. satisfaction as regards to the overall combat readiness of the base. He also lauded the exceptional response of base
personnel during the rescue and rehabilitation of flood victims in the aftermath of recent floods in the country.
Both sides agreed to further consolidate existing military-to-military ties particularly in training and operational domains.

11 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 12

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

T
he 11th Edition of International munitions manufacturing, leadership therefore, envisaged Inlets (Below):
Defence Exhibition and simulators and AR / VR Systems huge challenges in MRO of Pride of
Pakistan,
Seminar, IDEAS 2022 was held etc. several types of fighter aircraft JF-17 Thunder
from 15th – 18th November, 2022 at and Pakistan Aeronautical and PAC
Karachi Expo Centre. The mega event (b) AEDs are located in North, Complex (PAC) was established Kamra’s most
was significantly commemorated specializing in ground handling in 1973. PAC has evolved over successful
through enhanced participation of equipment, special vehicles, last five decades from an MRO product,
the Super
Pakistan Armed Forces, national radar MRO / upgrades, C-130 facility, setup for F-6 Aircraft, Mushshak
and international defence industry, Mods / Upgrades, and multi- called F-6 Rebuild Factory (F6RF) remained
OEMs, entrepreneurs, and high level domain support including in Kamra, into a huge complex the center
national and international defence Robotics, EODs and MRO of of four factories over 2500 acres of attraction
delegations. The new features were Payloads. of land with 16000 skilled work for foreign
Right: AVM Abbass and local
National Aerospace Science and Technology aimed to make IDEAS an effective force and more than 100000
Ahmed Ghumman dignitaries
briefing ACM Zaheer platform for defence Buyers and (c) R&D Units undertake design, population. Currently, PAC alike during
Park under the visionary leadership of ACM Sellers. Pakistan Air Force is the research and development in has the capacity to undertake
Ahmed Baber IDEAS-2022.
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, CAS PAF is proudly Sidhu, CAS PAF air warfare branch of the Pakistan the fields of EW, EO/IR, ISR and MRO of all kinds of military and
during IDEAS-2022. Armed Forces which is tasked with Drone Systems. selected commercial aircraft,
spearheading PAF’s vision of nation building as (All Photos: PAF
providing, in synergy with other engines, radar and payloads
envisaged by the father of the nation. The author Archives unless
services, the most efficient, assured as well as production of UAVs,
specified). Initially, most of PAF aircraft
brings out an in-depth account about the vision, and cost-effective aerial Defence of and systems were sent to their trainer and fighter aircraft
mission and dynamics of this unique organization Right Center: ACM Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan Air countries of origin for major with flagship SMK and JF-17
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Force provides air logistic support overhauls and repairs, that Thunder.
for us to be proud of. Sidhu, CAS PAF had
capability and strategic air transport resulted in loss of operational
a busy day while
meeting foreign to the Pakistan Army, Pakistan time in Beyond Country Repair The same activity also continued
by Air Cdre Liaquatullah Khan Niazi dignitaries during Navy and various government (BCR), loss of foreign exchange to synergize PAF organic R&D
IDEAS-2022. departments on requirement basis. and host of allied logistics capability and PAF constituted
Pakistan Air Force also actively and technical challenges. PAF its major R&D setup called
Title Photo: A
contributes in nation building efforts
futuristic looking
Stall of NASTP and thus poised on the threshold of
remained the center tomorrow, PAF remains, “Second
of attraction for the to None”; fully abreast with the
general public during indispensable mechanisms to live
IDEAS-2022. (All
by its standards in the coming
photos PAF archives
unless specified). millennium and beyond.
PAF has been operating various
types of aircraft since national
independence including British,
American, French and Chinese
origin. While on one hand these
aircraft and weapon systems have
been providing the PAF with much
needed war fighting capability,
there have also been serious
obsolescence and interoperability
challenges apart from restrictions,
embargos and export controls.

In order to mitigate these challenges,

PAF leadership has been responding
proactively by establishing MRO
Depots as well as several R&D
centers for core capabilities in data
automation, sensor fusion, systems
and weapons integration etc across
Pakistan.

(a) AEDs are located in South

with 75 – 100 years of excellence
in Aerospace, Engines, Avionics,
Aerostructure, MRO, Systems
integration, testing, qualification,

13 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 14

Aviation Research, Innovation and Development (AvRID)
as well as certification agency called PAF Air Worthiness
Certification Authority (PACA). NASTP
Given establishment of the Projects Branch (now headed
by three-star Air Marshal), AvRID, PACA and COEs of
STALL DECLARED
PAF Depots and Organic R&D Setups (NCW Tech, 606
Wing, Special Task Group, CoCS, CRDC etc), current PAF
WINNER AT IDEAS-2022
leadership has envisioned to establish National Aerospace
Science and Technology Parks (NASTP) across Pakistan
to nurture much needed Triple Helix Model. NASTP will
provide eco-system of essential elements required to
nurture design, research, development and innovation in the
aviation, space and cyber domains, needed by the PAF to
have supremacy in future warfare. Chief of the Air Staff PAF,
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu has provided (a) NASTP Technology Divisions in Aircraft,
overall vision and mission statement of the Project:- Space, Radar, EW, EO/IR, Cyber, Computing,
Top Left: Free Fall jumps remained
Advanced Airborne Comm Systems & the hallmark of the air show held for
NASTP Vision Technologies, C2 Systems and Software general public during IDEAS-2022.
Become one of the best Aerospace, Cyber & Computing Development
Clusters in the world and transform national landscape
with design, R&D and innovation centers for emerging and The 11th Edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, (b) NASTP Training Division with two Top Right: ACM Zaheer Ahmed
disruptive technologies. flagship projects NASTP Aviation Academy
Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff
IDEAS-2022, concluded at Karachi Expo Center. PAF’s stall of Pakistan Air Force visiting stalls of
National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) won and NASTP Instt of Technologies & Systems PAF pavillion in the 11th edtion of
NASTP Mission international Defence Exhibition.
Foster collaborative research, development and innovation the prize of being the Most Decorated Stall of the event which
(c) National Incubation Center for Aerospace
in the fields of Aviation, Space, Cyber & Computing to portrays the hard work and commitment of the entire PAF team. Technologies (NICAT)
ensure social, economic, technological and scientific NASTP kept gathering admiration from the visitors and foreign Right: A day was kept by PAF for
benefits for Pakistan and our valuable partners. the aerial display for the general
dignitaries throughout the 4 days show of IDEAS-2022. The (d) Training and Incubation Center for public during IDEAS-2022. Seen in
NASTP project, which as per CAS vision and his own initiative has Cyber & IT called Siber Koze with Turkish illustration is a PAF Mirage showing
NASTPs will be established at selected regional locations Collaboration its delta wings during the flying
and shall have comprehensive set of elements of the overall materialized in record time, is aimed at establishment of Industry- display.=
eco-system of Project based on specific location, market Academia linkage to provide an eco system of essential elements
(e) PAF Air Worthiness Certification Authority
analysis, presence of key industry, institutions, PAF Air required to nurture design, research, development and innovation (PACA)
Engineering Depots, private companies and engineering in aviation, space and cyber domains. (b) Linkages with national and international companies.
centers. Regional NASTPs shall aim to build mini-clusters (f) Center for Artificial Intelligence &
around themselves comprising local industry, institutions, Computing (CENTAIC)
Around 285 foreign defence delegations from 64 countries (c) Prototyping, Manufacturing, Product Certification, Testing and
technology incubation centers and IT Parks etc.
participated in IDEAS-2022 which is reflective of the huge Qualification Services.
(g) National Center for Cyber Security
NASTP Unveiling at GSTAR 2022 significance of the exhibition. The success of NASTP at (NCCS) (d) Quality Training Courses as per the latest requirements of the industry.
Global Strategic Threat and Response (GSTAR) is a biennial IDEAS-2022 is the beginning of the wonders which the project is
international forum initiated by CASS. This event brings all set to perform in years to come. The mega event provided an (h) Certification Center with SISCO and (e) Technology Incubation.
national leadership, reputable international and Pakistani HUAWEI Labs
opportunity to Pakistan Air Force to showcase indeginous projects
experts from think tanks, academia, defence services, (j) Hardware Certification Center ACAST
infront of the audience from around the globe and will encourage (f) Consultancy services from all of the aforesaid NASTP Divisions.
intellectuals, and OEMs together at one platform. GSTAR
2022 was held on 19-20 October 2022. His Excellency foreign defence collaborations.
(k) Alpha Techno Square (ATS) for private (g) Expos for products and services.
President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi was companies and Daftarkhwan for Co-Working
the chief guest at the inaugural session on 19 October, Spaces (h) Access to databases of companies, services, manufacturing and
2022.
software houses.
(l) Amenities including but not limited to
This day now holds a significant spot in the technological, Banks, ATMs, Cafeteria, FMS, Day Care, (j) Data, Cloud Computing and HPC Services.
economic and defence landscape of Pakistan, as worthy Business Centers, Conference Rooms
CAS declared the inception of National Aerospace Science
(k) Incentives for R&Ds.
& Technology Park (NASTP) at the GSTAR forum in Benefits, Advantages & Incentives of
the presence of national leadership, local industry and NASTP for the Private Sector (l) Startups Support – Trainings, Venture Capital, Endowments.
international audience. This unveiling garnered an immense NASTP will thus provide following benefits to
interest and initiated a national-level dialogue on the far- Academia and Industry:- (m) Scholarships & Job creation.
reaching effects on the knowledge economy of Pakistan.
(a) Quality Human Resource. (n) STZ benefits such as exemption on customs duties and taxation.
Overview of NASTP Alpha Rawalpindi
NASTP Alpha has following key elements:-

15 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 16

SEMINAR REPORT

T
wo-day flagship International Seminar
titled ‘Global Strategic Threat and
Response (GSTAR)’ from 19-20
October, 2022 under the core theme ‘Evolving
Global Order: Challenges and Opportunities’
was organized by Centre for Aerospace &

SEMINAR REPORT Security Studies (CASS) at Air Headquarters,

Islamabad. The biennial event GSTAR is
a unique international forum, initiated by
EVOLVING GLOBAL ORDER: CHALLENGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES CASS to review the most significant global
strategic trends and challenges.

The seminar featured international scholars

Momentous developments are taking place across all domains which are deeply affecting the global, regional, & and practitioners from Canada, China,
national security environment. Moreover, rapidly emerging technologies and their diverse military applications are Germany, Latvia, New Zealand, United States
making the international and regional security landscape far more complex, volatile, and delicate. This necessitates an and United Kingdom. In addition to the
inaugural and closing plenaries, the seminar
intellectual initiative at the global level to comprehensively map and review such developments, analyze their implications, had four thematic sessions on International
and explore viable policy options to mutually chart a way forward to help build a more stable world and regional order. Security Environment: Emerging Challenges
It is in this context that the GSTAR-2022 with the theme of ‘Evolving Global Order: Challenges and Opportunities’ was & Opportunities, Geo-economics: Driver of
the Asian Century, Emerging Technologies
organized by Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, CAS PAF presenting a souvenir to
and Future Warfare, Aerospace Security:
President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi.
by Editorial Team Determinants and Future Prospects.

17 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 18

 Human Resource, technical, required a major allocation Below: ACM Tahir
operational and industrial of diplomatic, strategic and Rafiq Butt, Ex CAS
PAF along with
domains were well poised to economic resources; and participants to
achieve excellence which had stressed that the US Indo- GSTAR-2022.
always been a hallmark of Pacific Strategy would provide
Pakistan Air Force. an opportunity for stable
balance of power in the region. Bottom: President
of Pakistan, Mr
SESSION 1 On the other hand, Dr Yan Arif Alvi and ACM
Speakers of Working Session Xuetong argued that China-US Zaheer Ahmed
I on ‘International Security competition was going to get Baber Sidhu, CAS
Environment: Emerging worse in the next decade. He PAF along with
Challenges & Opportunities’ warned that deglobalisation the participants of
GSTAR-2022.
included Ambassador Robin L. in the future could create both
Raphel, Senior Advisor, Center traditional and non-traditional
for Strategic and International challenges for nations around
Studies, USA; Dr Yan Xuetong, the globe. He also highlighted
Dean, Institute of International that data technology had
Relations, Tsinghua University, changed the concept of warfare
China; and Ambassador Riaz in the world. ‘It is, unfortunately,
Mohammad Khan, Former being used in disinformation
Foreign Secretary, Government campaigns creating challenges
of Pakistan. The session was for developed and developing
moderated by Ambassador Jalil nations’, he said. Discussing
Abbas Jilani, Advisor Foreign ‘US-China Rivalry: Options for
Affairs at CASS. According to Pakistan’,Ambassador Riaz
Ambassador Robin Raphel, Mohammad Khan agreed that
strategic competition with China China was focusing on its
Earlier CAS in his welcome Above: ACM technology drive in the country.
address said, that the growing Zaheer Ahmed The first park of its kind would
Baber Sidhu, CAS
rivalry between major powers PAF addressing at
be inaugurated this year while
had resulted in weakening GSTAR-2022. two others would follow in near
of international institutions future.
and emergence of traditional
and non-traditional security Left: President of Later, President Dr. Arif Alvi
Pakistan, Mr Arif
issues. In the context of new Alvi addressing at
met Air Chief in his office. The
technologies, he highlighted the GSTAR-2022. President was briefed on the
dangerous consequences of operational readiness and PAF’s
selective sharing and its effect unflinching resolve to ward off
on regional stability. The Air any external threat to national
The seminar highlighted the The President appreciated the
Chief emphasised on the need security. CAS highlighted PAF’s
significance of technological CASS administration for the
for international consensus to comprehensive plan for growth
advancement, global strategic conduct of a thought provoking
address the challenges of these of in-country capabilities in
threats and response seminar on the contemporary
technologies. He reiterated the the well-established as well as
management in the wake of strategic issues. The President
resolve of the PAF to contribute emerging disruptive technologies
future aerial warfare. said, “The complex dynamics
towards securing the national in Aerospace, Cyber, IT and
of the world politics has
interests of the country. In Artificial Intelligence domains.
During the inaugural ceremony, exponentially changed the
this regard, he informed about
Dr Arif Alvi, President Islamic traditional balance of power
significant initiatives being While acknowledging the critical
Republic of Pakistan was the and security environment which
planned in various domains role of PAF in the defence of
chief guest. On his arrival at Air demands befitting response
including operations, capability motherland, the President
Headquarters, Islamabad he was through national cohesion. The
enhancement, organization and underlined the importance
received by Air Chief Marshal present era marked the creation
training, to make PAF a cutting- of air force in contemporary
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, of new centres of power created
edge force. geo-political milieu. He lauded
Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan by technology and wealth,
PAF’s efforts and contributions
Air Force. therefore, there is a need to
The Air Chief also announced beyond call of duty by assisting
construct a new order on the
the formal launch of the the government of Pakistan in
President Dr. Arif Alvi in his basis of equality of humans,
National Aerospace Science responding to natural calamities.
inaugural address appreciated respect for human security,
and Technology Park (NASTP) He expressed highest level of
the PAF’s key initiatives directed harnessing of new technology
aimed at giving impetus to the confidence in the visionary PAF
towards maximising the field of and a commitment to peace.”
process of indigenization and leadership and stated that PAF’s
knowledge into its operations.

19 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 20

 in East Asia. This, he said, had
been possible despite a diverse
cultural, religious, and political
environment. He emphasised
on the continuity of policies and
focus on integrated regional
connectivity for prosperity in the
Asia-Pacific region.

SESSION III
In working session III on
‘Emerging Technologies and
Future Warfare’, Lieutenant
General Khalid A. Kidwai, NI,
HI (M) (Retd), Advisor National
Command Authority & Former
Director General, Strategic Plans
Division, Government of Pakistan
linkages in the Asia-Pacific in for Pakistan to keep economic role. In his view, the fragility of Above: Air Marshal was the keynote speaker, while
cooperative terms; and countries security at the core of its security globalisation was leading to M. Ashfaque Arain other distinguished speakers
would have to adjust to different matrix, which he said required a more focus on regionalisation.
moderating the included Senior Colonel Yang
3rd session of the Jun (Retd), Senior Research
dimensions of US-China rivalry. focus on geoeconomics, without according to Dr Una seminar.
overlooking geostrategy. To that Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, Fellow, China Institute for
International Strategic Studies selectively sharing technologies opined that the potential use of Above: President
SESSION II end, he said, Pakistan must aim geoeconomics was a welcome with it which has put strategic drones, particularly Uncrewed of Pakistan, Mr
to develop regional connectivity lens in a debate saturated with (CIISS), China; Dr George Arif Alvi and ACM
Dr Moeed W. Yusuf, Former stability in the region under Aerial Vehicles would lower the
and seek development security discourse. She agreed
Bottom: ACM Malcom Moore, Scientist-in- Zaheer Ahmed
National Security Advisor, Zaheer Ahmed stress. India, on the other hand, threshold for conflict given the Baber Sidhu, CAS
partnerships rather than aid that US-China competition Residence & Adjunct Professor,
Government of Pakistan was the Baber Sidhu, CAS he said, has always been careful ongoing issues raised by UAV PAF, during a
partnerships. He cautioned that had expanding and noted that James Martin Center for Non-
keynote speaker for the second PAF addressing to follow its interests rather operations in Ukraine. ‘There are meeting at AHQ
the world was moving towards China’s ambitions were just at the inaugural proliferation Studies, Middlebury Islamabad.
session ‘Geoeconomics: Driver than completely playing to one no conventions or agreements
‘economic nationalism’ marked as strong as the US. ‘We have session of Institute of International
of the Asian Century’, while side. Lt. General Kidwai at the governing use of drones. This
by increasing restrictions, been under the impression that
GSTAR-2022. Studies, USA; and Ms Marina
other speakers included Dr Una end reiterated that Pakistan like area could gain prominence after
sanctions and coercive economic interdependence Favaro, Senior Research Fellow,
Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, always would respond to restore the Ukraine war,’ he concluded.
measures. Countries, he can deter. There is some truth Institute for Peace Research
Head China Studies Centre, stability in the region. Senior Ms Marina Favaro from Germany
argued would need to be highly to it. But when ambitions & Security Policy, University
Riga Stradins University, Latvia; Colonel Yang Jun from China defined emerging technologies
competitive to be successful in and strategies trump these of Hamburg, Germany. Air
Dr Karl J. Moore, Associate discussed how future warfare as those scientific discoveries
such an environment. Speaking arguments, it is not a deterrent’, Marshal M. Ashfaque Arain,
Professor, McGill University, could only be won by grasping and technological applications
from Canada, Dr Karl Moore she said. Dr Bērziņa-Čerenkova HI (M), SBt (Retd), Advisor
Canada; and Dr Wang Wen, the laws and characteristics of that had not yet reached
highlighted that while there were stressed that middle and small Chief of the Air Staff on CASS
Executive Dean, Chongyang modern warfare, jumping out of maturity or were not widely in
echoes of the past in modern- country agency among big rivalry Affairs and Director Emerging
Institute for Financial Studies, the box of traditional thinking use, but were anticipated to
day globalisation, the two were was paramount for stability. Technologies, CASS, moderated
China. Dr Usman W. Chohan, and stereotypes and taking have major - perhaps disruptive
vastly different. However, China Speaking on peaceful regional the proceedings. In his keynote
Director, Economic Affairs and into consideration systems, - effect on international peace
throughout ancient, medieval, connectivity and prosperity, Dr address, Lt General, Kidwai
National Development, CASS, data and algorithms, exploring and security. She cautioned that
and even modern times, had Wang Wen from China stressed (Retd) emphasised the fact that
moderated the proceedings. In new operation concepts, great power competition would
remained the only country that that 40 years of peace had emergence of new technologies
his keynote address, Dr Moeed designing new approaches be the main driver behind future
had always played a central delivered an era of prosperity was not a new phenomenon
W. Yusuf emphasised the need to victory, strengthening the research and development in
but a constant historical fact
which was likely to continue in integration of warfighting & the US, Russia, and China. ‘A
the future as well. A spectacular technological development possible China-Russia alliance
technology, when inducted in a and that of research and could confront the US with
weapon system, tends to affect operations, and drawing on serious military-technological
stability for a while but soon a others’ strengths to make up for challenges’, she concluded.
counter technology or antidote is one’s own shortcomings. In his The two-day international
developed which acts to restore presentation, Dr George Moore conference was attended
the stability. In the context from the US discussed how the by diplomats, senior military
of South Asia, Lt. General current and future proliferation of officers, and heads of various
Kidwai said that the West in drones and Lethal Autonomous think tanks, scholars, journalists
its bid to strengthen India as Weapon Systems had changed and students.
a counterweight to China has both military and civil security,
been violating international including the impact of AI and
rules and norms by arming and removal of the human element
from lethal decision-making. He

PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 22

A VIEW FROM BAHRAIN

T
he morning of 5 November,
2022 saw something unique
happening in the clear blue
skies of western Pakistan. A PAF IL-78
air-to-air refueller lurking around in the
specified area waiting for the three JF-17
Thunders to join up. Soon the three-ship
formation of Thunders appeared from
behind the giant tanker and the wait
was over. Without any difficulty, the first
pair of Thunders got itself hooked-up
to the tanker through the giant looking
basket, the drogue. Within minutes the
activity was over and Thunders broke
off for the final destination, Bahrain. It
was the red-letter day for PAF which
Inlets: ACM Zaheer
would be remembered in the history as Ahmed Baber
the day when for the first time, any aerial Sidhu, CAS PAF
platform of PAF carried out live air-to-air met with various
refueling during an international ferry senior military and
mission. A historic and proud day for the civil dignitaries
during his visit to
PAF, indeed. Bahrain Air Show-
2022. (All Photos
The three-ship Thunder formation PAF Archives

PAF participates in Bahrain Air Show-2022 headed to the capital of Bahrain,

Manama where the red-carpet reception
unless specified).

awaited them. The honor of participation Bottom: Three JF-

The JF-17s Thundery performance at the recent Bahrain Air Show-2022 was not the only in Bahrain Air Show, this year, went to 17s from No 2 Sqn
news which made it to the headlines of prominent media outlets during last month. PAF’s the elite No 2 Sqn of PAF who are known of PAF flew form
by their unique and proud callsign, “The Pakistan to Bahrain
first ever air-to-air refuelling event of JF-17 during an international ferry flight was a much Minhasians”. The call sign is a tribute to participate
in Bahrain Air
bigger news story, attracting the attention of global audience. The author brings out a historical to Plt Off Rashid Minhas (Shaheed), marketing and sales production
Show-2022. Seen
account of the star-studded air show where JF-17 Thunder was in the spotlight. who is the only recipient of Nishan-e- team under the leadership of Air in illustration is
Haider (the highest gallantry award of Cdre Arsalan from PAC Kamra also a JF-17 getting
by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd) the country) of PAF. No 2 sqn carries attended the air show. Aesthetically ready for aerial
the proud legacy of young Rashid curated and well-designed PAF display during the
Air Show.
Minhas whose name is synonymous chalet was also erected at
with gallantry for the Pakistani nation. the air show to display
Wg Cdr Mudassir Riaz along with his various indigenously
under-command pilots including Sqn manufactured
Ldr Sibatain Akhtar, Sqn Ldr Fahad and aviation products
Sqn Ldr Hassan from No 2 Sqn were of Pakistan
selected to perform at the air show. A Aeronautical
contingent comprising technicians, Complex.

23 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 24

As per plan, three JF-17
Thunders of No 2 Sqn ferried
from Karachi to Manama,
Bahrain on the 5th November,
2022. The sixth edition of the
Bahrain International Airshow
(BIAS) 2022 kicked off at the
Sakhir Air Base on 9th and
continued till 11 of November.
The opening ceremony of the
airshow was a spectacular
event. It was Officially opened by
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad
Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of
Bahrain who is also the Deputy
Supreme Commander of the
Defence Forces of Bahrain.
Besides large number of foreign
dignitaries, Air Chief Marshal
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu,
Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air
Force was also in attendance at
the opening ceremony of Bahrain
Air Show. While interacting
with the Pakistan Air Force History in the Making:
contingent, the Air Chief lauded Pakistan Air Force performed air-to- Bahrain Air Show
PAF personnel’s performance in air Refuelling during the deployment will go down in the
the air show and said that their Above: Wg Cdr history of PAF as an
Mudassir Riaz
of JF-17 Thunder aircraft at Bahrain event which marked
participation in the event was
performing last International Air Show, BIAS 2022. the beginning of the
a matter of pride for the nation new era. It was during
and appreciated their efforts for
minute checks as Although PAF has been successfully this event PAF’s
his alert ground
bringing laurels to the country. crew looks on. conducting such activities inland JF-17s for the first
He also praised the PAF team during operational missions and time in the history
carried out air-to-air
for putting up a nice show at the exercises, however, the capability refueling from PAF’s
Left Inlets: Wg
mega event. Later on, he visited Cdr Mudassir Riaz was further consolidated by IL-78 tanker during
various stalls and met several signs the post an international
conducting air-to-air refuelling on ferry mission to
high-ranking officials. flight documents
after a thundery international waters through PAF’s Bahrain. The collage
performance own tanker aircraft during a long- of pictures depicts
On the first day, the afternoon the same historical
at the airshow.
skies over Sakhir Air Base A PAF ground
haul ferry mission for the first time. moment for our
echoed with the roar of the crew guiding the worthy readers.
variety of aircraft which incoming JF-17 to
included all types of fighter and its parking spot.
commercial airplanes vying to
impress the public. Gulf Air 787,
RBAF, Pakistan’s Pride JF-17
Thunder, Fursan Al Emarat, UAE
Mirage 2000, RSAF Typhoon,
USAF F-16 demo team, Global
Stars, Red Arrows, DHL B767-
300 Flypast, UAE F16, Saudi
Hawks and P-8 all participated
on the first day to make it a
memorable event.

A huge applause continued as

the Pakistan’s indigenous state-
of-the-art JF-17 Thunder took off
for its breathtaking performance.
Piloted by Sqn Ldr Sibtain Akhtar,

25 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 26

 Mudassir Riaz and Sibtain Akhtar
performed in tandem for the
general public.

One JF-17 Thunder, along with

variety of weapons that could be
carried on the aircraft, was also
put on the static display at the air
show for the general public. At
the display venue, PAF personnel
briefed the eager crowd about
the combat aircraft’s operational
capabilities and sophisticated
weaponry. The spectators were
ecstatic to see the pride of
Pakistan at the show as majority
of them saw the much-talked-
about aircraft for the first time.

The participation of JF-17

Thunder aircraft in the air show
has proved to be an excellent
opportunity to showcase its
Above: Wg Cdr
cutting-edge capabilities. It has
Mudassir Riaz and
Wg Cdr Sibtain also given an opportunity to the
Akhtar were the potential buyers to assess the
the performance two display pilots fighter jet’s immense potential in
of JF-17 Thunder who performed the international market.
remained the during the Bahrain
Air Show-2022.
highlight of the
Seen in illustration
inaugural day of the show. is wg Cdr Sibtain
Landing gears still down, Akhtar getting Top Inlets: JF-17 Thunder participated for consecutive three days during the Airshow. It’s thundery
the roaring Thunder pulled ready for the performance amused the large number of aviation enthusiasts during the Bahrain Air Show-2022.
up vertically showing off its display flight.
enormous engine thrust.
Bottom Left: One Bottom: Nose to Nose: JF-17 Thunder waits for its turn to perform as UAE Mirage taxis back after
High ‘G’ turns, half cuban 8s, JF-17 Thunder landing.
inverted flight, barrel rolls, high with all its lethal
alpha pass, muscle climb and arsenal was put
signature thunder roll were on static display
which remained
some of the maneuvers that
the star of Bahrain
enthralled the cheering crowds. Air Show-2022.
Classic vertical roll was the finale
of the entire sequence which Bottom: Air Cdre
lasted for around three minutes. Arsalan of PAC
Kamra along with
On subsequent days, Wg Cdr
dignitaries pose in
front of the pride
of Pakistan, JF-17
Thunder.

27 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 28

SPORTS CORNER

by S.Khalil

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, CAS PAF awarding trophy to the winning
team. (All pics PAF archives unless specified)

P
AF White defeated PAF Blue and bagged the winner’s
trophy in an exciting final of the 31st Chief of the Air Staff
Challenge Cup Polo Tournament with 5-1/2 to 5 goals.

It was a remarkably blue-sky day at the Islamabad Polo Club,

which is the home of contemporary polo in the capital city. On
6 December 2022, players tested their dexterity on the game’s
principles and from the lofty positions and at high speeds,
whacked the polo ball sending it soaring down the field. Spectators
were drawn to the vibrantly green and immaculately groomed field,
keen to indulge in the rich traditions shared both on and off the
polo ground.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air
Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the chief guest on the occasion. The
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu gave away prizes
to the players and awarded CAS Challenge Polo Cup Trophy to
the winning team. The Air Chief congratulated the winners and
appreciated the club management for the successful conduct

29 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE S E C O N D TSO

E CNOONNDE T O N O N E PAF Ma ga zine 30
 and Caliphs of the ancient Persian, polo tournament in the country took Over the years, due to continuous
Arab, Mongols and Chinese. “It was for place annually on the Shandur Pass at efforts of Air Marshal Sharbat Ali
this reason it became known across 11,000 feet elevation, the highest polo Changezi Air Chief Marshal Pervaiz
the lands as ‘The Game of Kings’,” the ground in the world where a Chitral Mehdi Qureshi, Air Chief Marshal
Wg Cdr explained who is also captain vs Gilgit tournament was held every Mujahid Anwar Khan, Air Marshal Amer
of the team PAF White. June. The rules of the game here dated Masood, and tremendous support of
back 800 years to those created by a air staff today, PAF Polo Club was well
Polo continues, as it has done for so descendent of Genghis Khan himself. organized and established facility for
long. The feeling of many of its players all PAF personnel.
were epitomized by a famous verse In 1982, PAF Polo Club was formed,
inscribed on a stone at a polo ground on the request of Air Marshal Rahim Subsequently, PAF had produced polo
in Gilgit, Khan to then Air Chief Marshal Anwar players explicitly. Air Marshal Amer
Shamim. Air Marshal Sharbat Ali Masood, Air Commodore Haider Ali
“LET OTHERS PLAY AT OTHER Changezi became the first president of Shah, Air Commodore Nausher, Air
THINGS, THE KING OF GAMES IS PAF Polo Club while Flight Lieutenant Commodore Kazmi, Wg Cdr Fahd Aziz,
STILL THE GAME OF KINGS”. Khalid Kamal Tampton, the first PAF Squadron Leader Hamayun, Squadron
of the event. CAS also emphasized upon the Polo Club Secretary. In 1986, Pakistan Leader Haider and Sqn Leader Hamza,
significance of sports for the improvement of In Pakistan, the Pakistan Polo Air Force Polo Team was formally were few names known for their
psychomotor skills and physical health of the Association (PPA) , formed in 1947, is included into PPA and was granted horsemanship, professionalism and
youth. the governing body, to promote and formal membership. dedication amongst the Pakistan polo
organize polo locally. The renowned community.
PAF Sports Control Committee in collaboration
with Islamabad Polo Club management organized All Photos:
the 31st Chief of the Air Staff Challenge Cup Polo A collage of
Tournament-2022, which commenced from 28 illustrations of
November, 2022. With all the domestic stars of the final match.
the game in action in the incomparable setting of
Islamabad Polo Club stunning grounds, situated
in the heart of the capital, the tournament drew in Bottom: Air Chief
polo aficionados from all over Pakistan. Marshal Zaheer
Ahmed Baber
Sidhu, CAS PAF
Six polo teams namely PAF Blue, PAF White, along with the
Asean, ASC Rizvi, ASC Ahmed Khan and officials and
ASC Vaulters participated in the mega event. the members of
Diplomats, high ranking civil and military officials winning team
along with polo enthusiasts witnessed the final at the closing
ceremony of the
match. PAF regularly contributed to nation tournament.
building efforts by organizing such tournaments.
The event was widely appreciated both at
domestic and international levels which was
a manifestation of the PAF’s commitment to
promote sports in the country.

HISTORY
Polo is perhaps the oldest team sport, related to
the inspirational relationship between humans
and horses. This bond and the unique blending
of athletic talents between horse and rider has
helped polo to evolve.

Veteran polo player Wg Cdr Fahad Aziz said that

although the precise origin of Polo was obscure
and undocumented, there was ample evidence of
the game’s regal place in the history of Asia. No
one knows where or when stick first met the ball
but it seemed likely that as the use of light cavalry
spread so did the rugged game on the horse back.
He explained that as mounted armies swept back
and forth across this part of the world, polo was
adopted as the most noble of pastimes by the
kings and emperors, Shahs and Sultans, Khans

31 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 32

IN SERVICE OF NATION

Like unprecedented devastation carried out by floods in 2010, this

year’s destruction caused by the deluge was no different. According
to survey carried out by World bank, the economic loss to the country
is in tune of USD 15.2 billion, besides thousands of lives lost during
the calamity. However, PAF rose to the occasion as expected and
played a key role in carrying out flood relief operations alongside
other sister services.
by Gp Capt Muhammad Bahroni

W
hen the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-
e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
visited Pakistan Air Force School in
Risalpur on 13th April, 1948, he articulated
these historic sentences: “There is no doubt
that any country without a strong Air Force is
at the mercy of any aggressor. Pakistan must
build up her Air Force as quickly as possible.
It must be an efficient Air Force Second to
None and must take its right place with the
army and the navy in securing Pakistan’s
defence.” Since the Father of the Nation was
well aware of the significance of an Air Force
for the defence of the country, he wanted
Pakistan to build a robust Air Force capable
of competing with a power many times its
size. This is the result of the Quaid’s illustrious
vision that today Pakistan Air Force is
counted amongst the world’s best Air Forces.

Since military organizations are well-

suited to nation-building tasks owing to
their immaculate training and discipline,
the purpose of maintaining regular armed
forces by any country is to not only to ensure
national security but these institutions are
often the first responders during natural
calamities and disasters in addition to playing
their critical role in nation building efforts.
Ever since the inception of Pakistan, PAF
has been actively involved in nation-building
efforts; may it be the relief operations in
the aftermath of natural calamities like
floods, earthquakes, draughts or may it be
contribution in sports, education, healthcare
and establishing industry-academia linkage
as per the Air Staff vision.

The torrential monsoon rains of 2022

triggered the most severe flooding in
Pakistan’s recent history, washing away
villages and leaving millions in dire need
of lifesaving support, and at increased
risk of waterborne diseases, drowning
and malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands
of homes were washed away while many
public health facilities, water systems and
schools were destroyed or damaged. The

33 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine

damage was almost unimaginable, hundreds of
precious lives were lost. Likewise, floods destroyed
thousands of houses and many low-lying villages
NIIAOC LEADS HADR
were washed away. Flood water ruined all the
standing crops too. The loss of lives, property, OPERATIONS IN PAKISTAN
livestock and crops resulted in a catastrophe that
is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. All
this situation brought a new series of challenges
for the immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation
of the flood victims. As the floodwaters started to
recede, the crisis transformed into an acute child
survival crisis. Frail, hungry, children fighting a losing
battle against severe acute malnutrition, diarrhea,
malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, acute respiratory
infections, and painful skin conditions were in dire
need of support. Pakistan Air Force being the first
responder to the call of the nation exhibited the
fullest vigilance in helping the fellow country men in Over the period, natural calamities and disasters are on the
the hour of need. increase owing to global warming and various other climate change
phenomena. More specifically, our region and especially our country
Following the catastrophic destruction caused are the most effected ones in the present times. Pakistan in last
by floods, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber 15 years or so has seen horrendous calamities like earthquake
Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force
in 2005, super floods in 2010/ 2011 and most recent floods this
issued the directives to establish the organizational
setup for the swift assistance of the needy year. This required a comprehensive national response to deal with
people. PAF took the lead and served the finest in such calamities and in response NDMA (National Disaster and
performing all the assigned duties. For this purpose, Management Authority) was established to address all such issues.
all the operational and non-operational Air Bases The major stakeholders in the new set-up remained the three-armed
of PAF were tasked to extend all out support to the forces owing to their enormous capabilities, provision of unique
flood victims during the testing times.
assets and expertise. Historically, out of the three services, PAF had
The directives of PAF’s leadership were very clear; always played an important role while carrying out such humanitarian
No stone to be left unturned to provide Rescue, Relief efforts owing its unique characteristics of reach, speed and ubiquity.
and Rehabilitation to the flood victims. Following Most recently, keeping in view this factor, the present Chief of the Air
the directives and keeping the tradition of serving Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu decided to utilize
the nation during natural calamities, Pakistan Air
these capabilities to their optimum and gave a new vision of carrying
Force personnel came to the succor of the flood
affected families of Naltar valley, KPK, South out these operations with more synergy and effectiveness. As per his
Punjab, Baluchistan and Sindh. Relief camps and vision, the newly established set-up with a name of NIIAOC (National
field hospitals were immediately established in the ISR & integrated Air Operations Centre) at AHQ was integrated
flood affected areas with centralized command and with the national disaster management system. Over the period
control at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Additionally, this new set-up became the nerve Centre for carrying out all sorts
PAF Help Desk was established at Disaster Relief
of humanitarian efforts under the umbrella of HADR (Humanitarian
Cell for provisioning of relief and rescue related
information. On the directives of the Air Chief, PAF Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations. The new set-up proved
Flood Relief Fund was also established which to be a welcome addition in the national disaster management as its
was judiciously utilized for rehabilitation of the efficacy and operational capabilities were put to test while carrying
flood victims. National ISR and Integrated Air out HADR operations during this year’s horrendous floods. Under
Operations Centre (NIIAOC) was established at the instructions of Chief of the Air Staff all PAF assets were made
Air Headquarters, Islamabad worked round the
available for the search & rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts of
clock to coordinate rescue and relief efforts in
synchronization with all stakeholders. The centre the affected people. During this year’s HADR operations, the NIIAOC
also provided all out support to civil administration played a pivotal role in leading these national humanitarian effort as
in the rehabilitation process. they had real time picture available at its Command & Control Centre.
This real time and updated picture helped the senior management
At the field level, free medical facilities and of the PAF to take informed decisions thus paving way for effective
medicines were provided to the affected populace
HADR operations. During one of his visits to NIIAOC at AHQ, the
round the clock in the field hospitals established
by Pakistan Air Force. PAF Medical Lab collection honorable President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi highly commended the
points extended prompt sampling and diagnosis unflinching efforts of men in blue during these crises.
of the water-borne diseases amongst flood victims

35 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 36

 Owing to the floods one third of Pakistan went underwater.
Food which is the first survival source got totally
unavailable in the areas inundated in water. With passage
of each passing day the situation continued to get worsen.
Following the directives of PAF’s leadership, provisioning
of food & drinking water was ensured in the flood affected
areas and 4,847.02 tons of ration, 330510 litres of fresh/
mineral water, 7529 tents and 1,284,486 food packs were
distributed in various flood affected districts. Additionally,
21 tent cities were established where 19807 personnel
have been accommodated. Pakistan Air Force also
established the second largest tent city about 150 KM
away from Karachi in collaboration with the Turkish relief
agency AFAD. The family sized tent city comprised of 500
make-shift houses which have been improvised to shelter
homes keeping the upcoming weather conditions in
winter. PAF Emergency Response Teams were deployed in
30 districts which rescued 1521 stranded people till date.
Additionally, PAF’s Air Mobility Command carried out 108
sorties of C-130 and 158 helicopter sorties to distribute
ration all across the country. 46 Medical camps were
established by PAF in which advanced and tertiary care
was provided to 93,115 patients.

In the aftermath of the horrible floods, Pakistan Air Force

personnel led from the front to come to the succor of the
fellow countrymen. PAF has definitely appeared in lead to
A total of 54 flood relief centres and 03 central
rebuild Pakistan. The natural calamity can be damaging
aviation hubs were established all across the country.
support for saving humanity, working shoulder to shoulder but the determination to restructure is greater. The entire
with Pakistan Air Force personnel, students of PAF Schools & Rescue, Relief and Rehabilitation operation by Pakistan
Pakistan Air Force Women Association (PAFWA)
Colleges too made indigenous efforts to bring cheers amongst Air Force personnel, wives and students of Fazaia Schools
under the dynamic leadership of President PAFWA,
the distressed children of flood affected areas. The PAF students & Colleges is reflective of PAF’s resolve of being the first
Begum Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu
came together to raise funds on their own to buy treats which responder to the nation’s call wherein PAF has always
joined by ladies of PAF Regional Air Commands,
included chocolates, sweets and stationary items for the stepped forward for the conduct of relief activities to
Chairpersons PAFWA at bases, PAC Kamra, PAF
brothers and sisters during the testing times. More than 20,000 alleviate the sufferings of those affected by disasters and
following which they were provided with free medical care at PAF Academies and PAF Training Institutes established
packets comprising sweet treats were distributed in the flood natural calamities. Every single individual of PAF reiterates
field hospitals and medical camps. On the other hand, Emergency PAFWA Relief Camps at all the bases of Pakistan
affected areas which brought back the smiles on the faces of the pledge and resolve to defend sovereignty and territorial
Response Teams of Pakistan Air Force extended all out support Air Force to collect donations and clothing items
suffering children. integrity of the country, while continuing to play their role
to the civil administration to provide the much needed medical, for those in need. Cash donations, clothing items,
in Nation building efforts thereby truly earning the title of
shelter and food facilities to ease the pain of the flood victims. blankets and essential medical supplies were
being the Sentinels in Sky.
The Emergency Response Teams also evacuated several families despatched in flood relief camps established by
to safe areas. Relief goods were flown to the areas, by PAF PAF throughout the country for further distribution
transport and helicopter fleet, which had been cut off by land amongst the needy. The vision of President PAFWA,
routes and thus Pakistan Air Force established an air bridge to active participation of the ladywives and overall
provide the much needed food and medical supplies. Despite the generous spirit of PAF women community resulted in
inclement weather the highly skilled PAF aircrew continued the collection of Rs 32.516 Million in cash and 245,000
relief operation to provide humanitarian assistance to the flood clothing items which were provided to ease the
affectees. The relief operation by PAF aircrew was truly a practical sufferings of the flood affectees.
manifestation of Pakistan Air Force’s resolve to extend all out
support to fellow countrymen in the hour of need. As the flood water started to recede, maximum
efforts were diverted towards the rehabilitation
Approximately 33 million people got directly affected during the process of the flood affected populace and thus
floods. Starting from June that continued till mid of September, Pakistan Air Force distributed 02 months ration
heavy rains and floods claimed thousands of precious lives. amongst the flood affectees enabling them to be self
The task of rehabilitation for PAF was huge. The foremost was sufficient until the rehabilitation work was completed
of provisioning of food and shelter to the homeless people. PAF in flood hit zones. PAF personnel took unprecedented
began to set up the tent cities and chose the suburbs of main initiatives for the well being and timely provisioning
cities for making these temporary colonies for the flood affectees. of basic necessities of food, shelter, drinking water
PAF while remaining cognizant of the situation established and medical assistance to the flood victims during
relief centres at various locations throughout the country with the rehabilitation phase as well. While the situation
centralized command and control at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. of national level floods demanded great efforts and

37 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine

 Aegean
EXERCISE REPORT

The largest aerial exercise

held in the Mediterranean area
is by far the Iniochos exercise. The
Elliniko Polemiki Aeroporia (Hellenic Air
Force) has organized and developed this
exercise with the military personnel of the Air Tactics
Centre in Andravida. Through the years, several nations have
been invited to participate in the exercise. Given the high level of
HAF personnel and the capability to involve a variety of weapon
systems within one of the largest exercise area’s in Europe, the
Iniochos exercise intends to become one of the competitive
exercises in Europe and the Mediterranean region. The endeavour
strives to provide participants with a high level of training and an
experience jam-packed with learning.

by Vincent Martens

Title Photo: A Spanish

Air Force EF-18M seen
during take-off. the
Spanish aircraft were
deployed to Greece, they
were supported by air-to-

T
he Iniochos exercise was held for the to Larissa AB. On this base, the air force air refueling by an Italian
first time in the late 1980’s as a small- established the National Centre for Air KC-767A.
scale tactical exercise. It was designed Operations, which had all the necessary
Left: A F-4E Phantom
as a practical training program for aviation facilities to cater to the extensive demands of getting airborne, The duration of the exercise is
personnel, covering planning and execution of such an endeavour. The FWS also formed the fully-loaded with based on 15 calendar days, but
Combined Air Operations (CAMAO) in a realistic ‘White Cell’ during the Iniochos exercises. The three fueltanks and a the exercise is actually divided
environment, in order to test and evaluate White Cell was responsible for the coordination targetting designation into four phases:
and planning of operations. The participating pod.
operational plans and tactics. Over the years,
the exercise proved to be a success and the aircraft were also deployed to Larissa and flew Phase 1: Exercise preparation
Right Bottom: A Royal
Greece Air Force made the decision to organize their missions from this airbase. In 2005, the Air Force Eurofighter
this as an annual event. exercise was decentralized again and, at the Typhoon taxing back to Phase 2: Force Deployment
time, aircraft flew from their own home-bases its shelter area. Owing
The Hellenic Fighter Weapons School (FWS), to partake in the missions. Meanwhile, the to several operations Phase 3: Execution Phase
outside the UK ,
which is responsible for the execution and coordination and planning of the operations by squadron markings have
conduction of the exercise was deployed the White Cell now took place at the Air Tactics Phase 4: Force Redeployment.
been removed.

39 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 40

Centre (ATC) and Fighter Weapons certain that the missions covered the full software. All these devises are used
School facilities at Andravida Air Force spectrum of missions flown currently by to reconstruct the missions, under the
Top: Coming back from an afternoon
Base. In November 2013 the air force the HAF. Some of the missions flown are experience of Fighter Weapons School mission, four F-4E Phantom aircraft
once again decided to develop the for instance; instructors who oversee the debriefing enter the airfield for a low approach
exercise into an single base model and process. with clearly visible smoking engines.
this was tested in 2014. The objective • Air Operations versus Integrated
Right: All the French Mirage aircraft
was to create a more realistic and Air Defence Systems The expected outputs of the exercise
were stationed at Nancy AB. Two of
demanding environment. In 2015, the • Reconnaissance missions include developing inter-operability them can be seen flying here with, full
air force decided to launch the exercise • Combat Search and Rescue and standardization between HAF after burner.
as an INVITEX (Invitation Exercise). For missions units and allied nations Air Forces,
the first time, foreign countries were • Time Sensitive Target Missions developing integration of tactics, Center: During the exercise, time is of
the essence. A F-4E during take-off for
invited to be a part of the exercise • Dynamic Targeting / Strike techniques and procedures during air,
a local test flight.
and the Israeli Air Force and USAFE Coordination and Reconnaissance land and air-sea operations, the use of
Special Forces became the first foreign / Close Air Support legacy and modern assets integrated Bottom: In 2021, the UAE Air Force
participants. Since then, it has brought • High Value Airborne Asset / into a modern battlefield and preparing participated with four F-16s. One of
hundreds of participants together Protect - Attack aircrews for any potential future them can be seen coming back from an
in on-site planning, briefing and early evening mission.
• Slow Mover Protection battlefields. The mission commanders
debriefing. Participants are exposed • Offensive Counter Air / Airfield who plan the CAMAOs during the
to multiple-threat environments and Attack exercise are rotated daily. They plan, the actual Iniochos flight. These flights
have to develop multi-faceted plans • Air interdiction on special targets arrange and organize the available are planned to take not more than an
to tackle each scenario effectively. (bridges, power stations, vehicles) weapon systems, with the help of the hour, since the pilots have to be back at
The exceptional flying environment, • Anti-Surface Warfare other participating air forces. During Andravida before the Iniochos morning
the Egean Sea, does not have the operational days, two missions are mission. The exercise includes air
any restrictions. Because of the The prevalent scenario of the exercise undertaken; one in the morning (take refuelling aircraft, mostly one KC-135
participation of the Greece Army, is the escalation of local crises into a off time 10.00 hours local) and the from the USAF and occasionally also
Navy and Special Forces different full scale international conflict. Naval second mission starts around 14.30 a KC-707 from the Israeli Air Force on
threat levels were implemented into and army forces provide the full scale hours. The mission commanders also standby.
the exercise through the years. More threat and target array. During the plan evening missions.
foreign countries have found the exercise, the operation makes use of For the first time in the history of the
way to Andravida and the exercise is the majority of the Athens FIR. The Participants in the morning missions exercise, 3rd, 4th and 5th generation
expanding rapidly. Accurate Shot / Event Assessment is fly mostly above the Ageon See, and aircraft flew missions together during
also an important part of the scenario. the afternoon participants fly above the 2019 edition. The participation of
The FWS still has the responsibility to This is achieved with the use of on- the mountainous areas. On some the Italian Air Force that year was of
oversee the missions, from scenario board and off-board tracking data, days, local missions are flown before great importance for the exercise and
planning up to the debrief. To make sensors and specialized debriefing the other participants. Six F-35s from
the 32 Stormo and six Tornados from
the 6th Wing were sent to Andravida.
The Tornados were divided into three
Tornado Interdiction Strike (IDS)
aircraft and Tornado Electronic Combat
Reconnaissance (ECR) aircraft. All
this with about 200 pilots, navigators,
technical and logistic personnel. The
main objective for the ITAF was the
integration between the F-35 and 3th
and 4th generation aircraft. Crews of
the 6th Wing and 32nd Stormo operated
in complex and high-stake training
The Italian Air Force brought fifth-generation F-35 to Iniochos. One scenarios. Pilots flew Composite Air
of them comes in for a landing, wearing the 100 years anniversary Operations training flights that included
marking of 13 Gruppo on its tail.
Suppression / Destruction of Enemy Air

41 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 42

 and debriefing because of the 1 Left: Page Above:
physical environment. The American Air
Force squadrons
stationed in
During the Covid-19 epidemic, Europe are regular
Iniochos exercise could not be participants of
organized. But in 2021, Greece the exercise. Two
Air Force organized a ‘healthy’ F-15E Strike Eagle
squadrons from
exercise at Andravida. The
RAF Lakenheath,
organizers ensured enough space UK, were deployed
for the participating countries to to Andravida for
Defence (SEAD and DEAD),
operate in a safe environment. the exercise.
Close Air Support (CAS),
To achieve this, the Greece Air
Defensive Counter Air and Left Page Bottom:
Force decided that all the local
Offensive Counter Air (DCA /OCA). Fine line-up of
squadrons flying with the F-16C/D
The Air to Surface Integration (ATOSI) participating
Block 52s would be relocated Israeli Air Force
between the three different generations
to Araxos Air Base, which is Fighting Falcons.
of fighter aircraft was of great technical and 2
In 2019, a total
north of Andravida. Only one
educational importance. The F-35s flew side- of twelve F-16s
Block52 F-16C was at one point
by-side with the Tornado ECR from 155 Gruppo were deployed to
During the exercise, several call-signs are at Andravida because of the
during Iniochos. This is relevant owing to the fact Andravida.
‘Elephant walk’ exercise. A first-
that the Lightning II is expected to replace the ECR
used by the participating Greece aircraft. Tornado in the future. The Tornado ECRs were
time participant was the Canadian
Armed Force with experienced 1: A Block 52
The following callsigns are known: flying SEAD and DEAD missions, while the Hellenic
JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack F-16D from 343
Land and Sea forces acted as enemy threats. To Mira of Greece
Controller) teams. These teams
117 Mira F-4: Toxo 330 Mira F-16 : Keravnos make these missions more realistic and challenging Air Force, one of
are qualified service members the three fighter
the Tornados flew with the CATM-88B captive air
who direct the action of a combat squadrons based
338 Mira F-4: Aris 337 Mira F-16 : Ghost training missile. As part of large strike packages, at Souda AB.
aircraft engaging in close air
the F-35 also carried out joint missions with the
support and other offensive air
F-4E of the Hellenic Air Force. The Lightning II 2: An Mirage 2000-
332 Mira Mirage 2000: Geraki 335 Mira F-16 : Tiger operations. During the exercise,
was equipped with both the MADL (Multifunction 9EAD from the UAE
the JTAC teams were positioned Air Force during
Advanced Data Link) and Link 16 that allows the
343 Mira F-16 : Star 331 Mira Mirage 2000: Thiseas into ‘hostile’ territory by the Cypriot take-off from
aircraft to communicate with the other generation 3
Andravida for a
National Guard using the AW 139
aircraft. Another exceptional fact was that aircraft morning mission.
helicopter. Besides the Special
341 Mira F-16 : Arrow 347 Mira F-16: Perseas from two fighter squadrons at Araxos Air Base
Forces mission, the AW 139 also
(335/336 Mira F-16C/D) flew missions from their 3: An F-16D from
took part in the Combat Search 109 squadron just
340 Mira F-16 : Alepou own airfield, while participating during Iniochos.
and Rescue (CSAR) exercise. before touch down.
Pilots from Araxos went to Andravida for briefing This squadron
The Greece Ministry of Defence was moved further
336 Mira F-16 : Olympus
north in Israel, and
announced that the air force was was re-established
going to receive the Dassault at Ramat David AB.
Rafale as a new fighter. Six
second-hand Rafales were
delivered in July 2021, while the Bottom: An French
Air Force RafaleC
new aircraft will be delivered in taxing back
2022 and in early 2023. A total of towards the shelter
eighteen aircraft are ordered which area.
will replace the Mirage 2000BGM/
EGM. It did not come as a
surprise that the year after the first
deliveries were completed, the
French Air Force participated in
the Iniochos exercise. During the
exercise, the French participated
with air force and navy Rafales. It
was perfect opportunity to display
the capabilities of the Rafale to
the Hellenic Air Force and other
parties. Substantial interest was
shown in the Rafale’s SPECTRA-
EW suite (Self Protection
Equipment to Counter Threats

43 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 44

for Rafale Aircraft). This system is Left: F-16C from the 117 squadron will participate in every mission. The Red growing. Nations that participated already,
developed by Thales and MBDA and all of the IDF during an unusual forces mainly operate in air-to-air role, but with assets or as observers, are Israel,
take-off.
the aircraft that are built or upgraded as the Hellenic Army and Navy with ground- United States, Italy, Spain, France, Cyprus,
F3-R standard will have this capability. Left Bottom: Greek F-16s resting based air defence systems and ground- United Arab Emirates, Canada, Germany,
on the tarmac after another hectic based radar stations support the Red United Kingdom, Jordan, Kazachstan,
A regular customer of the Iniochos day. The aicraft are from 347 and Forces. In the 2022 edition of the exercise, Egypt, Austria, Slovenia and Romania.
exercise is the Israeli Air Force. During 341 Mira. more than 1100 fighter sorties were flown As a result of the growing participation,
the last years several squadrons Centre Left: Every and all Greece
during the 11 days of the exercise. If you the Greece Air Force is looking for more
were deployed and different assets Air Force fighter squadron display include the air refueling, early warning, space and accommodation. When
were used. What is gained by the IDF their capabilities during the transport and helicopter missions, the total one of the F-4 squadrons at Andravida
and why do they keep returning to exercise. would be around 2500. The USAF also flew was disbanded in 2017, the space and
Andravida? A Deployment Commander standalone missions, utilizing the Hellenic buildings were immediately used for the
Centre Right: A F-16C/D on the
of the Israeli Air Force explained; “A taxi-track, about to take off. This
Air Force ranges. To give the exercise an exercise. Also a taxi track that was out
formation of Blue aircraft fly low on particular F-16C is wearing the even more realistic environment, during of use for some years was restored and
their way to strike an airfield belonging anti-radiation Half Glass 5 paint. the Iniochos 2022, the Hellenic Navy became operational again. Regarding new
to the enemy, the Red forces. The threat also ran some exercises with all types of participants, indications are that Egypt
is challenging and the complex mission the exercise was the 117th squadron when we don’t have all our tools with Bottom Right: A F-4 Phantom submarines and warships. and Saudi Arabia want to participate next
requires tight cooperation between at that time flying the F-16C. A pilot us and our logistical support is limited. along the taxi-track, going towards
year. The Iniochos exercise has grown and
of the 117th who participated in All we have is what we brought with a shelter while a Spanish F-18
aircrews from different countries. lands in the backdrop. Because of covering the broadest expanded through the years. It is quickly
We act as Blue and Red forces at the the exercise reveals, “The terrain is us and we have to use that in order to spectrum of air operations and the becoming or is already the main medium-
same time. Each side is unaware of the unfamiliar, the threats are different to succeed in our mission and help the participation of maritime assets, the scale air exercise in Europe and the nearby
plans from the others. Every day, each what we are used to and we have to aircraft take off safely. At all times, countries that wish to take part are Middle East countries, a no small feat.
division takes a whole day to come face great uncertainty. A large amount the Technical Department service
up with the best possible plan, and of aircraft in the air makes for a mess members have to maintain the aircraft.
the results are then examined in the in the airspace, and communicating The goal is to establish high-quality
debrief. The threats and mountainous in English makes everything more training for the aircrew members.
topography requires that we plan difficult. This makes everything feel Naturally, we are very curious regarding
our mission as precisely as possible like a sort of Tower of Babylon, where the ways other air forces maintain their
and try to avoid encountering hostile we have squadrons from many aircraft, which are identical to ours. We
forces. During the exercise, we chose nations utilizing various aircraft with participated in professional discourse
to focus on low altitude flight and each flight formation focusing on a with the US Air Force and learned about
airstrikes on hostile areas. The setup different mission and utilizing different their maintenance ideology, as well as
and the area prepared for the exercise munitions”. the organizational structure of their
cannot normally be achieved in Israel. technical department”.
Besides the air operations, the training Such a large fighter jet deployment
and cooperation with international would not be possible without IDF The participating units are divided into
militaries is very beneficial, as well. Technical Department and the deployed Blue and Red forces, usually flying
From maintenance crews and planning soldiers who handled the field and both from Andravida. Araxos could
on the ground up to mutual flight, we aircraft maintenance. Explained by also be used as mentioned earlier like
strive prove our position as a significant the commander of the Technical during the epidemic. The Blue forces
and powerful air force”. One of the Department, “The main challenge in can fly multiple smaller and bigger
IDF squadrons which participated in maintenance is doing it far from home, waves per day, but not every squadron

45 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 46

BLAST FROM THE PAST

What all planes won the wars against

our belligerent neighbour? A list like that might
Meet e
feature airplanes from the Furys to the F-86s etc.
There was, however, another candidate, an unlikely one for sure.
Considering its importance of providing a steady flow of well-trained pilots, its impact could
not be understated. Every nation that evolved in aviation from the 1940s onwards had some sort of help from the under-
appreciated Harvard. Also known as the T-6, it could easily take the punishment of training. In combat operations, it
gained a reputation of resilience and reliability.
by Air Cdre Muhammad Ali, SI (M) (Retd)

I
In cities across Pakistan, vintage experience that the price of freedom is this truly classic aircraft as they share operations. On this historic day, under Title Photo: For more than three decades,
PAF aircraft rest quietly in eternal vigilance and readiness. stories that leave listeners sitting on instructions of Wg Cdr Asghar Khan Harvard rremained the backbone of RPAF and
the edge of their seats. (the then commandant of RPAF School, later PAF’s flying training at Risalpur, training
museums and public places. They hundreds of budding pilots who later proved
stand as important symbols of PAF The Harvard had gained a stellar Risalpur), Flt Lt Khyber Khan transported their mettle in wars with the enemy. Shown
history. School children and tourists reputation with its crews who Harvard during Kashmir War the first heavy mortar to the liberation in the painting is a Harvard 2B of Advance
admire them, take their pictures and complimented its flight characteristics, During early days after independence, forces participating in Kashmir war. In this Flying School at Risalpur during early years.
leave them behind closed doors at stability in the air and ease of handling. the only access to the Northern areas improvised mission, the rear seat of the (Photo Painting: Gp Capt Hussaini (Retd)).
the end of the day. Standing next to a It was good-looking and some pilots of Pakistan like Gilgit and Skardu was Harvard was removed to carry the mortar,
nearly 70 years old Harvard at the PAF confessed it was also probably the through an unreliable ‘kutcha’ mule however, its barrel remained protruding Inlet: The veteran has been immortalized
Academy Asghar Khan at Risalpur, most challenging plane they had flown. track which remained blocked for out of the cockpit, making the flight of at its last resting place, the PAF Museum
one wonders if over the years its The minute you show complacency; most of the year due to snow falls and the aircraft all the more challenging. Karachi. (All pics PAF archives unless stated).
contributions have become a faded it would eat your lunch. Used in light heavy landslides. The concrete airstrips Instructor pilot, Flt Lt Khyber Khan
memory for some. To many members bombing roles in more than one were not developed in Northern areas took up the challenge and carried
of the younger generation, just another instance, the Harvard was used by the and only unprepared surfaces were out the historic mission with
aircraft in history. Little do they know PAF to provide close air support in Pak- available for air transport operations. perfection. After landing, the
that this slow but rugged trainer India wars and perform reconnaissance This is where the Harvards were transported mortar was carried
ravaged the enemy ground targets missions. It was flexible enough to called upon for the help. During road to Skardu on a Bactrian camel.
during the conflicts against India, and go full Texan, allowing installation of blockades, these work horses were Later it was revealed that the
in the process, earning a place in the machine guns and rockets. Harvard tasked to transport personnel and transported mortar played a key
hearts of its pilots. It deserves better will always have a special place in the equipment to and from Skardu/ Gilgit role in the capture of Skardu, the
understanding and commemoration. In hearts of veterans. Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar to Peshawar or Chaklala. The most enemy’s last strong hold.
this aircraft our predecessors, with their called it a pilot maker of 18, 19, and 20 memorable of such mission was flown
blood and sweat, boldly wrote major year olds into fighting machines. They on 14 April 1948. These were the times Harvard during 1965 War
chapters of PAF history. We must never honed proficiency in the T-6, before when the locals of Northern areas with When the war started against India in
forget their story and the legacy of their transitioning to advanced war birds. support from Pak Army had launched 1965, the PAF held back nothing, throwing
Today they help keep the history alive of a war of liberation during Kashmir in every single asset with the slightest

00
47 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 00
48
1 2 On that first night, pilots harassed
an enemy convoy along the Batala-
Chhina Road, dodging the enemy
ack-ack, escaping without any
damage. There was a warmer
welcome from enemy ack-ack on
the Harvards, ten miles northeast
of Amritsar, but again no one was
hit. On the Gurdaspur-Amritsar and
Amritsar-Pathankot roads, PAF
3 pilots located more Indian troop
concentrations, attacking them
on the road bridge over the canal
of Deena Nagar. Such attacks in Above: Seen in the photo are the instructor pilots of Risalpur whose
flying skills, courage and never ending endurance played a key role
themselves could not do any serious during 1965 war.
damage, but they were to prove
destructive power needed to wreak havoc on the enemy. Coming in successful in deterring enemy road Below: Carrying 400 rounds of .303 and four 60-lbs rockets, the
on a fast dive, Harvards could inflict their firepower on the ground and rail movements on the Amritsar- Harvards remained a nuisance for the enemy during the two wars.
targets and make good its escape before enemy fighters had a Pathankot Road.
chance to intercept, making panicked infantry men running for their
lives.
On completion of their mission, and Flt Lt M Younus
as they reached Chaklala, the airfield
During the war, seven Harvards were earmarked for the first night’s
came under attack
mission. Since the Harvards operated from Risalpur, the air staff
directed to use PAF Base Chaklala at Rawalpindi, as their refuelling from Jhelum and this got 1: Instructor pilots along by enemy fighters.
station and final jumping board for operations. From Chaklala, each the adrenaline going. My with Commandant Center, As five aircraft had already
Sitting with Harvard in the returned to Risalpur via Chaklala,
sortie was planned for about three hours and ten minutes. Pilots canopy was open against background at the Flying
stretched the Harvard to the limits of its fuel endurance. the humid head wind of Training Wing at Risalpur two Harvards were rerouted to
September and I was even during 70s. Sargodha, dangerously low on fuel.
On 6 September, all seven Harvards topped up at Chaklala for a able to pick up the odour Worst, light ack-ack opened up over
2: From Left to Right: Flt ed
search, to locate and engage enemy troop concentrations and of burnt cordite hanging
Cdts Sattar Alvi, Sikandar,
Rawalpindi to deter the invading Flt Lt Israr Ahm
movements on the Amritsar-Jullundur Road. Four aircraft were to in the air. I noticed some Inamul Haq, Najeeb Indian Canberras. Groping their way
prowl along the road to Jullundur, while the rest would scout other light arms fire coming up during the 60s at Risalpur. around in the dark, the two Harvards
stretches. Taking off from Chaklala after dark, the Harvards set out near Dhariwal. I fired off Air Cdre Sattar Alvi later were fortunate to reach safety, one
on their individual missions at intervals. Flying over the hills, pilots some rounds of my two rose to international fame at Sargodha, the other at Risalpur,
guns, which generated a when he shot down an
descended to roughly 500 feet after crossing Chenab River. They Israeli aircraft during to which the pilots had decided to
risked themselves being shot down by friend and foe alike, as they small explosion in the target divert.
Arab-Israel war and
flew within the reach of even the small arms fire. area – probably a fuel truck. earned SJ.
At the end of my leg, I let
Flt Lt M Younus, who flew four such missions, aptly go my rockets at a small 3: A group of instructor
bridge but I doubt that they pilots (sitting) along with
portrayed in one of his debriefs, the devil-may-care spirit freshly graduated officers
in which they were undertaken. “My first mission was connected.”
(standing) at Risalpur.
on the Amritsar-Pathankot sector on the night of Flt Lt Azeem Daupota
6 September. Flying at about 300 to (later retd as Air Marshal)
400 feet above ground level (AGL), I sitting on the extreme
left.
headed for Lahore and noticed en route
that Mangla dam area was lit like a Christmas tree. Bottom: A Harvard T-6G
Next, I saw an almost continuous mosaic of during its routine training
flashes and tracers in the battle areas southwards mission over River Kabul
during early 70s.

A young Flight Cadet poses with his Harvard during

flying training at Risalpur.

Left Inlets: Ground crew at Risalpur and maintenance

crew at PAF Drigh Road (later PAF Faisal) played a key
role in keeping this vintage aircraft up for flying during
challenging times.

00
49 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 00
50
 3
Left Page Top:
On 14 April 1948,
1
Harvard flown by
Flt Lt Khyber Khan
delivered a mortar
to Gilgit which
played a decisive
role in the capture
of Skardu Fort
during liberation
of Northern areas.
(Painting: Gp Capt
Hussaini (Retd).

Left Page Center: 4

A Lone Harvard at
Risalpur.

Left Page
2
Bottom: Shown
in the painting, is
Harvard during 1971 War a Harvard along
Once again during 1971 War, the side with its
starting battery
instructor pilots at Risalpur were
cart during early 5
called upon to replicate the heroics days at Risalpur.
of 1965 war. Several night flying (Painting: Gp
sorties were carried out by these Capt Hussaini
(Retd).
dare-devil instructor pilots. However,
one important sortie needs a special Right Page
of aerobatics. Even though up. “When it
mention. On the night of 5 Dec 1971, 1: A historic photo
the T-6 was the best trainer did not start,
when the war was hardly 24 hours of the members of
1st GD (P) course at of the time, it was not easy I focused
old, Flt Lt Israr Ahmed (instructor pilot
Risalpur. Flt Cadet to fly. “One could see the on forced
of Harvard at Risalpur) was tasked Mahmood Ahmed
pressed on and attacked the target. e-Jurat during 1965, first ever for real worth of the person in landing.
to fly a vital interdiction mission in (later retd as Gp
As he pulled-up for exit, his T-6 G an instructor pilot and that too on a a Harvard aircraft and many Found a strip
Chamb-Akhnur area where the two Capt) was the only
Harvard was hit by the enemy ground vintage Harvard aircraft. surviver of this first did not make it. As wonderful near a field for a belly landing.
armies were fighting a stiff battle. hours Texan pilot without a
fire and a shell fractured his right unfortunate course, as it was to fly, a pilot’s Farmers in the field didn’t
Pak Army needed close support single incident of swing. “You
and convoy interdiction missions at
arm. Profusely bleeding, he flew the The Training rest all fatally crashed
biggest test was to land this scatter until touch down. They
in flying sorties at can do any type of aerobatics
aircraft with determination. Kissing The Harvard was the most tail dragger. The trick to land thought it was just a routine
regular intervals. On that day, Flt Lt various locations.
on the Harvard, be it a slow roll
the curvature of the earth, he exited significant training aircraft and those safely was the three-pointer practice approach which the
Israr Ahmed took off in pitch-dark or a roll of the top. The aircraft
the battle area and later climbed to privileged to fly one testified that 2: A group of Flt landing, with all three wheels student pilots used to carry out
night and landed at Chaklala for Cadets pass in front always responded well thanks
higher level, and headed home. He there wasn’t anyone who did not contacting the ground at the every day. The plane was flying
refuelling. With fuel tanks fully topped of the line-up of to its herculean engine power,”
flew the aircraft meticulously and love the Harvard. As an advanced same time while holding the again after two days,” he said
up, Flt Lt Israr took off for the daring Harvards at Risalpur.
said AVM Hamid Khawaja
landed back safely at base. The great trainer, the T-6 was a lot of students’ attitude to prevent the tail quipping.
mission. Flying low, he reached the (Retd).
heroics done by resilient Israr not first introduction to more complex 3. Flt Cdt Ghani Akbar from swinging. Landing on
area with pinpoint accuracy. As he getting ready for a
only saved the valuable aircraft but aircraft systems, remembering the front two gears was risky at AVM Hamid Khawaja (Retd), an
pulled-up for the first attack on the training mission. Although he described the T-6
also became the symbol of pride for propeller nomenclature, and learning 55 knots. Many pilots got instructor on Harvard in 1974,
convoy, the enemy ack-ack gave as reliable and one that would
all the flying instructors of Risalpur. landing gear speeds etc. There was 4: Instructor pilot Flt suspended,” Sqn Ldr Ghani who trained pilots going on to
him a hot reception. Undaunted he easily recover from a spin, the
Flt Lt Israr valour earned him Sitar- something mystical about flying an Lt Ghani Akbar pose Akbar (Retd) said, who also the fighters, is also one of the
airplane designed to fly like a fighter. to the camera during
later became an instructor on many admirers of the Harvard. aircraft could not be taken for
his instructional granted. “Out of all the various
The T-6 was an airplane that had to career at Risalpur. the Harvard aircraft. “It was a very powerful aircraft,
be mastered before a military pilot Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar you just ram the throttle and flying phases of training, doing
could solo a really fire breathing war earned SJ during 1965 Nothing was startling the aircraft would respond instrument flying on Harvards
bird. “It was a much more responsive about the performance of instantaneously,” said AVM was much challenging
5. Flt Lt Ghani Akbar especially if you
airplane than a pilot expected. Flying along with his student a Harvard, and the thrill of Hamid Khawaja (Retd), a 1,000
a Harvard was the closest most pilot at Risalpur. flying this machine was
pilots came to flying a mustang or visceral, like flying into
a hurricane,” Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar Right: Instructor
pilot imparting flying battle. In February
(Retd), SJ of 1965 war, said. training to a cadet 1960, Ghani Akbar
during a typical circuit was into his
The veteran described the classical and landing mission at second solo,
airplane, a pre-WWII design, highly Risalpur.
when, surprisingly
manoeuvrable that could do all sorts the engine packed

51 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 52

were a student. It hardly had any Left Inlets: 33- Flt Lt MA Rabbani (who later retd
reliable instruments, the gyros were ship formation as Gp Capt), was tasked to fly a
of Harvards spell
highly unreliable and would topple out RPAF on 26 contingent of Harvards from Risalpur
after mere 30 degrees of turn,” February 1955 to Masroor for participation in
the veteran said, who nonetheless during an air Independence Day celebrations. Odds
preferred Harvard for almost display witnessed were stacked up against such an
by Defence Minister
any kind of aerobatics. “Taxi was Ayub Khan at operation. Ground crew endeavoured
another difficult task on Harvard, Lahore. to make 21 Harvards fit and fly
being the instructor sitting in the worthy, including the one declassed
rear seat you could not see anything to be cannibalized. The unpredictable
in front to remain on yellow line. You Bottom: Hugging monsoon weather made flying risky.
have to rely on the student during the ground barely Nonetheless, on 9 August, 1949, 21
taxi and that was a tricky part. You feets above, a Harvards from Risalpur, formed five
never taxi straight in a Harvard, Harvard presents sets of diamonds of four planes each
a low fly-past at
you move the aircraft in zig-zag to Jamrud range near and set course for Multan. It was the
clear the area on all sides to avoid Peshawar. (Photo: first time that Risalpur saw so many
obstacles or other aircraft,” added PAF Archives). Harvard planes together in the sky.
AVM Hamid Khawaja (Retd). Bottom: A Harvard “It must have been a sight to watch,”
resting at the
entrance of Cadets remembered Gp Capt MA Rabbani in
Harvard- Over the Years living at PAF his book “My Years in Blue Uniform”.
At the time of partition, the RPAF Academy Asghar Two hours later, bad weather forced
received a mix of 20 Harvard 2Bs Khan reminds the formation to abort the mission
its viewers of its
and 2Cs. With such few aircraft, acquired 14 Tiger Moths, and 30 Harvards T-6Gs were glorious past. and return to Risalpur. After refuelling,
the PAF made further purchases of bought from the USA, but took over a year to be delivered. the 21 aircraft took off from home
T-6s from the USA and Canada. On The first batch was not inducted until March 49. These base and headed to Multan again.
6 September 1947, instructor pilots T-6Gs were better at controls, especially with a tailwheel At Multan they were to be refuelled,
Sqn Ldrs Khyber Khan, SA Aziz locking mechanism, significantly reducing swinging on take-off and make a pit stop at
and Flt Lts Rahim Khan and Zafar landing, which had plagued Risalpur. By 1960, the RPAF Hyderabad, to top up again and carry
Chaudhry and two cadet pilots, replaced the oldest Harvards, with another ten from the on to their final destination. Sometime
flew the first contingent of training USA. into the journey, team leader Flt Lt
aircraft into Pakistan. These were MA Rabbani was forced to return to
the six Harvard 2Bs from Ambala. The Harvard 2Bs and 2Cs remained in service until they Risalpur after his plane developed
During landing a cadet scraped were withdrawn in August 1962, after providing 15 years of technical faults. He joined his team in
a wing tip on the runway. It was invaluable training right from Risalpur’s embryonic stage Multan around dusk.
Risalpur’s first minor accident. Next to serving as a vital communication link to Gilgit during Top Inlets: 27
day, the aircraft were painted in the the 1948, Kashmir operations. Nonetheless, until 1975, the Before continuing, Flt Lt MA Rabbani Harvard in an
new PAF markings, which swept an T-6Gs provided excellent basic flying training to a majority was directed to refuel at Hyderabad, immaculate
excitement through Risalpur. of PAF pilots. During the 1965 war, instructors from the against his repeated requests to formation formed
a ‘Crescent and
Flying Instructors’ School (FIS) at Risalpur, armed these make refuelling arrangements at Star’, the motif of
By October 1947, the high piston engine trainers, with two .303 Browning machine Nawabshah instead. “I knew that Pakistani Flag on
command had established three guns and four rockets each, to harass forward Indian persistent monsoon would have 26 February 1955 at
small training units at Risalpur. positions in moonlit nights. made the grassy landing strip at Lahore.
Four Tiger Moths made up the Hyderabad muddy and slushy,” he
elementary flying training squadron. Showing the Flag recalled. Soon after the 21 Harvards
The advanced flying training The first ever military parade in Pakistan was held on had taken to the sky for Hyderabad Bottom: 16 Ship
squadron consisted of four Harvard 16 August, 1947. PAF’s participation was the next morning, MA Rabbani ran arrow head
formation of
2Bs and a flight of two Harvard 2Cs limited to a fly past by four into engine trouble again and was Harvards flypast
for squadron training. The total of Tempest aircraft. Two years forced to land on an abandoned air the saluting dias
two flights seemed meagre today later, fly pasts were different. strip at Sukkar. It took 45 minutes during a graduation
but, at that time, it was equal to before his ‘fitter’ could fix the plane ceremony at
Risalpur.
almost half of all the other aircraft and get airborne. Short on fuel, MA
possessed by the RPAF. Rabbani could not have made it to
Hyderabad hence decided to land
As Indian threats grew along at a partly submerged runway at
Pakistan’s borders, flying training Nawabshah, only to learn to his horror
was placed on a war footing. The that the contingent had not arrived at
duration of the course was halved Hyderabad for refuelling.
from 18 to nine months. The RPAF He was petrified with the thought

53 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 54

 in the display, 27 Harvards almost touched the water. pilots were greeted to clean Left Page Top:
The Aircraft formed a crescent and star, the Interestingly, Plt Off Asif Khan selection of instruments Wearing the cape
of slush and snow,
Designated as T-6 Texan, was first inducted in motif on the Pakistani flag. was supposed to bring back and easy access to all the a Harvard stood
1939. This aircraft was similar to and eventually his elder brother, legendary controls - switchology laid against all odds
Not All Pilots had Nine Lives and famous Maj Aslam Khan out ergonomically, incredibly during its tenure
replaced the BC-1A basic combat trainer. The BC-1 Today the men and women with RPAF College
(the officer played a key role in important in trainer aircraft.
eventually came to be known as Harvard 1. A naval at Risalpur.
who proudly wear the uniform liberation of Northern Areas in Flying a tailwheel, made
version SNJ-1, flew extensively in the US navy. The remember the airmen and 1948 and was later awarded pilots better in almost every
USA built numerous improved versions of the T-6 the events of 50 years ago. with gallantry medals) in the quantifiable way. Left Page Center:
They salute those who battled back seat of his Harvard. Sadly Harvard crashes
advanced trainers. Their sub-types varied mainly in plagued the training
bravely in defence of our that never happened. The Harvard may not have at Risalpur during
matters of equipment. The British Harvard versions nation. Returning from time looked like much compared to
of 20 Harvards, critically and the fly past rehearsal early years after
low on fuel, hovering over a went well. We finally made
of the T-6 carried no armament and were fitted with warp and mourning inwardly, Before landing at Gilgit, young those much popular warbirds, Independence.
AVM Hamid Khawaja (Retd) Seen in photo is
slushy air strip of Hyderabad. it to Pakistan’s first proper British instruments, radio and other equipment. Plt Off Asif Khan decided to yet its service and design
a Harvard which
“Panic overwhelmed some Independence Day fly past. It remembers comrades and perform some aerobatics to ensured that pilots were given made a crash
of the pilots, who broke away was our moment in the sun. friends who crashed in the impress his brother and other the exact training they needed landing after its
From July 1940 onwards, more than 15, 000
from the formation in search The Harvards were a special Harvard. “A pilot crashed after dignitaries watching him over before heading into combat. landing gears failed
Texan T-6s had been built. The Harvards came one of the wings blew away at the airport. While performing In doing so it might have to extend. The
of a landing strip in case attraction, staying in sight aircraft was flown
of emergency. One Polish longer than the speedier Furies to represent 26 percent of all trainers built in the during flight, two instructors such dare devil maneuver, Plt contributed more as an aircraft by Flt Lt Mir Alam
instructor in a Harvard 2C, and Tempests.” USA. In 1946 and 1947, large numbers of surplus died after the plane stalled, Off Asif Khan performed a slow than quite a number of other Khan who later
with longer range, made T-6 trainers were reconditioned by North America. one student pilot rammed into roll over the town, close to the machines. Unlike many of its received SJ during
the propeller of a started-up ground from which the aircraft contemporaries, the Harvard 1971 war. (Photo:
straight to Mauripur. Sqn “Pretty good performance As many as 33 countries, including China and Air Cdre Mir Alam
Ldr Eric Hall (Staff officer at by your boys, good show,” Harvard and was chopped never recovered. The young continued in silence past the Khan (Retd).
Pakistan, acquired them. The RPAF continued to off and another pilot crashed pilot officer and the airman three wars with India, providing
Masroor) brought the rest of AVM Atcherley told Flt Lt MA
the formation to Bholari (a Rabbani when they ran into operate its Harvards for almost 30 years, eventually after getting disoriented,” he sitting in the back seat did not one generation of pilots after
remembers with a heavy heart. make it. another with the fundamentals An impressive
small airstrip near Hyderabad), each other at a reception later phasing them out in 1975. line-up of Harvards
with their fuel tanks almost that evening. It was a red-letter of flying training, even after jets used to be a
dry,” MA Rabbani wrote in his day for the RPAF too, setting a Amongst the saddest A Tribute were introduced. regular site during
book. trend for some remarkable fly- accidents was the first fatal Today various nonprofit graduation parades
air crash at Gilgit on 14 organizations in the USA and Today, we find two in the PAF at Risalpur.
pasts and air displays that the
Flt Lt Rabbani took off again service became famous for. February, 1948, when air Canada have restored and museum Karachi, to educate,
and headed towards the force friends lost one of their fly the sturdy two-seater that inspire and honour the men Bottom: A Harvard
dreaded scene of a possible A year later, in March 1950, comrades, the young Plt helped train thousands of who maintained and trained rests in the display
Off Asif Khan. A three-ship pilots during World War II and in this historic airplane. And area at PAF
disaster of 20 Harvards. Flying Flt Lt MA Rabbani, led his last Museum Karachi
low above Hyderabad, he formation of Harvards for formation of Harvard aircraft the Korean War. Most veterans, when you see it, instead of attracting scores of
could see the muddy landing Shahinshah of Iran, during his led by legendary PAF pilot FS including Ghani Akbar, wished just walking by, as we do so aviation enthusiasts
strip but no Harvards. “As I visit to Risalpu. Hussain with Flg Off Lanky that the PAF followed the many times when we see a ever day. (Photo:
Ahmed on right wing and Plt tradition, to preserve that shinier warbird next to it, take a PAF Museum).
climbed up and wide out of
Hyderabad circuit, I noticed a It was in Lahore, on 26 Off Asif Khan on the left, took portion of history. There is minute, and have a look at it,
landing strip and the missing February, 1955, when 33 off from Peshawar for Gilgit on a really significant historical it deserves it...
‘nineteen’ parked neatly in line. Harvards in immaculate that sad day. Plt Off Asif Khan, connection with the plane.
I heaved a sigh of relief to join formation spelled the letters who was one of Air Marshal It was the most recognized
my colleagues for a second ‘RPAF’ over a parade. Later Asghar Khan’s brothers, was trainer, that robust engine
time in two days. I led the known for daredevil aerobatics and the iconic snarl it made,
refuelled Harvards to Mauripur, – flying so low over Kabul River and wings modified for better
a one hour run from Bholari,” that the tips of the propeller stall characteristics. Inside,
he added.

The next morning, AVM

Atcherley, known for his
dominating personality, blasted
MA Rabbani off his feet for
indiscipline, using vocabulary
that would blush anyone.
Despite his efforts to explain,
AVM Atcherley wouldn’t have
it. “After this dressing down, I
managed to retain my senses

55 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 00

56
ANALYSIS

Few years into operations after induction into PAF fleet in 1967, the Mirages were put Title Photo: Sleek,
Versatile, Lethal
to real test in the all-out war with arch rivals, India. However, the amazing aircraft and its and Agile are some
equally amazing air/ ground crew proved equal to the task in defending the country against of the character
traits of the Mirage
an enemy more than five times in size. IAF tried their best to achieve a kill against this speed aircraft which
would always
monster but failed, and in turn lost three of its aircraft when pitched against PAF Mirage in make it a Pilots’
various aerial combats. aircraft.
by Air Cdre Kaiser Tufail (Retd)

A
Bottom: A PAF
t the outbreak of the 1971 range, particularly at low level, insurgency, Pakistani military Mirage dropping
Indo-Pak War, Mirage where most of the interceptions planners came to be grounded bombs during an
IIIEs were the newest and were expected. It never saw in the conviction that ‘defence exercise at Thal
most advanced combat aircraft operational use other than, what of the East lies in the West’. In range.
in the PAF inventory. Besides amounted to virtual jettisoning practical terms, this aphorism
performing a wide variety of in one combat situation. High meant that Pakistan would
missions, they could generate a expectations from these modern launch a major offensive into
higher daily sortie rate compared Mirages were also tempered by India from the western wing at
to the aging F-86s, F-104s and the stark reality of having just the outset of any conflict. By
B-57s. They could navigate one squadron to fulfil the myriad threatening vital Indian assets
accurately to relatively deeper tasks. 23 Mirages – one aircraft in Kashmir and the Punjab, the
targets, and after the attack, had been lost earlier in a flying Pakistan Army planners hoped
egress at high speed. They could accident – were a meagre 8% of to draw Indian forces away from
carry out straight line, hit-and- the 276 combat aircraft available the east, and gain enough time
run intercepts against raiders as at the outbreak of war. How the for outside powers to restrain
adeptly as the F-104s, though PAF would dovetail its much an unmistakably rampant India.
the radar performance of both vaunted front-line element into Additionally, any territory seized
fighters was suspect against the military’s overall strategic in the west could be offered as a
low-flying targets in ground reckoning had to be carefully sop to the countrymen for losses
clutter. Coupled with marginal articulated in its concept of air in East Pakistan. PAF’s concept
performance of the five-odd low operations. of operations gave over-riding
level AR-1 air defence radars priority to supporting the Army’s
which were interspersed with Strategic Compulsion proposed offensive. Air cover
yawning gaps, the Mirages’ Cognizant of the improbability of was sought to be established
intercept capability was of successfully holding its eastern over the Army’s deep thrust till
consequence during day only; wing against a determined such time that it had dug in and
at night-time, it was a chance Indian onslaught and a vigorous established its own defences.
in a million, as it were. Surface
attack weaponry of the Mirage
was not yet commensurate with
the more capable platform that
it was. PAF relied on the old
vintage Mk-117 (750-lbs) high
explosive bombs delivered from
critical dive angles. Specialist
anti-runway weapons had not
been not been marketed by the
French as yet. Air-to-air weapons
included first generation AIM-
9B Sidewinder heat-seeking
missiles, whose two-degree
wide field of view allowed only
dead line astern attacks against
backgrounds free of extraneous
heat sources. Employment of the
semi-active radar-guided Matra
R-530 missile was found to be
impractical in combat situations
due to its stringent launch
parameters and very short
Remembering the Delta Warriors
57 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 58
It was also felt necessary 1 3 4
to attack 4-5 Indian airfields
that directly threatened the
offensive once it was underway.
To prevent timely arrival of
logistic reinforcements, PAF
was to interdict supplies directly
serving the Indian forces; this
meant attacking rail yards and
other supply nodes soon after
start of the offensive. Until the
army’s offensive was launched,
limited close air support during
holding operations was to be
provided. Tactical recce was
to be conducted regularly
to determine the changing
disposition of enemy formations.
Finally, PAF was to maintain
pressure on the IAF with
sustained disruptive strikes
against some of its forward and back-up strike element for the opening round of the counter- 1: A PAF Mirage shows
rear bases, to accrue a measure all-important land offensive. air operations campaign off its lethal arsenal 5 6 7

of psychological ascendancy in during static display at

Mirages were thus poised to be that also included 24 airfield PAF Base Sargodha.
the conduct of air operations. at the forefront of PAF’s ‘coup de strikes by F-86s and 4 radar
From PAF’s standpoint, it was main’. strikes by F-104s. Wg Cdr 2: A PAF Mirage firing
easy to see that the modern Hakimullah led a flight of 4 an air-to-air weapon
Mirages were the weapon of Softening Up Mirages to Amritsar, while his during and exercise.
choice for operations during the Contrary to the general flight commander, Sqn Ldr 3: Flt Lt Naeem Atta
critical land battle planned for perception, PAF’s dusk strikes Aftab Alam, led another flight pose with Mirage.
the western theatre. Yet, far from of 3 December against some of of 4 Mirages to Pathankot.
singling out these vital assets for the forward Indian airfields were Heading east into fast-fading 4: Seated L-R: F/L
the critical stage of the war only, not pre-emptory at all, as the light, Wg Cdr Hakimullah Shafique Haider, S/L
it was boldly decided to employ Indian invasion of East Pakistan was able to take a cue from
Farooq Umar, W/C able to get out of harm’s way. Mirages
Hakimullah (Officer continued with the airfield strikes, flying
them to the hilt in all phases. had already taken place in Amritsar runway lights, which Commanding), S/L
The bulk of No 5 Squadron was earnest, on 21 November. While interceptors, all raiding aircraft came for five more days. A mission each was
were inexplicably glimmering Farooq Feroze, F/L
deployed at its parent Base, these strikes were, of course, back unscathed. The disruptive raids flown on 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 December.
when it should have been Khalid Iqbal. Standing
Sargodha, under command of aimed at cratering runways and L-R: F/L Safdar were continued into the night by the Awantipura airfield was added to the
a complete black-out. His
Wg Cdr Hakimullah, formerly destroying radars, they also had Mahmood, F/L Najib B-57s. The missed strike at Pathankot usual list of Amritsar and Pathankot.
formation pulled up for a dive
Akhter, F/L Salimuddin, was repeated by Sqn Ldr Aftab Alam’s Wg Cdr Hakimullah, alongwith attached
an old hand on the F-104s. A an intrinsic ‘provocative’ element attack to deliver two 750-lb F/L Farooq Habib, F/L
detachment of six aircraft, led which the PAF planned to formation the next afternoon. This senior squadron pilots, Sqn Ldr Rao
bombs each. Except for No 4, Sarfaraz, F/L Saeed
by Sqn Ldr Farooq F Khan, was cleverly exploit through its well- time, all the bombs found their mark Akhtar and Sqn Ldr Arif Manzoor
whose bombs did not release Anwar, F/O Hasnat
moved to the deeper located prepared air defences, when IAF Ahmad. on the runway and taxi track. As they alternated as mission leaders for these
due to some malfunction,
satellite Base of Mianwali to retaliated the following morning. were exiting after delivering the attack, subsequent strikes. With the threat of
the rest were able to put in
5: Sqn Ldr Nos 3 and 4 found a Gnat closing in enemy interceptors increasing, it was
provide redundancy in the night Mirages got a small share of the attacks in the beginning Hakeemullah Khan
intercept role, and also as a 8 airfield strike sorties in the behind them, with guns blazing. Thanks decided to add a pair of escorts during
of the runway. Sqn Ldr Aftab (later retired as ACM)
to their swift Mirages, they were easily the airfield strikes. Altogether, 38 strike
Alam’s formation did not and Flt Lt Farooq Omer
2
have the good fortune of being interviewed by
BBC during 1971 war.
catching Pathankot with
its lights on, and could not 6: Flt Lt Safdar
execute a proper attack in the Mahmood was also
evening haze and low light. among the PAF pilots
The bombs fell in the general who was credited with
an IAF kill during 1971
vicinity of the airfield. Given
war.
the very short distance from
the border, IAF was unable 7: Flt Lt Saleemuddin
to scramble interceptors pose with his Mirage
from the ground, so standing during 1971 war.
patrols should have been
A beautiful view of PAF Mirage fleet on
a sensible option. With no the tarmac of PAF Base Sargodha.

59 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 60

 ordnance had been used, as the Israeli Air Force had started climbing to avoid The aircrew, including the
done in 1967. Non-availability of such weapons led the hilly terrain. Fortuitously pilot Flt Lt Lloyd Sasoon and
the PAF to resort to conventional iron bombs which for Atta, this meant that the navigator Flt Lt Ram Advani,
would bounce off the runway and explode above the target was also easing out belonging to the Agra-based
surface, causing more blast and less breach. Also, of ground clutter and there Jet Bomber Conversion Unit,
delivery from shallow dive angles to avoid exposure was a good probability that were killed on impact. [1]
to Anti Aircraft Artillery (AAA) made the bombs skip it would be ‘painted’ by the
off the surface even farther. The disruptive raids Cyrano radar. Unknown to Not far from Mianwali is
seem well worth the effort, however, considering that Atta, his radar had been in Sakesar, a small PAF Base
operational and maintenance activity on IAF forward standby mode, as he had not perched on the picturesque
bases was hampered, and no PAF aircraft was lost been careful in selecting his Salt Range at an elevation of
while conducting these very dangerous missions. On switches in a hurry. On the 5,000 feet. The Base housed
a few occasions when enemy interceptors managed radar controller’s reminder, a high-powered FPS-20 radar
Gp Capt Hussaini, aviation artist of PAF, has very precisely depicted the to get behind an odd Mirage, the latter was able to Atta rechecked the selection as well as the vital Sector
various encounters which the Mirage had during 1971 war. outpace them, much like Dassault had imagined in to transmit mode, and was Operations Centre – North.
his desert vision of a mirage whereby, “enemy pilots soon able to report a blip At mid-day on 5 December,
should see it but never catch up with it!” on his radar scope at an the IAF had made an attempt
optimum IR-missile shooting at attacking the radar,
Defending the Skies distance of one-and-a-half which cost it dearly, as two
Despite a biggish nose which housed a sizeable mile, dead tail-on. Following Hunters were shot down
antenna promising long range pick-up at higher radar lock-on, the missile’s by a patrolling pair of F-6s. led by Flt Lt Safdar Mahmood, Above: The Back
altitudes, the Cyrano II radar of the Mirage lacked seeker head swung to the Later that afternoon, a lone with Flg Off Sohail Hameed as Bone-PAF ground crew
the ability to distinguish low flying targets against heat source, and a growl in intrepid Hunter was able to remained the unsung
his wingman. Diving down from heroes, turning around
ground clutter. This drawback rendered the Mirage Atta’s earphones confirmed sneak in for a successful the hills, the Hunter had built up the aircraft for back
completely dependent on ground-controlled a launch-ready condition; the rocketing attack. After the speed, but not enough to elude to back missions in
interception at low level, much like its spares-stricken intruder’s fate was sealed. attack a clean getaway for the far swifter Mirages. With the a record time during
counterpart, the F-104. PAF’s five low level ground Moments after launching the a singleton, right under help of instructions from the 1971 war.
radars could cover just 7% of the eastern border of AIM-9B Sidewinder, Atta saw the noses of patrolling ground controller Flt Lt Shaukat Bottom: If Looks could
West Pakistan and were, therefore, deployed at the a huge fireball silhouetting interceptors, was an Jamil, Safdar was able to catch
sorties (including 8 escorts) the army’s offensive. Seen in Kill-An absolute beauty
main bases and a few vulnerable approaches only. an aircraft in the night sky. improbable prospect. up and settle behind the Hunter, captured by lens at
were flown by Mirages against that context, they do not seem Air defence was, thus, largely a function of Combat Next morning, the wreckage As expected, the Hunter
three forward airfields. This measly in quantum, though to start his shooting drill. A couple PAF Base Sargodha
Air Patrols (CAPs) being able to respond to chance of a Canberra (IF 916) was was intercepted of well-placed bursts of the 30- during its early years
was almost one-fourth of the where they fell short was in the pick-up of low flying targets by ground radars. Once confirmed at the village of by two Mirages of service with PAF.
total daytime counter-air effort ‘punch’. There is no reason to mm cannon got the Hunter
vectored on to its target by ground control, the Mirage Nara located at the western scrambled from smoking. As Safdar held
of 158 sorties flown by the doubt the IAF assessment of could accelerate fast enough to chase an intruder edge of the Salt Range, not Mianwali. The
PAF. As stated earlier, these the effects as “negligible/slight off while watching his
for whom there was little hope of escape. The test too far from Khushab town. pair was
airfield strikes were largely damage.” The runways were of the Mirage’s capabilities as an interceptor came
disruptive in nature and served never out of operation for more on the night of 4 December, when Flt Lt Naeem Atta
the purpose of softening up, than a few hours. The damage was scrambled from Mianwali. The ground controller,
before the actual neutralisation could have been longer lasting Flt Lt Khalid Kashmiri, vectored Atta on to an intruder
that was to come later with if special runway penetrating heading west, towards Mianwali. The controller was
able to position the
Mirage three miles
PAF KILLS - 1971 INDO-PAK WAR astern of the low flying
target, but even with
Date Victor Weapon Vanouished Air Craft Area a nearly full moon,
04-Dec F/L Naeem Atta AIM-9B F/L L M Sasoon Canberra Jabbi, Chakwal there was no prospect
F/L R M Advani (N) of visual contact at
that distance. As the
06-Dec F/L Safdar Mahmood Guns S/L J M Mistry Hunter Katha Saghral Salt Range loomed
06-Dec F/L Salimuddin AIM-9B F/L V K Wahi Su-7 Samba ahead, the target

COMBAT MISSION-1971 AIR WAR

AIR DEF AIR DEF OFFENSIVE TAC AIR SUPP AIR PHOTO MAR AIR
Aircraft (GENERAL) (FEBA) COUNTER AIR (AR/BAI/CAS) INTERDICTION RECCE 2
SUPP

DAY NIGHT DAY DAY NIGHT DAY NIGHT DAY / NIGHT DAY / NIGHT DAY / NIGHT
Mirage IIIE/R 208 96 8 38 139 4 36

61 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 62

quarry in its last throes, Sohail Left: PAF pilots
picked up the smouldering exchanging views
during a post flight
aircraft and let off a Sidewinder debrief at PAF
missile to finish it off. Just Base Sargodha.
before the aircraft impacted the
ground, the pilot ejected but it
was too late. Sqn Ldr Jal Mistry Right: A PAF
Mirage taxis
of No 20 Squadron was found out for a routine
fatally injured. The wreckage of operational training
the Hunter (A 1014) was strewn mission at PAF
near the small town of Kattha Base Sargodha.
Saghral.
Bottom: Gp
Chamb was one of the few Capt Hussaini’s
sectors where Pak Army had depiction of Sqn
made significant advances and Ldr Hakimullah’s
the Indian XV Corps desperately interdiction
mission at Mukrian
sought destruction of heavy Railyard during
guns that had been reported in 1971 war. sorties flown, came to be 0.95%. the Indian forces desperately carried
the area. On 6 December, a pair message transmitted to Adampur This compares quite favourably with out repeated counter attacks, PAF
of Su-7s from Adampur-based that an Su-7 had been “fired at … the kill rates of other PAF fighters which Mirages conducted regular photo
No 101 Sqn was tasked to locate pilot ejected”. It was later learnt that performed air defence missions:- recce missions in Ferozepur area
and destroy the guns. The Su-7s the wingman, Flt Lt Vijay Wahi had F-86F: 1.2%, F-86E: 1.1% and F-6: to update the ground commanders
lighten up for the chase. Spotting one of the Su-7s had been hit.
sought out what appeared like succumbed to his ejection injuries. 0.74%. about Indian reinforcement efforts
the Mirages, the Su-7s jettisoned Salimuddin instantly switched
hutments concealing the artillery The leader, Sqn Ldr Ashok Shinde, aimed at vacating the incursion. In
their drop tanks and rocket pods, to the other Su-7 and fired his
pieces and were rocketing
and started exiting east. With 30-mm cannon. Just then, was lucky to bring back his Su-7 Scouting the Troops the event, a badly demoralised and
the place. Flt Lt Salimuddin which had been damaged by bullet PAF had three Mirage IIIRs, which confused Foxtrot Force could not
the Su-7s doing full speed, a Salimuddin noted the outlines
Awan and his wingman Flt Lt hits. High-speed pursuit was a forte were equipped with five OMERA Type make any headway and the Pakistani
long chase ensued till Riazuddin of Madhopur Headworks near
Riazuddin Shaikh, who were of the Mirage, a lesson learnt by the 31 optical cameras mounted in the brigade was able to safeguard the
found himself close enough to Pathankot, which was not
patrolling in their Mirages over IAF the hard way, and one time too nose. With a Doppler navigation radar vital Suleimanki Headworks, which
fire a missile, but it went straight surprising, as they had been
Gujranwala-Sheikhupura area, late. available, getting to a destination was only a mile from the border. In
into the ground. Salimuddin chasing the Su-7s for several
were vectored by ground radar was fairly easy. Magnesium flares preparation for the main offensive, PAF
then moved in, and on hearing minutes inside enemy territory,
onto the two Su-7s. Salimuddin, Mirages flew a total of 317 air provided enough illumination at night Mirages fervently conducted photo
the lock-on growl, pressed along the Jammu-Kathua
who was carrying a R-530 defence sorties (221 during day, 96 at to confer a round-the-clock tactical recce missions along Ferozepur-Kot
the missile launch button, not Road. Recollecting themselves,
radar-guided missile alongwith night) which was 18% of the overall reconnaissance capability. The Kapura, Ferozepur-Fazilka and Fazilka-
once but twice, to be sure. Two the Mirages turned back and
two Sidewinders, decided to air defence effort. [2] With three IAF number of aircraft was, however, on Muktasar railway networks, as well as
Sidewinder missiles shot off recovered at Sargodha with
get rid of the bulky weapon by aircraft shot down, the Mirage kill the low side and did not sufficiently in general areas of Ferozepur and Sri
from the rails, and moments precariously low fuel. Monitoring
just blindly firing it off, so as to rate, based on the total air defence cater for unserviceabilities. A month Ganganagar, for the latest disposition
later, Riazuddin called out that of VHF radio confirmed a
prior to the outbreak of all-out war, of forces. An important mission
the PAF had started to fly cross- involved recce of crossing points over
border photo recce sorties, some of Gang Canal for a careful scrutiny of
which were in the vital Chamb Sector, obstacles across the waterway that
where the Pak Army’s 23 Division had could possibly impede the movement
planned a secondary ‘diversionary’ of II Corps. The main offensive could,
offensive. With the disposition of however, not materialise as explained
forces well-known, the attack resulted later, and most of the photo recce
in significant advances that threatened effort was rendered worthless. Two
India’s overland links to Kashmir, pilots who played a sterling role in
besides depriving Indian forces from the photo recce operations were the
establishing a launch pad for offensive squadron’s ‘slide rule wizards’, Sqn
operations towards the vital lines Ldr Farooq Umar and Flt Lt Najib
of communication passing through Akhtar. Of the 30 photo recce sorties
nearby Gujrat. Early in the war, another (besides 15 escorts) flown by No 5
important breakthrough came in the Squadron before and during the war,
Suleimanki-Fazilka Sector, where 22 were considered successful. [3]
105 Independent Infantry Brigade Although most of the singleton recce
(IV Corps) was able to surprise the Mirages were escorted by another
Indian ‘Foxtrot’ Force, and made a Mirage, yet some of the missions had
firm foothold in the area of Pak II to be aborted due to intense enemy
Corps’ planned main offensive. While air activity. In Shakargarh Sector, a

63 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 64

few night recce missions were the south, where things were not Rate of 1.6 sorties per aircraft per under maintenance in a hangar.[6] The
attempted with partial success. going well for the Pakistan Army. As a day during the war. [4] While it fell impressive sight belied claims of any
In one such mission on the night consequence, II Corps was deprived short of the planned 2.2 daily sorties, losses that had been incurred by the
of 11 December, an IAF MiG-21 of almost one third of its striking it reflected a cautious conduct of the Mirage fleet during the war.
scrambled to intercept a Mirage power before the offensive had even war whereby the PAF was held back,
flown by Sqn Ldr Farooq Umar, begun. On the evening of 16 December, so that everything could be thrown References:
ended up shooting down one of however, new instructions arrived from in during the army’s main offensive [1] The Canberra’s ‘Orange Putter’ tail
its own MiG-21s flown by Flt Lt GHQ, “freezing all movements” until which, in the event, never came warning radar (an active device) was
A B Dhavle, which was patrolling further notice. Following capitulation through. Wg Cdr Hakimullah, who prone to picking up ground clutter, and
in the vicinity. Four-odd Bomb of forces in the Eastern Wing, Pakistan very ably commanded the Mirage was usually turned off by the pilots at
Damage Assessment missions accepted a cease fire on 17 December. squadron during the war, and also led
lower altitudes. It is likely that Sasoon
were also flown following Mirages – which were expected to several dangerous missions in enemy
had also turned it off, to avoid false
the initial strikes on runways. reduce the IAF’s weight of attack by territory, was awarded the Sitara-i-
These helped in better planning neutralising 4-5 IAF airfields once the Jur’at (Star of Valour). That coveted alarms that would have been triggered
of subsequent airfield strike main offensive was underway – could, award also went to Sqn Ldr Farooq over the hilly terrain.
missions. thus, not be utilised for the critical task Umar, the senior flight commander of [2] Official PAF Records.
that had been meticulously planned for the squadron, who had flown many [3] Ibid.
Interdiction of Supplies months. useful photo recce missions in enemy [4] Ibid.
One of the hugely successful areas infested with patrolling fighters. [5] Utilisation Rate is based on an
missions of the war was an Report Card The three pilots who shot down IAF average aircraft serviceability of
attack on Mukerian Railway During the 14-day war, Mirages flew aircraft were content with having 75%. The Mirage-III wartime UR is
Station. On 15 December, Wg off dry. The impact of the bombs were meant to be secondary Above: All Set to a total of 390 sorties which was 13% joined the elite club of fighter pilots
operations, essentially calculated thus: UR = 395 sorties ÷ 17
Cdr Hakimullah was tasked on fuel and ammunition laden Fly - A PAF Mirage of PAF’s overall war effort of 2,955 with aerial kills. A month after the
trains was so furious that the distractions, designed to at No 5 Sqn flight aircraft ÷ 14 days = 1.6.
to lead a four-ship mission sorties. [5] For a relatively new and war, the PAF was able to line up 22
blasts shook the aircraft; No 2’s fix the enemy and to divert line waiting for [6] A picture of the lined-up Mirages
to attack Bhangala Railway mission.
modern weapon system, the Mirage Mirages for all to see on the tarmac at
drop tanks sheared off with the his attention away from the appeared in Air Enthusiast, May 1972
Station on Jalandhar-Pathankot achieved a modest aircraft Utilisation Sargodha, while the 23rd Mirage was
railway line. After pulling up for shock wave but he was able intended site of the main attack issue.
the attack, he was dismayed to to fly back without any further by II Corps. With one armoured Bottom Left:
discover that there was no rolling damage. The Mirages had so and two infantry divisions, II Defending the
far been striking at shallow Corps was to strike into India Aerial Frontiers: A
stock in sight, but he decided to PAF Mirage over
try his luck further south along targets, but with the time for from the Bahawalnagar area
Himalayas.
the railway line. Having flown a the main offensive running out, approximately three days
mere 30 seconds, he overflew it was decided to use them after the secondary attacks. Rigt Page Bottom:
Mukerian Railway Station which more audaciously. It was ironic II Corps was to drive east A CCS Mirage
that one of the most significant to cross the international parked at PAF Base
was bustling with trains. Peeling Sargodha.
off into the attack pattern, the interdiction missions was border, before turning to the
four Mirages set themselves for also the one and only flown by northeast to push for Bhatinda
single-pass dive attacks with two Mirages, before the curtain fell and wishfully, beyond. It was
750-lb bombs each. According two days later. expected that most of India’s
to Hakimullah’s estimate, there armoured reserves would have
were at least 100 freight bogies Drop Scene become embroiled in Pakistan’s
latched to different trains Pakistan Army’s plan in the defences in the Shakargarh
berthed adjacent to each other. west called for the beginning salient during this three-day
The Mirages released their of offensive operations five or interval between the secondary
bombs one by one, though No 4, six days after an Indian attack attacks and the main effort.
who had hung ordnance, pulled in the east. These, however, After much prodding by
the Army’s field formation
commanders as well as the
PAF C-in-C, the vacillating
GHQ reluctantly issued orders
for II Corps to shift to its
forward assembly areas on
14 December; elements of 1
Armoured Division began to
move the following day. By
this time, however, the other
major component of II Corps
ie, 33 Division, had already
been detached to reinforce
the beleaguered I Corps in
the north and 18 Division in

65 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 66

BLAST FROM THE PAST

A Feat to
I
n another story for the Title Photo:
Sabre Jet Classics, I made a Another view of

Remember and Cherish mention of the “Falcons,” for

ten years the F-86F formation
16 sabre aircraft
getting ready for
the final pull up
aerobatic team of the Pakistan over PAF Base
Air Force (PAF). The Falcons Masroor.
2 Feb 1958 would always be remembered as the red-letter were originally just four Sabres
day in the history of Pakistan Air Force. It was on this day that in 1956 but over the next two Right: 16 Sabre
young and fledgling Pakistan Air Force stunned the entire world years, the team grew their aircraft in close
number to seven and then to formation pulling
by pulling up a 16-aircraft formation loop at PAF Base Mauripur
nine for all maneuvers including up for a world
(now Masroor), Karachi. barrel rolls. I had already had record. (All photos
PAF Archives)
the pleasure of flying as No. 2,
by ACM Jamal A. Khan (Retd) 4 and 6 and I flew the loop as
Falcon 6 – slot to the leader’s
right wingman. In December
1957, our air force chief asked

the Falcons leader, Wing Commander King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, was complex and hard counterinsurgency
(Lieutenant Colonel) “Mitty” Masud, if a kindly and air-minded gentleman war that began with the 9/11 outrage
he could expand his team to a really and a great unifier of his tribally on American soil but is actually
impressive number for an air display structured country. Sadly, he was embroiled in the competing interests
that was planned to welcome the overthrown in a palace coup by his and conflicting objectives of 8-10
King of Afghanistan on February 2. cousin in 1973 and immediately regional and major powers. Now
That gave Mitty little less than four exiled, setting up events that soon back to the air show for King Zahir
weeks of flying days, but he said installed a Soviet puppet government Shah.
yes. The air chief approved his plan in Kabul and eventually triggered
for flying a 16-Sabre loop as the Moscow’s 1979 Christmas invasion For the Falcons, another advantage
show opener in the grand firepower of his country. The U.S.-Pakistan- was that all four newly equipped
and aerobatic air display for the aided Afghan resistance eventually F-86 squadrons were temporarily
monarch’s state visit; the loop would secured the most stunning and stationed at one air base near
be followed by the full sequence of world-changing victory of the Cold Karachi, the same at which the air
aeros by the core seven, when the War. But the unfilled vacuum after display was to be held. This made it
other nine would break off. Mitty the defeated Red Army’s ouster in easier to pick pilots and there were
felt that he had the advantage of an 1988 also triggered a genocidal virtually no logistic problems. All our
already existing and well-practised civil war, religious extremism and Sabres had been recently delivered
team of seven around which he warlordism. A faction of former (complete with their ‘new cockpit’
could expand the formation to fly freedom fighters (Taliban) then smells) and the 95% in-commission
the centerpiece maneuver – with a burst upon the scene and ruled with rate for the 16+4 Falcons Sabres
little bit of luck. Mitty happened to widespread excesses in the name gave us the confidence to drop the
be a popular but hard task master of religion while a horrified Pakistan (already knotty) idea of having a
and was pretty sure he could call appealed for moderation. Along with “master” reserve pilot. However, two
in the luck factor by his leadership. their U.S. and NATO allies, Pakistan additional planes were started up
Our special guest on the occasion, and Afghanistan are today fighting a near each F-86 cluster to hop into if

67 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 68

 1 6

2 3 slat of the owner F-86 and then was perform if the formation happened of us felt instinctively that the honor
thankfully seen to disappear in a to be still headed down out of a loop. would be short-lived. Sure enough,
trajectory away from the formation. “One,” shot back Mitty, “Push on the Britain’s RAF set out immediately to
The subject pilot could easily stick to separate. Two, orientate. better our record and its 111 Squadron’s
control the asymmetry through the Three, use good judgment,” as he Black Arrows did so with twenty-two
remainder of the loop and the pilot turned with barely a withering pause Hunters within the year.
flying his wing did not have the to other matters.
time even to bounce around a little The pilots of the core Falcons’ team
because it all happened so fast. After the 50-plane firepower and continued to fly in their periodic air
Although our sortie times would aerobatic display before 20,000 shows in combinations of four-to-nine
thenceforth be cut down a lot, Mitty spectators was over, King Zahir Sabres in the years that followed while
decided we would fly even the work- Shah insisted on meeting the air their other loop colleagues returned
1: Gp Capt Hussaini
depicts the various up sorties in the clean configuration show pilots in visible and happy to their squadrons. Later many of
phases of World till show day. Mitty’s briefings were acknowledgement of the honor them were to fly the much-loved F-86
record made on that characteristically crisp and very accorded to him by Pakistan. I too in two wars, in which they achieved a
needed by any of the team pilots sixteen flew together for the day through his paint executive. We had a few exciting shook hands with the king at the dominating cumulative kill ratio of 1:5.6
4 and brush.
having trouble with his Sabre. We first time with just two weeks near misses with birds, so it was an formal lunch. I did not know then that in air combat. Sadly, the last of the
started engines fifteen minutes remaining for the air show date. 2: Wg Cdr Mitti SOP for him before each practice to I would meet him again thirty years PAF’s Sabres had to be retired by 1979.
before taxi time. The experience was awesome Masood briefing Flt scan and choose an area with the later in Rome (but more regularly In 1982, Pakistan purchased through
for some of the pilots, especially Lt Anwar Hameed lowest bird strike potential, but he and discreetly), where he lived in a commercial contract its first F-16As
All sixteen aircrew were those who had never flown minutes before ordered us not to worry about or look exile under the protection of the and Bs, arguably the only fighters that
experienced fighter pilots but for formation aerobatic maneuvers departure for the
for birds (a normally ingrained habit) Italian government, and I served as could rightly be called the Sabre’s true
historic mission.
half of them the F-86 was their with other planes surrounding (Gp Capt Hussaini because he was responsible for my country’s ambassador. The King incarnation in compactness, agility and
first jet fighter. Their ranks and them in all directions. The painting). preventing bird strikes on the entire returned a frail 87 to Kabul in 2002, sheer pleasure of piloting. The fleet has
numbers ranged between Wing wingmen at the right and left formation. While covering emergency still fervently beseeching his people recently grown to include some F-16Cs
Commander/Lieutenant Colonel wingtips of the large diamond ultra-low level aerobatic pilot, 3: An aerial shot of 16 to shun religious intolerance and and Ds as well, and the PAF pilots are
procedures, he had briefed us
(1), Squadron Leader/Major (5) of sixteen had (besides enjoying frequently accompanied us in an Sabre aircraft taken
to return to peace and stability. He flying them in a highly unconventional
early that except for the extremity
and Flight Lieutenant/Captain the best view, and possibly RT-33, taking pictures with the from top by the photo
died in 2007 and many Afghans told and intensely challenging
ship aircraft. wingmen, the best emergency break-
(10). because of it) to concentrate the nose camera for the debriefings me they were convinced that their counterinsurgency environment in
away SOP for every Falcon during
most for keeping well tucked in. and to provide us with some country’s misfortunes began with his alliance with the United States and its
4: Archive photo of maneuvers should be easing forward
After a week of cluster And to power the bigger arc he very useful tips and occasional Wg Cdr Mitti Masood. exile. other NATO partners.
on the stick to get clear as the first
practices in four to six F-86s was required to fly behind all his growls.
step, regardless of the airplane
5: 16-ship setting up
by the newly inducted pilots in team mates, Falcon 16, the rear- for the loop over PAF attitude or altitude. After a fruitless The correspondent of London’s
separate pieces of sky and after most slotman of the diamond, An interesting problem arose Flight International magazine who
Masroor. crewroom debate to find a better
disciplining the original core of had routinely to use 98-99% when, during one of the practice attended the air show later wrote in
alternative to this separation policy,
seven into rock-steady flying that rpm to the leader’s 91%. The loops, a 120-gallon tank 6: Archive photo of an illustrated article that the PAF’s
one of the pilots asked Mitty the next
could induce maximum stability Group Commander of our F-86 departed one of the Sabres. Flt Lt Jamal A Khan
16-aircraft loop was a first but many
morning what maneuver he should
within the larger formation, the wing, himself a highly admired Spewing fuel, it rolled along the with F-104 aircraft.

69 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 70

FEATURE

The 1962 Indo-China War is a frozen conflict. This

mid-20th Century border war continues to define the
contours of the 21st century regional security and stability
atmosphere. While the conflict is concerning India and
China, it is nevertheless the background which continues
to exhort major and secondary effects on regional and
global players.
by Air Cdre M Suleman Aziz (Retd)

F
or many years after India shares a border with of the prime factors in British Above: Late
independence in 1947, China and other smaller demarcations and boundary Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru
the street slogan in states. Located on arid settlements. At some places, with then Defense
India was that, “Hindus and lands with extreme weather tradition and understanding Minister Krishna
Chinese are brothers”1. Later, conditions, the area of concern was given precedence over Menon, during the
there was the 5-point agenda, spans over a length of 4000 exactness5. Decades later, these 1962 Indo-China
the Panj Sheel, forwarded by Kilometers at an average incomplete or dual interpretable War. (Photo:
Quora.com).
the Indian leadership regarding altitude of 14,000 feet Above demarcations were to haunt the
peaceful coexistence and Mean Sea Level. area’s native inhabitants.
maintenance of cordial Bottom: A Bren
relations with China2. However, Historically, the British-Indian After independence in the Gun Section on
in the winter of 1962, following government had previously post WW 2 era; the context of Guard. The Jawan
in the foreground
strained diplomatic and made several attempts to boundary demarcations quickly
is carrying a bulky
military relations, India and resolve these issues. However, transformed for India and then .303 Lee Enfield
China went to war in the in the Indian pre-partition China as she transformed into Rifle. They are
contested Himalayan region era i.e. prior to 1947, the the Peoples Republic of China keeping a watch
over border demarcation geostrategic situation of the or PRC in 1949. Consequently, in the cold and
mountainous
issues. The seeds of this late 19th to early 20th Century each claimed rights to their
terrain of Chushul,
conflict were laid long before had a different context. The traditional sovereign territorial Ladakh. (Photo:
i.e. during the British colonial primary concern at that lands. In part, misunderstandings BR Galleries).
rule when various borders of time was that the jewel of and misinterpretations followed
India were demarcated under the British crown - India - an by political mishandling of
a different set of conditions. important provider of imperial the situation caused these
While there is a long history wealth, commodities and two6 countries, who once
of contentious pre-partition military manpower was to be enjoyed cordial relations and
demarcations3, this particular safeguarded from the north by were in constant diplomatic
conflict pertains to two a growing threat of possible communication, to finally draw
distinct areas in the northern Russian expansion4. Creation battle lines and go to war.
mountainous regions where of buffer zones was thus one Clausewitz thus wrote more than

71 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 72

 Left: President Eisenhower received by Prime Minister Nehru be seen as it is a member of the However, in this article, due to the main factors considered and attempt
at Parliament House, before the President addressed a joint
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or vastness of the subject, multiple to rationally answer whether there is
session of Indian Parliament. (Photo: flickr.com).
the ‘Quad’ involving USA, Japan and linked issues like details of the Indian possibility of re-emerging tensions or
Below: The soldiers were ill equipped, not trained for the high Australia. Although considered as a rivalry with Pakistan and other Chinese improved relations between the India
altitude, fatigued and confused due to the confusing orders loose alliance focusing on security disputes in the South or East China and China.
being issued by senior generals. (Photo: Indian directories). and economic interests, the four Sea’s would be briefly mentioned, only
navies participated in their first joint to provide an overview of the wider Historical Perspective of the
Bottom: File photo of Indian soldiers patrolling in Aksai Chin
during the India-China War in January 1962. (Photo: scmp.com). exercise in over a decade in August, canvas of the future context of South Problem
2021, off the Guam islands in the Asian geostrategic concerns. Today, The border war of 1962 with
Pacific under Exercise Malabar-2110. beyond the dawn of the 21st Century the ensuing rivalry and strategic
Whereas, Exercise Malabar-22 was and hyper-connectivity of the globalized competition between India and China
conducted for over 5 days near world, opportunities have revitalized is not limited to one incident. While
Yokosuka, Japan in November and intentions of China and India to sustain the 1962 border war is the main event,
witnessed live weapon firings, anti-air high economic growth. Even as there is there are a series of short skirmishes
and ASW drills besides other tactical realization that economic cooperation before and much later. As in many other
and interoperability procedures of the would be mutually beneficial, there is cases, China is usually considered
four navies. an additional factor i.e. competition and portrayed as the aggressor - the
100 years ago, ‘it is clear that war is As of today, for attaining or retaining strategic Asian tiger that initiated this conflict
not a mere act of policy but a true the 1962 Consequently, the main structure leadership - at least in the South Asian as well.16 China is considered as the
political instrument, a continuation of Indo-China of external security for the two region. perpetrator as it must have supposedly
political activity by other means’7. war stands protagonists, at least in the South initiated the conflict as a part of its
What exactly happened from 1947 as a frozen Asian region and specifically in Until the 2020 Galwan area border traditional and ancient Chinese grand
to 1962 is not just another war story conflict8. impact on future relations between
the context of the Indian defence conflict15, both India and China could strategy to secure its near abroad or
from the books of military history. It What can be drawn from the 1962 the two opponents in particular and have been considered on the path of peripheral regions. However, Neville
policy has clearly been transformed.
laid down the context of the future Indo-Chinese war in terms of regional other ‘concerned’ regional countries, improving diplomatic and economic Maxwell, (India’s China War, Worcester
It would be clear as to why
security matrix for the South Asian stability? The answer to this question with some applicable interpretations relations. After, the 2020 incident, and London, 1970) amongst others,
continued development of Indian
region and beyond! Today, this is not simple as it is a live and for Pakistan. While undertaking this
military potential11, including its the factor of ‘keeping an eye on in his epic work, ‘India’s China War’
region has the most rapidly rising evolving situation. This simmering analysis, it would be evident that from nuclear, space and guided missile each other’ with transient periods of has carried out in depth research and
economic and military powers of the has not faded either. In fact, in 2020, 1962 onwards, the two nations i.e. programs12 and efforts to acquire tensions clearly continues to exist till traces the background of this conflict.
21st Century and is home to more there were renewed tensions in the India and China, view each other with aerospace force and blue water date. Needless to emphasize, another As the conflict stands unresolved till
than 2.5 billion people. While this same region. Due to the continuing caution. There are momentary periods naval capabilities13 clearly link with military conflict between these two date, a short lesson in the context
conflict concerns two protagonists, applicability of its causes, it would be of border conflicts and rising tensions her foreign policy. These in turn are nuclear powers, could easily translate of geographical orientation is also
as a consequence, few major and necessary to briefly narrate history in an irregular sinusoidal sequence9. also related in ways to the strained to adverse global and regional effects. necessary.
secondary effects are generated on of the problem, conditions leading up Furthermore, Indian drives to pose
Indian relations with Pakistan, her Subsequently highlighted arguments
other regional and global players. to the conflict and its outcome. This herself as a strong supporter of US
other conflicting interests with China explain their relations and reasons. To this day, the conflict involves two
These continue to be a factor in article will analyze the problem in policies in the US pivot-to-Asia-stategy
and her desire to attain regional As a final point, we will also briefly separate areas on the approximately
the 21st Century – and for the its entirety following the single case adds to the impediments of resolving
power status. Hence, the Indian mention the consequent impact of 4000 Kilometers northern border of
foreseeable future. study methodology. Then evaluate its any issues. Indian aspirations can now
politico-military psyche, despite the 1962 Indo-Chinese war on global India with China. First is the North
bollywood projection and other soft strategic bloc re-alignments in light of Eastern Frontier Agency or NEFA, a
image initiatives, is set at a threshold the on-going Russia-Ukraine confict and former province of India. Now called
defined by the strong requirement to the readjustments that would affect Arunachal Pardesh and it borders
retain overall balance with a rising global stability in the 21st Century. In with Bhutan (see map above). The
China14. conclusion, we would synthesize the northern boundary of this area is the
disputed at the infamous McMahon
Line.17 This line was used by the British
to demarcate and separate China’s
current autonomous Tibet region. This
line was drawn after a formal treaty
with the then independent Tibetan
government in 1914 through another
Simla agreement.18

The line was contested after

independence and an independent
Indian survey after 1947 did find some
inconsistencies. However, Maxwell and
others have gone into great length to
One of several pictures of a humiliating defeat of the Indian soldiers at the hands of the explain the problem in its interpretation
soldiers of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) released by China in 2021 by the Indians19. This was primarily
(Photo: twitter.com)

73 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 74

 had conquered this area. However, Left: The these lines that led to this war. The countries. When the topic did revive, it essence was a critically incorrect
these were evicted by the Chinese map shows
real problem lay in the handling of arose strongly in Indian parliamentary military and strategic assessment
the disputed
counterstroke and pushed back the situation from the Indian side. In debates. Domestic political blame- that caused neither the government
boundry at
further down till present day Ladakh the infamous that, history records Indian domestic game with finger pointing and mud nor military leadership to adequately
in India. The two fighting forces McMahon Line. political bickering and an extreme slinging between political opponents prepare for a Chinese response. This
finally disengaged and a non- hard line stance adopted by the was responsible for the uproar and posture was also obviously converse
interference treaty was signed in Indian government under Indian PM subsequent actions. Hence the Indian to the Indian army field commanders’
Center: An
1842. Each force i.e. the Chinese Nehru23. Initially after 1947, there government of the time under PM views from the Himalayas30.
Indian sentry
and the Sikh regiments had a and a Chinese were steadily growing relations Nehru came up with a plan to resolve Consequently, as the media and public
reason to disengage. The Chinese sentry casually between India and China. India the issue - once and for all! debates on military skirmishes grew
were involved in their first Opium engaging each was the 16th Country to recognize intense, soon it was a matter of internal
war while British India was getting other on the China and was a mediator and What followed subsequently actually drive i.e. by the Indian population –
destabilized as it drew near the Chinese side
of the ancient facilitator from the Chinese side in aggravated the situation. In that, India driven largely by the political opponents
Anglo-Sikh tensions before the first Nathu La the resolution of the Korean conflict adopted an aggressive stance that was of the ruling Indian leadership – to
war of independence or the mutiny border crossing of the 1950s24. However, as the years subtly called its ‘forward policy’28. This militarily evict the Chinese31.
of 1857. between India passed and when problems of border was to militarily evict the aggressors Therefore, during October - November
and China. demarcations came to light, there from perceived Indian claimed territory 1962, Indian army forward patrols on
To the Chinese therefore Aksai Chin (Photo: livemint.
due to the traditional Indian The second disputed area is com). was no clear perusal of diplomatic with no further discussions unless there encountering and engaging Chinese
comprehension and folklore that more than 1000 Km to the west was their land - as always22. In this claims or strategy to peacefully was a complete and unconditional frontier guards initiated the spark for
the summits of the Himalayan of NEFA and is called Aksai case, the McDonald – McCartney resolve the issue. The exception, Chinese withdrawal. The stance in itself the border conflict32. After a brief lull
range separate India and China Chin21 and few adjoining areas. line i.e. the 1865 British expedition Bottom: Indian quite like today, was the media fire was the perfect ingredient for a military in the fighting, what followed next
to survey and demarcate this area soldiers take and parliamentary rhetoric in India. conflict. Therefore, despite repeated was the systematic defeat of an ill
rather than other demarcated
from China was acceptable to the their position in
boundaries. While there are Both China and India lay claim the underbrush
Clarifications were not directly sought Chinese requests, visits by PM Chou En prepared but numerically equivalent
other minor inconsistencies in to this land (it is under China Chinese. India realized this only in the The Battle despite Chinese non-recognition of Lai29 and numerous other diplomatic strength of Indian troops33. By the
the actual border pillars marked now). Once again, Maxwell after Tibet was annexed by China of Sikkim, which Indian maps printed in 195425 (which efforts, the Indian stance grew harder. time the Indian political leadership and
in the pre-partition era by the along with other sources in 1950 and a road was being took place in are since then taken as reference, Peace initiatives by other countries like military hierarchy did accept the real
subsequently built by them through 1967. (Photo: specifically by the western countries). Sri Lanka were also fruitless. The Indian ground situation and began emergency
British Army, these issues explain at length, problems
this area from 1956-67. aneelanike.
strongly came to limelight of Indian interpretations. In com).
Military at first did not support a conflict deployments with logistic moves, it
when India started publishing essence, the issue here goes Diplomatic miscommunication or with China. Nevertheless, contrary to was too little too late34. Despite all
her own maps of this region further back to the 1840s when The 1962 Border War inadequate communication or a the facts and against the strategic efforts, the conflict concluded with
in 1954. The actual McMahon independent Sikh regiments At the core of this event, it was not Right Page: combination of both soon led to appreciation by the Indian army, the a humiliating defeat for India. As
the demarcation or rejection of Prime Minister a short skirmish in 1959 between Indian political leadership domestically often, strategic miscommunication,
line therefore exists South of i.e. of Indian princely states
Lal Bahadur
Indian interpretations. The Shastri visits the
Indian border patrols that were portrayed India to be militarily in a operational misinformation and
other contentious point for the Lahore sector found beyond their territory in stronger position and with better overall incorrect strategic appreciations do
Chinese till this date is the town on October 18, NEFA i.e. beyond the McMahon line preparations. Moreover, it was the cause such results.
of Tawang, located north of 1965. (Photo: while confronting Chinese frontier assessment of the political leadership;
rediff.com). guards. Another skirmish occurred which was largely uncontested by After achieving their objectives in Aksai
Assam, under Indian control and
remains as one of the potential two months later in Aksai Chin26. In the Indian army’s hierarchy; that Chin (Pinyin in Chineese language)
flash points of the future20. response, the Chinese strengthened China would not militarily respond and NEFA or Arunchal Pardesh areas,
their positions north of NEFA and to aggressive Indian patrols. This in the Chinese ground forces unilaterally
initiated diplomatic efforts while
consolidating their positions in Aksai
Chin. However, the initial Chinese
military re-deployments went largely
unnoticed by India.
After the first skirmishes, Indian
domestic portrayal of the situation
was understandably of Chinese
aggression. In the post Korean
war era and height of the cold war,
this view was obviously and very
largely accepted by the west – as
it would be today – in support of
a democratic India rather than
a communist China27. Strangely,
while diplomatic communications
continued, the skirmishes soon went
into the background due to other
domestic commitments in both

75 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 76

 declared ceasefire and relations between China and 18. “Sino-Indian War”, Wikipedia, http://
withdrew mostly to their pre-war India actually never revived en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Indian_War, 2.
positions. The war had lasted until 15 years later37. Between 19. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War,
(Worcester and London: Ebenezer Baylis
for about a month i.e. from 20 these years, there were a series and son Limited, 1970),76.
October to 20 November, 1962. of events and two more near 20. “China-India Relations”, Wikipedia,
Upon termination of operations, engagements. Recently i.e. as http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
the Chinese leadership of 2020, there has been another China%E2%80%93India_relations, 2.
simultaneously exhorted the serious incident that highlights 21. Sino-Indian War”, Wikipedia, http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Indian_War, 2.
Indians to diplomatically resolve the reality of the issue. 22. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War,
the issue while returning all Nevertheless, other than these (Worcester and London: Ebenezer Baylis
Indian captured weapons and military centric events, there and son Limited, 1970), 87.
ammunition – something have been a series of political, 23 Neville Maxwell, India’s China War,
anagolous to a Kung Fu movie diplomatic and economic (Worcester and London: Ebenezer Baylis
and son Limited, 1970),77,79,80.
wherein the lead character aspects of this conflict that are 24. “China-India Relations”, Wikipedia,
retreats but only after teaching essential to contemplate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_
a life long lesson! Interestingly, relations (3 Jan 2015), 5.
there was no use of airpower Indo-China Diplomatic and 25. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War,
by either side other than Economic Relations: Post (Worcester and London: Ebenezer Baylis
and son Limited, 1970),83.
pre-war logistics drops and 1962. 26. Ibid, 131-134.
reconnaissance flights with the Barring occasional statements 27. Ibid, 247-248.
Indians continuously fearing to denounce each other, there 28. Ibid, 174-177, 235.
repercussions of Chinese air were no diplomatic relations
capability enhancements are in the REFERENCES 29. Ibid, 135, 155, 163-6.
same context41. 1. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War, (Worcester 30. Ibid, 179-185, 191-193.
force retaliation. There was between the two states until Nonetheless, economic interests did and London: Ebenezer Baylis and son limited, 31. Ibid, 234.
no role for either navy in this the end of 1970s. During this drive another parallel set of actions 1970), 261. 32. Ibid, 243-245.
war either and no assets were time period, the Indian stance between the two. By the end of the
2. Ibid, 79. 33. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War,
ever deployed. While there remained unchanged from 3. Ibid, 20-27. (Worcester and London: Ebenezer Baylis
1990s and early 2000s, globalization 4. Ibid, 28-30
were numerous political and the legacy of Nehru and the and 21st century international system 5. Ibid, 21, 41, 63-64 and title page.
and son Limited, 1970),335, 338.
relations between the two started to Top: Border 34. Ibid, 384.
military errors at the strategic Chinese retained their stance troops from of free markets, commerce and trade 6. Ibid, 13.
change. The 1990s again witnessed 35. Ibid, 414.
and operational levels, this was for diplomatically resolving the the two nations diversities were in the prime interest 7. “Carl (Karl) von Clausewitz Quotes”, Military 36. “India’s Top Secret 1962 Report
reciprocal visits between the
a scar on the Indian political issue while maintaining forces converse
of both states. Both were and remain
Quotes, http://www.military-quotes.com/ Leaked”, The Diplomat Staff, March 20,
heads of the two states and border casually on clausewitz.htm (accessed 4 January, 2015).
leadership, military hierarchy at the pre-1962 war positions rising economies. Therefore, to reduce 2014, http://the diplomat.com/2014/03/
dispute resolution mechanisms the Indo-China 8. “Frozen Conflict”, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.
and the public that was not to – a stance not followed in tensions, the 2000s marked further org/wiki/Frozen_conflict.
indias-top-secret-1962-china-war-report-
were put in place. Occasional border. (Photo: leaked/
go away easily. In spirit, what totality by India38. However, after businesstoday) improvements in diplomatic relations42. 9. Refer to subsequent explanation of more
reminders by Indian leadership 37. “China-India Relations”, Wikipedia,
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that China remains its prime
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mutual visits by high level delegations
10. Rajagoplan, Quad Conducts Malabar Naval relations, 7.
enemy continued, such as after the scene from the Exercise, August, 2021, https://www.orfonline.
applied on them previously by (daughter of Nehru) lost power. and heads of states continued. By now, 38. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War,
Indian nuclear tests of 1998. The deadly 2020 org/research/the-quad-conducts-malabar-naval-
the Russians35. Consequently, power was it was evident that track-2 diplomacy exercise/.
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Chinese cities and other military
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capability enhancement measures Galwan Valley. strategicstudies institute army .mil/pdffiles/
issues could ever be made efforts for reviving diplomatic inter-state trade to improve relations. 40. Missiles of India, CSIS Missile
are also in the same context. These (Photo: scmp. PUB950.pdf.
specifically until the death of relations were reinitiated by the Thus by 2004, the Indo-China trade 12. “Indian Integrated Guided Missile Development
defence Project, updated June, 2022;
developments involving Billions of com). https://missilethreat.csis.org/country/
PM Nehru in 1964. Moreover, end of 1978 when the Indian had crossed US $ 10 Billion mark Program”, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/
US $ in an otherwise third world india/
it was only later when public Minister for External Affairs Right Page with steady increase.43 Occasional wiki/Integrated _Guided_Missile_Development_ 41. IAF to lease six Tu-160 from Russia,
country clearly indicate that despite
pressure into answers following visited China39. The build-up Above:
political disputes for example on
Program. India’s Growing Military Power; https://
steady improvements in relations at People’s 13. Gurmeet Kanwal, India’s Military
tensions with Pakistan that the of relations was painfully slow China’s membership in the South Asian www.theigmp.org/2022/08/big-update-
diplomatic level, the 1962 conflict Liberation Modernization: Plans and Strategic Underpinnings,
Indian government initiated an as there were various tensions Association of Regional Cooperation (The National Bureau of Asian Research), Sept
indian-air-force-to-lease-6-tupolev-tu-
has played a major role in promoting Army Navy 160-blackjack-strategic-bombers-from-
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relatively recent Indian initiatives
and its outcome36. The official stall the process. Nonetheless, following
to UNSC44 and NSG45 memberhip
14. Kyle Mizokami, “Five Indian Weapons of War http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChinaIndia_
to remain enthusiastically involved demonstration China Should Fear”, (The National Interest, June
results of the war in terms of through the 1980s, there were continue. However, alongside these relations, 5-7.
with the US against China for e.g. of brigade’s 21, 2014). http://nationalinterest.org/feature/five-
casualties were published by reciprocal visits by the Chinese. mutual diplomatic, political and
43. Ibid, 1.
starting from the US pivot-to-Asia capabilities, indian-weapons-war-china-should-fear-10714 44. Ibid, 5-8.
India in 1965 with approximately Diplomacy prevailed throughout seen parallel economic measures to improve 15. What is next in the China-India border conflict?
strategy bear witness to the same. 45. Arms Control Association, https://
5000-7000 Indian soldiers and thwarted military buildups to a marching relations, there is a gray shade to this ;https://www.dw.com/en/what-is-next-in-the-
Continuous range enhancements www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/
killed in action, depending in the north of India during the formation of
relationship that needs to be taken into
china-india-border-conflict/a-60586745. NSGsfdsfsdf
in Indian Ballistic Missiles40 and the Indian 16. Neville Maxwell, India’s China War, (Worcester
upon the source, and many mid 1980s. perspective to acquire a 360 degrees
possible lease of six Tu-160 ‘white Army. (Photo: and London: Ebenezer Baylis and son Limited,
more casualties. The Chinese view of their mutual relations.
swan’ strategic bombers from intpolicydigest. 1970),11.
casualties were approximately Nevertheless, after the end of org) 17. Ibid, 39-64.
Russia along with other strategic
one-tenth of these. Diplomatic the Cold War, the context of

77 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 78

HISTORY WATCH

There was a period after the militarization of aircraft when approaching aeroplanes and bombers had a huge
surprise advantage. Experts and engineers all around the world scampered to come up with a method to alert forces

the
before an enemy aircraft arrived and wreaked havoc. Almost at the same time, different nations started utilizing the
principle of ‘acoustic location’ to tackle this problem. This concept used different methods and equipment to amplify
sound to determine the distance and direction of approaching military aircraft. Although, the technology prematurely

y
faded after arrival of radar technology, the role it played in base defence and the diverse array of technology is the

a
perfect example of how fast technology develops in war-like scenarios.

W
by Muhammad Khan

B
efore the advent of the radar, the most common early
warning systems were based on acoustic location
principles. At the heart of it, the process of acoustic
location can be summed up as the use of sound to estimate
the distance and direction of the sound’s source. This
phenomenon had been observed long before it was put to
military use. The first instance its commercial use was in 1879.
The device was named ‘Professor Mayer’s Topophone and
it was invented by Alfred Mayer, a Professor of Physics at
the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, US. Made
popular by appearing in the pages of a magazine called
Scientific American, it was a curiously designed machine with
surprisingly well-designed construction. It was a bit advanced
for its time and couldn’t find traction within military circles,
given the fact that military aircraft wouldn’t be invented for
another three decades.

Even after the invention of the aircraft and its militarization in

1911, it was not until the substantial threats of aerial bombing
emerged that military minds realized the importance of early
warning systems. Some way had to be devised to detect
warplanes from a significant distance. Acoustic location was
the most obvious choice at the time.

More than one person claims the first use of the

technology. A notable instance was of Alfred
Rawlinson, a commander of the Royal Naval
Volunteer Reserve. Rawlinson commanded a

Title Photo: Before World War II, the most reliable method of detecting enemy aircraft was using
‘acoustic location’. This impressive specimen, installed at Bolling Air Field, US in 1921, is a perfect
example of the unusual design of the equipment. (Photo: Getty Images)

Right Inlet: A Czech soldier wearing discs which acted as reflectors which direct the sound into
wide, specially designed tubes. This particular equipment was manufactured by Goerz and tested at
Waalsdorp. (Photo: rarehistoricalphotos.com)

79 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 80

 mechanism to use connected Left: The three
systems to accurately pinpoint iconic acoustic
mirrors at RAF
the location of an aircraft. This Denge, which still
mechanism made substantial stand to this day.
contributions to the technology Each different
that followed. design had its
own benefits and
pitfalls. (Photo:
The addition of sound mics
en.wikipedia.org)
designed by Dr. Sansome also
gave rise to another way to use
acoustic location. Listening
Wells were deep shafts or Bottom: Military
experts sit and
holes, which were effective in
interpret the
picking up sound waves that reading from
other designs couldn’t. Listening 4-tube sound
Wells, although effective, were detectors being
very rudimentary in use. The operated by
sometimes so much so that aircraft coming in about 15 soldiers. The
the listeners could not perform minutes before they actually operators had to spend hours on
detectors are
it for more than 40 minutes. got there. This gave the British end, constricted in a hole deep parked near
Later, special microphones almost enough time to ready underground. These wells were San Francisco,
were designed by Dr. Sansome their artillery, if they were vigilant. only constructed in Romney California, in 1944.
Marsh in England. (Photo: Getty
mobile anti-aircraft battery on Left Above: Three which were placed at the focus Images)
the east coast of England in Japanese acoustic point of every sound mirror. This The mirrors are sturdy structures
locators, colloquially made the structures much more and still stand today at various This wasn’t the only use of
1916. A problem persistent to known as “war tubas”, effective. locations throughout Britain. acoustic location at the time.
the crew was the overcast sky mounted on four-
The best specimens, however, Several other militaries were
in the area. Clouds would hinder wheel carriages, being
The mirrors ranged from 20ft are the ones constructed on the making use of the same principle
their vision, making it hard to inspected by Emperor
Hirohito. (Photo: to 200 ft, most of which are still Dungeness peninsula and at in their own
see the approaching Zeppelins.
Mashable.com) intact and can even be visited Hythe in Kent. In the Dungeness unique
Rawlinson, in an epiphany
of improvisation, decided to today. From 1915 to 1935, peninsula, there are 3 acoustic
construct a device which could Left Center: An officer
the British army built several mirrors which stand till today.
potentially help them determine and a soldier from an acoustic mirrors around its The biggest of them is a 70
the location of the incoming unidentified German coastal areas. These mirrors metres long curved wall, with
aircraft even if they did not have
Feldartillerie regiment proved to be useful and warned a height of about 5 metres.
test a contraption the forces of approaching war Sound mirrors were eventually
a visual on it. The device was which combine
a pair of gramophone horns enhanced acoustic
planes by the distant sound of rendered obsolete
was different. He came up with their engines. The system could by the advent of
fixed on a rotating pipe. From and optical locating,
the idea of ‘sound mirrors’ in to get the best of the detect the engine sounds of the the radar but Dr.
each of the horns, a tube was
1915. Sound mirrors were large, two method. (Photo: German bombers from almost William Sansome
connected which was then used
concave discs made of concrete. rarehistorical.com) 15 miles away. This had given us the
to hear any incoming sounds.
The concept was similar to the meant that the
It was essentially a bloated,
modern TV receiver, replacing British forces
amplified stethoscope. This Left: A Dutch soldier
radio waves with sound waves tests out a device aptly could detect
equipment gave successful
and was the cutting-edge named ‘The Personal
results, giving mostly accurate
innovation in military research Parabola’. (Photo:
fixes on approaching aircraft, hearinglossjournal.
on sound and its wartime uses.
even though they weren’t visible com)
They worked by using the curved
through the clouds. Although no
design to amplify sounds and
planes were shot down using
noise by capturing the sound
these equipment, Rawlinson
of any incoming aircraft from
claimed to have forced one
the European mainland. This
of the Zeppelins to jettison its
technique was amplified by
bombs at one point.
using a human listener with
speed, flight path and height.
advanced stethoscopes. After
Sound Mirrors: The most effective range for the
the receiver was calibrated for
Another pioneer of location mirrors was from 8 to 24 miles.
optimum reception, the captured
determination using acoustics The operator/listener stationed
noise would be matched with
was Dr. William Sansome Tucker at the acoustic mirror was given
the data received from the other
of Britain. Dr. Tucker used the special training so he distinguish
receivers. The comparison
same principles of acoustic between different sounds and
would, then, be used to calculate
location but his application noises. It was a difficult task,

81 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 82

 horizontal horns could pinpoint symbols which were displayed on a
the incoming aircraft’s bearing and cathode ray tube screen. This device
the vertical horns were used to was developed by Alan Blumlein.
estimate the height of the aircraft,
using triangulation. If the device was The demise of acoustic location:
moveable, the operator would tilt and Acoustic location devices were
move the device until he received the elementary anti-aircraft measures
loudest sound waves. to start with, providing only a weak
defence. As technology progressed,
In the case of sound mirrors, the the increasing speeds of aircraft
mirrors were usually immovable meant that the warning time given by
discs of concrete standing at larger the device was significantly lessened,
heights. The disc would catch sound which meant that the operators had
fashions. Although, radar They used different versions Top Left: A British from afar, being faced the direction almost no time to act before the
technology was on the horizon, of acoustic locators. A good military sound aircraft arrived. The last nail in the
that it was, and it would be amplified
locator in use
these machines had to fill specimen was a substantially by the microphone installed in front coffin for acoustic locators was the
at an airfield in
the gaps till they were widely large, fixed 2-horn listening southern England, of it. Sound mirrors had a much advent of radar technology. Although,
available. device installed at Bolling in 1930. On the left farther range than the sound trumpets the devices kept on being used by
Field in Washington, D.C. The is a searchlight or horns but required extensive multiple militaries, it was just a matter
In the late 1930s, Hitler’s forces devices eventually became less that was used in of radar technology being available.
construction. They could easily detect
conjunction with
were on the rise once again. cumbersome and mobile but an aircraft from 10 to 15 miles away.
the locator. (Photo: the position of the aircraft. This
It was obvious that to build a they were rendered obsolete Getty Images) This meant that if a combat aircraft However, it is pertinent to say that the research was then handed over to
formidable military defence, the soon afterwards. An important was travelling around 60 mph, it gave research and application of acoustic the early radar team and it made a
Nazis would need fool-proof part that acoustic locators the troops 15 minutes warning before it location had far-reaching benefits.
Top Right: This wild- substantial difference in their efforts
anti-aircraft measures. The played in American military reached their destination. The acoustic mirror programme, the
looking contraption which eventually culminated to the
British had made significant history was detecting the first brainchild of Dr. William Sansome
was designed by invention of the radar.
advancement on the radar Japanese aircraft coming in to French Nobel prize It is said that the Germans figured out Tucker, had provided England the
technology but the Germans attack the American-occupied winner Jean- the fact that their enemies were using mechanics to use interconnected
were not far behind. They island of Corregidor in 1941. Baptiste Perrin, a acoustic location devices to counter stations to accurately locate the exact
did, however, have advanced World War I officer. their aircraft. They came up with a an position of an adversary in the sky. The
It was called the
acoustic location technology, the The Mechanism: will instantly feel the idea to counter this. Aircraft engines mechanics he developed connected
Perrin acoustic
prime example of which was the The acoustic locators were difference in that ear. locator and used 36 small are usually run synchronized to reduce the stations and plotted the trajectory
‘Das Ringtrichterrichtungshoerer’, designed on the design of the Your ear will capture hexagonal horns to locate vibration. The Germans ran the engines of the aircraft which were then
which can be translated to human ear. Pinna is the outer sound waves more sound. (Photo: douglas-self. of their bombers unsynchronized in the used to accurately
‘ring-horn acoustic direction ear, the part that we normally com) hope that it might make the aircraft determine
effectively. Acoustic
detector’. This technology was see. The pinna is specifically location works on harder to detect.
successfully used to assist designed to capture sound and the same principle, Left Centre: The impressive
searchlight operators locate amplify them. These augmented enhancing the outer ear ‘Ringtrichterrichtungshoerer’, The next step after
night bombers. sound waves then enter the by giving it a major boost operated by a crew of 3 men. microphones, in 1939,
inner ear, where sensitive organs Mainly used in World War II, were systems that
in ability. They usually
The Americans used the process them. If you cup your to aim searchlights at night
consisted of large targets, presumably because
stopped relying on sound
technology adequately, as well. hand over your outer ear, you horns or microphones it was cheaper than a radar completely and interpreted
connected to the set. (Photo: douglas-self. the noise in terms visual
operators’ ears using com)
tubing, much like a very
large stethoscope. Most Bottom Left: An antecedent
acoustic location devices of the Dutch personal horn.
use this principle, in their This design no doubt had
own unique way. more capacity, thanks to its
greater area. It swivelled on
The trumpet or tuba
the post behind the operator.
shaped designs, which (Photo: douglas-self.com)
looked like warped
versions of their musical
counter-parts, consisted Right Page Above:
Trained Japanese soldiers
of several horns to
demonstrate the use of
capture sound waves a “war tuba.”, under the
from afar. The horns supervision of a superior.
were usually arranged (Photo: Mashable.com)
in horizonal and vertical Sound locators worked reasonably well with rain and with cloud,
configurations. The but they tended to get a bit muffled with fog. Then again, in that
period of time aircraft themselves tended not to fly in fog.
(Photo: Getty Images)

83 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 84

CLIMATE WATCH
Ocean, resultantly the western Pacific Ocean
becomes cooler than normal. The process
of atmospheric convection discussed in the
neutral phase migrates from the west to central
and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean resulting in
increased rainfall in parts of the eastern Pacific
and western American continent, whereas
Australia and Asia receive relatively less rain
fall.

La Nina Phase
La Nina phase, although it appears similar
to the Neutral Phase, differs in intensity and
effects. Trade winds are strong in this phase Fig 1
as compared to pre-El Nino phase. The strong
trade winds blow from the east Pacific Ocean subcontinent receives relatively less rainfall during ENSO
towards the west, intensifying the Walker Circulation monsoon years.
process and greater atmospheric convection over this
region. “Sea surface temperature (SST)” over central and The raising unpredictability regarding beginning and time
eastern tropical Pacific Ocean becomes cooler than normal, period of monsoon exercises an enormous impact on
causing the thermocline to raise and move closer to the agriculture, water resources, economics, ecosystems, and
surface i.e. cold water of deep ocean water rises to the human security across South Asia. South Asian countries
surface. During La Nina event, atmospheric convection over are largely agrarian societies, therefore, the fate of these
western Pacific increases because of the stronger winds countries is dependent upon summer monsoon rainfall
that provide moisture, thus, intensifying Walker Circulation. and any disruption in monsoon pattern can cause grave
consequences. The “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
El Niño and La Nina events last nine to twelve months, but at times can extend for years. Currently, the world is experiencing drastic climate change Change” has stated that “with the passage of time drought-
However, on average, El Nino and La Nina events occur every two to seven years. The and when combined with the phenomenon of ENSO, hit areas might grow consistently, and heavy precipitation
rapid and fluctuating changes in the oceanic atmosphere events would likely rise in intensity as a manifestation of
combined effect of both El Nino and La Nina generate weather changes all across the globe
becomes more damaging. Therefore, policy makers and impacts of climate change on fresh aquatic systems”. It
also known as “El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The author explores its effects on disaster managers need to pay proper attention to the is important to investigate how increasing temperature
global weather changes with a special focus on its devastating impacts on Sub-Continent. impact of both climate change and ENSO. It is vital to keep impacts monsoon patterns.
track of the changes in weather patterns, develop long-
by Zuhaib Anwar term forecasts that could make regions susceptible to the Fig 2
consequences resulting from the slightest deviations in
rainfall and temperature as compared to what has normally

T
he terms El Nino interaction of ocean currents the trade winds westwards. In been a regular pattern.
and La Nina refer to and atmosphere results in the the neutral phase, the process
Pacific Ocean weather formation of a “feedback loop” of atmospheric convection ENSO in South Asia
phenomenon that oscillates which intensifies little changes in occurs where the warm air over “El Niño Southern Oscillation” (ENSO) has probably added
temperature back and forth the condition of the sea into an the west Pacific rises into the to the worst human calamities on the planet in the shape
from warm temperature to ENSO event. ENSO is established atmosphere that causes the of dry spells and floods. In terms of economic impact,
cooler and vice versa. El-Nino when there is complete bonding formation of cumulonimbus around 10 to 20 percent deviation in world GDP growth and
refers to warming of the central of ocean and atmosphere. In clouds, carrying rain. After it consumer price indices occurs due to ENSO.
and eastern tropical Pacific, short, the most important rains, the dry air moves east
whereas La Nina is the reverse driver of ENSO is temperature and descends over the cooler The South Asian Monsoon phenomenon identified that
phenomenon, where the trade variation. eastern Pacific. The process of the Indian Monsoon Rainfall (IMR) has a significant effect
winds pick up speed and warm air rising over the west Pacific on South Asian countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Fig 3
water in the eastern Pacific The ENSO cycle is completed in and falling over the east Pacific Nepal, India and Sri Lanka and it has been influenced by
moves towards western side three different phases: neutral and westward air movement ENSO. ENSO phasing strongly affects the inter-annual
of the Pacific. El Niño and La phase, El Nino phase and La over the ocean surface is known and inter-decadal variability of seasonal rainfall over the
Nina events last nine to twelve Nina phase. as Walker Circulation. subcontinent. It has been observed that ENSO adversely
months, but at times can extend affects the South Asian Indian summer monsoon and the
for years. However, on average, Neutral Phase of ENSO El-Nino Phase
El Nino and La Nina events occur In the neutral phase, the trade During the El Nino phase, trade
every two to seven years. The winds blow from eastern Pacific winds are weak or may reverse. South Asian countries are largely agrarian societies,
combined effect of both El Nino Ocean to the western Pacific In this phase, trade winds are
therefore, the fate of these countries is dependent
and La Nina generate weather carrying warm surface water not powerful enough to push
changes all across the globe and moist air with it. The central the ocean currents westwards. upon summer monsoon rainfall and any disruption in
also known as “El-Nino Southern Pacific remains relatively cool The warm surface water shifts monsoon pattern can cause grave consequences.
Oscillation (ENSO)”. The as warm water is pushed by to central and eastern Pacific

85 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 86

ENSO in Pakistan Similarly, this year Fig 4 quality and yield of wheat crops,
Direction of Winds scientists stated that El especially in the rain-fed areas of
Monsoon enters Pakistan Nino Southern Oscillation Pakistan. La Nina could hamper
from two different sides. First, (Enso) was again in La Nina the production of the country’s
the south eastern wind that phase, as it was during staple food (wheat) for the year
travels from the Bay of Bengal 2009 and 2010. During 2021 and 2022. Moreover, limited
that enters Pakistan travelling that time, the phenomenon snowfall during winter in northern
through India along the foot caused higher than average Pakistan could decrease the
hills of the Himalayas. Jhelum, rainfall in South Asia. Dr irrigation supplies for the season
Lahore, Rawalpindi and Sialkot Liz Stephens, an associate of spring during which water is
districts receive the first rains professor of the “Climate naturally obtained from snow
of monsoon in Pakistan. These Risks and Resilience” at the melt. Given the current scenario
areas are included in the University of Reading, UK, of rising wheat flour prices,
“northern monsoon belt” - the who is part of a global flood further price hike is expected
main monsoon occurring areas forecasting system says, Tracing the Roots of ENSO if production falls short due to
in the country. Second pathway that “La Nina is behaving very Pakistan is among the top ten countries of the lack of proper irrigation, thereby
is through Arabian Sea where strongly in some metrics and is world most vulnerable to climate change. Pakistan adding to the misery of people
the moist rain carrying south a significant factor for enhancing is sensitive to both change in precipitation and due to further inflation in the
western winds enter Pakistan. monsoonal rains in the South temperature. As per the latest seasonal forecast, prices of basic commodities.
The south eastern region of Asian region”. This year floods Pakistan is expected to experience an extended
Pakistan receives rainfall from are partly to be blamed on the winter season in 2021. According to the forecast, 4. Decrease in Water
these wind currents. Long-term human induced climate change most parts in Pakistan would be subject to low Resources major water reservoir has been the adverse effects of ENSO and
studies for analyzing trends and partly on the fact that La temperature till mid-March due to La Nina effects. During El Nino year, Pakistan constructed since the completion to adapt to changing weather
related to monsoon in Pakistan Nina has continue for the third These changes, in turn, could increase forest, water receives less than normal rainfall of Tarbela Dam in 1976 and phenomenon, forecasting and
are quite limited, requiring consecutive years. resources and agriculture sector vulnerabilities in the which also depletes its water the excess water goes into the broadcasting ENSO-related
greater attention. Analysis of the country. The adverse impacts of El Nino and La Nina reserves. To meet the water Arabian Sea without being stored information for the agriculture
geographic zones of Pakistan The statement becomes really will include: demand of farmers to irrigate for future use. department/farmers could
highlights the decreasing interesting when we see it with their fields, dam water is used help in the better selection
monsoon precipitation trends the strange phenomenon that 1. Changes in Summer Monsoon Rainfall during less than normal rainfall Recommendations of crops and better yield.
after the 1970s. La Nina has continued for a The summer monsoon in Pakistan is adversely years. Moreover, the two large Pakistan is among the countries This will not only avert crops
three consecutive years. This impacted by ENSO event. Due to the low intensity of water reservoirs i.e. Tarbela and that is enormously affected destruction, but may also lead to
El-Nino phenomenon is known as cyclogenesis over the Bay of Bengal during ENSO, Mangla are used for electricity by ENSO. Therefore, the additional production. Secondly,
In 1998, an El Nino event was ‘triple dip’ La Nina (lasting three the monsoon system is weak and it dissipates before generation, therefore, when there Meteorological Department of construction of big water
recorded in Pakistan as a result consecutive years) and it has reaching Pakistan, thus, the country receives less is less rainfall, water reserves Pakistan should have state- reservoirs is a matter of survival
of which the country witnessed happened only twice since 1950 than normal monsoon rainfall during ENSO monsoon of Pakistan deplete as these of-the-art facilities that can for Pakistan. Pakistan loses
heavy snowfall on its mountains making this one the third ever in years. Whereas, La Nina, causes higher than normal reservoirs do not receive enough be used to better monitor and large quantities of water during
followed by four years of last 72 years. rainfall due to strong cyclogenesis activity in the water. Whereas, on the other predict weather patterns. Further, the monsoon season, which
drought in lower Punjab, Khyber Some climate experts predict Bay of Bengal as sea surface temperature rises. hand, during La Nina, Pakistan ENSO also adversely affects can otherwise be used during
Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. that human induced climate As discussed earlier, the drought of 2009 and the receives more the normal our economy which is largely low rainfall or drought times.
Another milder event of El Nino change would intensify the subsequent devastating floods of 2010 in Pakistan rainfall, but, the country’s water dependent upon agricultural Furthermore, infrastructure and
was traced in 2009 that resulted impact of La Nina and also make happened due to El Nino event in 2009. However, this storage capacity is limited as no produce. Therefore, to mitigate agricultural damage can be
in droughts followed by the it a more frequent phenomenon time, a rare climatic phenomenon of triple-dip La Nino prevented by constructing dams.
devastating floods of 2010. as compared to yesteryears. led to unprecedented floods in Pakistan. In Pakistan, due to the declining
surface and underground water
2. Increasing Natural Disasters resources, we cannot afford
As discussed above, during El Nino, drought-like situation due to
Fig 5 Pakistan receives less than normal ENSO which can be averted
rainfall, which can lead to scarcity of through the construction of
water creating drought-like conditions dams.
in a country where there is already
shortage of water. The negative impact Lastly, most countries include
of ENSO can be highlighted in terms ENSO as a variable while
of enhanced de-glaciations, changing formulating their short/
rainfall trends leading to surface runoff, long- term economic policies,
landslides, soil erosion, biodiversity loss hence, Pakistan’s policy makers
and avalanches, etc. should also consider including
ENSO as an effecting factor
3. Lower Crop Yield while formulating economic,
According to the Food and Agriculture agriculture and developmental
Organization, the La Nina may affect the policies.
El Niño and La Nina phenomenon trigger cyclic changes in weather, which at
some landscapes wreak havoc, while some suffer from droughts

87 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 88

A TRIBUTE
Title Page: Gp Capt
Hussaini’s painting

A Veteran
depicts the historical
moment of PAF’s classic
attack on Pathankot
airfield during 1965 war.

Right: Sqn Ldr Ghani

Akbar pose with his

PAR EXCELLENCE
faithful and trusted,
Sabre. (All Pics PAF
Archives unless
specified).

Below: Straight from a

Hollywood WWII classic,
young Ghani Akbar dons
fighter pilot’s attire.

A Tribute to Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar, SJ (Retd)

Every fighter pilot remembers being deployed into combat, and how special that moment was.
All his life, Ghani Akbar, wanted to be a flier. Being a fighter pilot was not just a job. It was an
attitude, a mentality. There was a sense of accomplishment at doing the missions that he flew,
and he did it right and did it well. He joined the air force with a sense of purpose, to represent his
nation incredibly well and we could see that in the character of his service and in the character of
his performance.
by S.Khalil

N
o strike mission has caused as much feeling as the attack on Pathankot. It may not have
been the longest mission in the 1965 war but one of the costliest in material for the Indians.
Those who took part have never forgotten it. And hind sight cannot change what was
considered the best experience of the time. This piece of history should not just fade away into the
shadows. The story of this mission comes tumbling out with nerves relaxed and stomach stretched
over coffee with Pathankot veteran, Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar, SJ (Retd).

Born in 1939, in district Peshawar, Ghani Akbar, completed Metric in 1956. It was his dream to join
the air force. In January 1961, he graduated as pilot officer and was assigned to fighter leader
school (FLS), where Sqn Ldr Sajad Haider was his instructor. Ghani Akbar, gave credit to Sajad
Haider, for his first exceptional strafing run, to his first
accurate rocket hit, and every vital lesson in combat flying
that followed.

Posted to 11 Sqn Sargodha, in 1961, Sqn Ldr MG Tawab,

was his first squadron commander. From then on, he flew
under exceptional fighter pilots, his squadron commanders,
Anwar Shamim and MM Alam. Before long, in 1964, Ghani
Akbar became instructor at the FIS. When war was imminent
in 1965, he reported to No 19 Sqn, where Syed Sajad Haider,
was his Sqn Commander again.

“Our Sqn Cdr received a phone call from the AHQ and
informed us that the day has come for which we were
waiting and planning for so long, “ Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar
(Retd) said. In the days that followed, hops across the
border were like trips to the corner grocery store, they could
do it in their sleep.

PAF pilots would go on prowls. Ease down on the deck, see

what they could find, give tree top flying a new definition.
Railroad tracks, kicking over trains, destroying targets of
opportunity such as production plants, water supplies, and
other critical installations that would render the enemy

89 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 90

 5 had gone to the brink again. 1: Flt Lt ghani
1 2 Akbar (Standing
The tactical importance of
1st from left)
this bombing run was as along with fellow
significant as the psychological officers at PAF
impact proved immense. PAF Masroor.
air power fulfilled its deadly
potential during the bombing
2: Flt Lt Ghani
offensive over Bathinda. Yet Akbar (sitting first
this epic of PAF heroism has from right) along
been relegated to folklore. There with the team of
are no commemorations of Pathankot strike
the carnage that six PAF pilots members.
caused. 3: Flt Lt Ghani
Akbar receiving
The year is 1971. Pakistan and the coveted
India are at war for the third Sitara-e-Jurat
time. Radars track every aircraft from President
unable to make arrangements for transmitted to destroy Pathankot. Sqn of Pakistan, Field
3 aloft. It does not take long for
necessary war supplies and unable to Ldr Sajad Haider would lead the show. Marshal Ayub
six yellow blips to stick out from Khan.
sustain its forces enough to maintain There was a briefing, informal, short, to
the herd. Filling the headphones
support for the war – stop the enemy the point, enemy money handed over to
of Flt Lt Ejaz, patrolling the 4: Young Ghani
cold. all, instructions to get back alive. Sajad Akbar in a light
Eastern border, are coordinates
Haider laid down a synchronized plan mood along with
nothing but run or duck in cover. Pathankot, was the fulfillment of the intruders and new mission
“On 6 September, we got a mission for of battle. He didn’t have to draw it for his fellow fighter
Words cannot describe the of a promise. But this was not directives to intercept them. His pilots during 1965
Jassar, near Narowal, Punjab, where them. They had been doing this every
energy released by the bombs, one and done raid. Roused by wartime mistake could have war.
Indians were pounding our troops day, twice thrice a day even.
knocking the wind out of India, the success, the brass that marred an iconic campaign of
with artillery shells. Enroute to Jassar,
followed by the most putrid ran the war, had decided to the Pakistan-India 1971 war. 5: Gp Capt
the Leader got a call to abandon the The Sqn Ldr selected the team of Hussaini’s canvas
tasting ammonia dust that weaken the entire Indian might.
mission and head towards Wagah eight attack aircraft and two more for depicts the PAF’s
swept through the Pathankot The PAF were quick to exploit This story leaps out of black strike on Wagah
border,” Ghani Akbar recalled. The six combat air patrol (CAP). Sajad Haider
airfield. The campaign’s defining the new tactics the very next and white on a frosty Sargodha on the morning
jets, led by Sqn Ldr Sajad Haider, No 2 led, and his No2 Flg Off Arshad Ch,
moment is cited as the single evening. Pathankot airfield was morning. It is a rare insight and of 6 September,
Flg Off Arshad Ch, No 3 Flt Lt M Akbar, No 3 M Akhbar, No 4 Tahir Kheli, No 5
most destructive act of war the critical target of the Indian first hand account of a red hot 1965.
No 4 Tahir Kheli, No 5, …, and then a Flg Off and No 6 Abbas Khattak, No 7
of the 1965 and 1971 air war machine. If the PAF could mission. PAF high command
young Flt Lt Ghani Akbar flying at No 6, Mazhar, No 8 Flt Lt Ghani Akbar, and for bunkers, bombers and fighters, it was
campaigns put together. dismantle it, India’s capabilities had concluded that aerial
set course to Lahore, and descended the CAP mission, Wg Cdr Tawab and the same enemy. Flames everywhere.
would be strongly hindered, said bombing of Bathinda railway
over Shalimar. “We followed tracks, Flt Lt Arshad Sami, would fly No 9 and
All the aircraft had climbed back Ghani Akbar. junction would hinder Indian
and destroyed tanks, guns, and artillery No 10. Ten F-86 jets lined up nose to “Everything was ablaze, when I caught
to rally point, fuel gauges now Flt Lt Muhammad Akbar, No offence at Sahiwal. It came
posts - the Indian attack was repulsed,” tail for the take-off, surged into the air sight of one more target on the ground,
close to empty, and as planned, 2 Flt Lt Ghani Akbar, No 3 Sqn with significant risks, with the
he said. The formation returned to and formed quickly, climbing to altitude a Mystere, when pulling up. I decided to
the formation headed home to Ldr Sajad Haider, flew 500 ft, in possibility of being captured or
Sargodha to refuel and then to home they would need before they went over make a second pass for attack,” Ghani
Peshawar except Ghani Akbar.. their F-86s, equipped with fuel destroyed. Huge responsibility
base Peshawar. India. Emphasis on timing to the split Akbar said.
tanks, rockets, guns, bombs, and fell on six “lucky” young pilots.
second. The leader made the decisions,
The jets had enough fuel for cameras. In the distance, the
For something much bigger was in made the decisions, the rest followed “Exit,” shouted the leader Sajad Haider
a single pass, not two. Ghani pilots could see a glow of fire. Pathankot war veteran, Sqn Ldr
the making at his wing, he turned, they turned, he and so did Wg Cdr Tawab. But it was
Akbar was now praying to “It was like a red carpet,” Ghani Ghani Akbar, is assigned this
As soon as the formation landed climbed, they climbed, up into a world war, and one could not always stick to
God. Realizing he would not Akbar said. The formation was special duty. He is to pick top
at Peshawar, attack orders were that belonged to them. Getting close. standard operating procedures (SOPs).
have enough gas to return to forced to turn back by heavy six pilots and indiscriminately
Pathankot Ghani Akbar peeled off as the rest of
Peshawar, Ghani Akbar decided Indian ack ack fire. bomb Bathinda railway junction,
4 airfield, right the formation continued. Every nerve
to go to Sargodha instead. “It in broad daylight. “Flying into
on the nose, and muscle now focused on the new
had gotten dark, the runway After the war ended the air Indian airspace was taking
spread out like a target. Hell on earth ensued as Ghani
was not visible and fuel was force kept Ghani Akbar flying. a huge risk. It was a suicide
diagram, flying in Akbar opened fire again and there were
depleting fast,” Ghani Akbar said. Sunday was like Monday and mission,” recalled Sdn Ldr Ghani
two formations flames. Got it burning nicely and made
Never before had he prayed to Monday was like every other Akbar.
of 4s, the F-86 an exit.
God like he did that day, “Allah day, a working day, the sound
dropped down
help me, I will gain nothing if I of airplane engines waking up For this job he selected Flying
on the airfield for It was a special daylight delivery service
crash.” And just then he saw the crews at dawn, getting ready for Officer Abraham, as his No 2,
rocket attack run, that PAF ran. Skeletal frames left
airstrip at Sargodha and landed. training missions. Flt Lt Bhatti, his No 3, and Flt
concentrating with nothing else, room sized craters,
“In the middle of the runway I Lt Khudadad Khan “KD”, as his
on definite besides the lingering effects that have
flamed out,” he quipped. In 1971, another chapter in No 4. Sdn Ldr Aftab Raja, No
objectives, lasted till date, ringing the ears, post
Time for another crack at the the poisonous relationship 5, and Flg Off Aurakzai, No 6,
blasting away traumatic stress disorders. Indian’s
Huns between Pakistan and India will fly combat air patrol (CAP)
the runway, caught in the crosshairs could do
Pathankot, or what was left of opened. The two countries above and provide air cover

91 PA F Magaz i n e SECOND TO NONE SECOND TO NONE PAF Ma ga zine 92

while Ghani Akbar and his wingmen
gave the enemy a sharp taste of aerial
warfare.

This group had jumped across the

border several times each day for strike
missions in their venerable F-86s in the
1965 war with India, picking off tanks,
convoys and military logistics. Despite
the excitement, they were nervous.
“This mission was different. Our
appetites were spoiled. As their leader I
tried to show confidence in the mission
and tried eating. It felt like chewing
on wood. We were all so tense,” Ghani
Akbar said. They had no clue how the
Indians would jump them when they
crossed the border. Ack-Ack and SAMs
Flt Lt Ghani Akbar (Sitting extreme right) along with other officers at a PAF operational
were all ready and keeping an eye for base. (Photo: PAF Archives)
intruders in the sky.
Throttles are pretty much kept forward. opportunity to abort presents itself. Had
Base commander, whispers time on No 5 and No 6 climb to high positions Ghani Akbar failed to oblige, he would
target (TOT) - 4:05 pm. The group goes above the formation of the bombers. have been shot out of the sky by his
into a deep huddle for last minute The four-ship commenced their own course mate. Flt Lt Ejaz, cusses at
specific planning. Jeeps carry pilots to slashing attack. Munitions are dropped the ground controls with chilling news
the planes. The six pilots ride out to six and smoke from the first explosion that the so called intruders are actually
F-86s. No one knows what lies ahead. covers the terminal. “It was hammer, friendlies. The pilots land in an evening
Time for start-engine nears. Minutes hammer, hammer all the way,” Ghani they will never forget. Ghani Akbar was
later all six are airborne. Sqn Ldr Ghani Akbar said. There goes what used to be proud of the job they had done and
Akbar flies ahead, and the other five get the biggest railway crossing in Asia. thankful that all six returned home safe.
into position before he makes a half It was a day for records.
turn. Now the whole group sets course The four planes scored some direct
in battle formation and zooms towards hits on strong points along the junction “It would’ve given us more thrill if we
the Indian air space. - warehouses, railway intersections could see it,” said Ghani Akbar. They
destroyed and the enemy’s fighting did not know how good they were until
Bathinda railway junction is a flat place, spirit weakened, all in less than three India bemoaned over the radio of the
of warehouses, depots and factories and a half minutes. Their training had destruction PAF pilots left behind. Fast
and all those other ingredients that served them well. Pilots maneuver their forward many years. While waiting for
nestle on the backs of postcards. In jets at body crushing G force speeds to a connecting flight at the Amsterdam
1971 it bristled with armament and fly clear of danger. Weaving above the airport, he made acquaintances with
supplies. This formidable stronghold bombers as top cover, dismayed No a family from Bathinda. They didn’t
of ordinance put Bathinda high on the 5 and No 6, see no Indian jets coming have memories from that day, they had
list of PAF bombs. But it was savagely for them. The two winged friends join scars. The Sikh woman sketched a grim
defended by the Barnala radar to the the four-ship and head home. Throttles image of the bombing raid that made
east, and two air bases to its north and blasted forward. you think of a graveyard of supplies and
south. ordinance. “It was a horrible day, the
Welcome is the sight of the Pakistan PAF pilots kept attacking the area for
“It was very precise targeting, on India border. But the battle has not minutes and we could hear loud bangs,”
precise location to destroy and stop ended. The speed of combat was the eyewitness told Ghani Akbar as she
logistic support to India’s war machines so fast that radars at home mistook reminisced.
against Sahiwal. We were told that the the returning jets for intruding Indian
army would roll in and do the rest. That planes looking for revenge. As pilots “I was glad that years after this attack
was the mission,” Ghani Akbar said. switch to the radar channel, Flt Lt Ejaz some eyewitness confirmed what we
has the “intruders” in sight and decided achieved that day. It was a sigh of
The six ship formation fly deck level. to intercept them. But he hesitates relief,” Ghani Akbar quipped.
That’s less than a hundred feet above before following through the mission
ground - closing in like a shark sensing and decides to rely on his battlefield
blood in the water. “We were so low, we judgment. He establishes radio contact
could see enemy trenches where Indian to confirm if the target is hostile. “Red
soldiers were cooking their meals. Leader, waggle wings,” he orders. The

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Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD

Japan, UK, Italy to develop Turkish firm

next-generation fighter jet to aid in mass
by Tokyo (AFP)
production of S.
09/12/2022
Korea’s fighter
jet
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeok (L) listens to a briefing about the third prototype of South by Daily Sabah with Reuters
Korea’s homegrown fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, during a visit to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
in Sacheon, South Korea, Nov. 24, 2022. (EPA Photo)
12/06/2022
Turkish technology company SDT
A Leonardo spokesperson told Shephard buttons and interacting with virtual Space and Defense Technologies
the company’s M-346 jet training system touchscreen displays,’ the Leonardo Inc. will continue to contribute
continues to move ahead and that the new representative said. to South Korea’s domestically
Smart Chair is capable of ‘reproducing developed fighter jet during the
a possible cockpit for a sixth-generation ‘This system has a simple, intuitive mass production process after
fighter, in which the only physical elements layout, reducing the pilot’s workload to already providing a simulation link
are the stick and the throttle’. make it easier to handle the mission and system to the project during the
direct all the components of the FCAS prototype stage.
Everything else appears in a virtual and [Future Combat Air System], beginning
The company’s general manager,
augmented reality, the spokesperson with the adjuncts/wingmen that will
Ömer Korkut, told Anadolu Agency
said. ‘The pilot interacts with an interface accompany the sixth-generation fighter.’
(AA) that the firm made one of
in which conventional screens and
Japan, Britain and Italy said Friday they will jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet in a project that its most important exports by
buttons disappear, only to reappear in an All these components are transferred
holds scope for future cooperation with allies including the United States. providing the in-arm simulation
immersive reality projected directly into to a Prototyping Pilot Station based on
data link system for South Korea’s
the helmet,’ he added. a powered mock-up of the M-346 jet
fifth generation fighter jet, the KF-
The new jet, to be ready by 2035, is expected to merge the nations’ current research Leonardo has created an advanced trainer.
21, and stated that they delivered
into cutting-edge air combat technology, from stealth capacity to high-tech sensors. environment based on a combination of The system allows for advanced pilot
19 air units and a ground station
physical systems and immersive synthetic training for multi-domain scenarios. Shephard Defence Analyst Giovanni
during the prototype phase of the
reality. (Photo: Leonardo) Leonardo claims the Smart Chair can Rasio said according to an Italian Air
In a joint statement, the three countries said the “ambitious endeavour” would project. Korkut stated that they
emulate human-machine interfaces of the Force pilot: ‘Although the M-346 was

Leonardo ex-
“accelerate our advanced military capability and technological advantage” at a time recently received another ground
latest and even next-generation frontline developed with fourth-generation
when “threats and aggression are increasing” worldwide. station order that they will deliver
aircraft. The system has built-in AI, eye aircraft training requirements in mind,
in April 2023.
tracking and a virtual instructor. it can serve as an excellent platform
Their announcement was accompanied by a set of images showing an artist’s
impression of the sleek new jets flying past Mount Fuji and over London and Rome.
plores 6th-gen- ‘Commands are given by simply moving
the eyes – thanks to sophisticated
for fifth- and sixth-generation aicraft
training.’
For their next project, the company
is working as the subcontractor of
the LIG Nex1, Korkut said, noting
They did not give a cost estimate, but the three countries are already pouring billions
of dollars into high-tech fighter jet development, efforts that will come together
eration combat tracking algorithms – or pressing virtual that the decision to include the
company in the project during the
mass production process was
under the joint project, called the Global Combat Air Programme.
aircraft simula- recently revealed and it is very
good news.

tion at I/ITSEC
“We share (an) ambition for this aircraft to be the centrepiece of a wider combat air
system that will function across multiple domains,” the statement said. He said they expect 120 more
product orders from 2024.
That includes “future interoperability with the United States, with NATO and with our
partners” in Europe, Asia and worldwide, it explained. 2022 “It is important for us to be able to
provide subsystems for a fifth-
generation combat aircraft, as
The US Department of Defence said it supported the project in a separate joint by Norbert Neumann in London well as to a country that develops
statement with Japan’s defence ministry. technology such as South Korea,”
12/08/2022 he said.

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Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD Aviation News AROUND THE WORLD

Egypt, South First trip to

Korea Singapore for
agreement on fighter jets
by Flight Lieutenant Bronwyn Marchant

Golden Eagle
12 / 06 / 2022
The Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A
Lightning II made its debut in Singapore,

aircraft visiting Paya Lebar Air Base late last month.

Personnel from 75 Squadron trained

by Darek Liam RAAF F-35A Lightning II and RSAF F-15SG Strike
alongside their Republic of Singapore Air
12 / 08 / 2022 Eagle aircraft fly over Singapore.
Force (RSAF) counterparts in the air and on
Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has entered a cooperation agreement with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) to the ground, further enhancing the bilateral relationship while integrating 4th- and 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
localize the manufacturing technology of T-50/FA-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer jet and light combat aircraft.
The Egyptian Air force (EAF) is in the market for a new trainer aircraft to replace its aging fleet and to train its student pilots Commanding Officer of 75 Squadron Wing Commander Martin Parker said continuing to integrate the F-35A with regional
partners was an important part of Air Force’s preparedness.
for the newly delivered Rafale fighter jet, and incoming Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet. If acquired, the aircraft will replace Egypt’s
ageing Alpha Jet and K-8 jet trainers with 100 new jets, of which 70 will be manufactured locally.
“Air Force’s relationship with the RSAF is strong and underpinned by regular exercise engagements and close professional
relationships at all levels,” Wing Commander Parker said.
Prior to the agreement signing, South Korean aerobatic display team “the Black Eagles” flew the Golden Eagle jets alongside
Egypt’s “Silver Stars” over the Giza pyramids during an Air Show in August. At the time, KAI was offering Egypt the Transfer “The F-35A’s debut visit to Singapore enables our aviators to continue to develop these close relationships and our air force’s
of Technology (ToT) and joint production of FA-50/T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer jets. interoperability.

Also, India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited offered its Light Combat Aircraft-Lead-In Fighter-Trainer, based on the Tejas. “We had the opportunity to fly the F-35A alongside the RSAF’s F-15SG Strike Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons during the
Other competitors include the Leonardo M-346, Irkut Yak-130, and Aero Vodochody L-39NG. dissimilar air combat training, building mutual understanding and teaching us how to better operate together in the region.

US Air Force Completes Key Testing Of Europe formally launches ENGRT by Gareth Jennings
15 / 12 / 2022

Hypersonic Missile On B-52H Bomber

by Ashish Dangwal
12/06/ 2022
next-gen rotorcraft effort
The European Union has formally launched the European Next-Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programme to develop
The US Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing is based at Barksdale Air Force Base in northwestern Louisiana. The service said the Air- the technologies for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for the post-2035 timeframe.
Launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, is anticipated to be prepared for deployment as early as the fall of 2023.
Speaking to Janes and other defence media in Madrid, Matthieu Louvot, executive vice-president, Airbus Helicopters Programmes,
The Lockheed Martin AGM-183A ARRW is a long-range
hypersonic missile developed for the United States Air Force. said the project first announced earlier in 2022 was
The missile is projected to boost the USAF’s hypersonic strike launched on 1 December.
capability at stand-off ranges, allowing it to attack heavily
defended, high-value targets. “We are at a crucial point for the European Next-
Generation Rotorcraft Technologies programme. The
A group of airmen carried out the test activity from the 2nd
Maintenance Group, 307th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, along programme is now signed, and the companies are now
with the ARRW and B-52H Stratofortress Systems Programs working on it. Airbus Helicopters is co-ordinating the
Office staff. The US Air Force has validated consortium, and Leonardo is very much involved in that
the loading procedures for its together with us,” Louvot said during the annual Airbus
As part of this trial-and-error testing process, the Air Force first air-launched hypersonic
Trade Media Briefing (TMB) on 12 December.
personnel devised a standard procedure for loading and weapon with the B-52H aircraft The RACER concept is one option for solving the speed requirement of
unloading the weapon system onto the B-52H Stratofortress at the Barksdale Air Force Base future rotorcraft that Airbus is now exploring as part of the European
bomber aircraft. (AFB) in Louisiana, US. Next-Generation Rotorcraft Technologies with Leonardo. (Airbus)

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 (PHOTO: AWAIS LALI)

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 (PHOTO: AWAIS LALI)

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