Pakistan Air Force
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Military manpower[2] | ||
Military age | 16 years of age | |
Availability | 39,028,014 (2005) | |
Males ages | 16-49 | |
Reaching military age | males: 1,969,055 (2005) | |
Active troops | 620,000 (Ranked 7th) | |
Military expenditures[2] | ||
Dollar figure | $4.26 billion (2005 est.) | |
Percent of GDP | 3.9% (2005 est.) | |
Pakistan Armed Forces | ||
Pakistan Army | ||
Pakistan Air Force | ||
Pakistan Navy | ||
Pakistan Coast Guard | ||
Personnel | ||
Chiefs of Army Staff | ||
Generals | ||
Military history | ||
Military history of Pakistan | ||
Wars of Pakistan | ||
Battles of Pakistan | ||
Related topics | ||
Weapons of mass destruction | ||
Awards and decorations of the Pakistan military | ||
Special Service Group | ||
Inter-Services Intelligence |
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) (Urdu: پاک فضائیہ, Pak Faza'ya) is the Aviation branch of the Pakistan armed forces and is responsible for defending Pakistani air-space from intrusions. It also provides air support for ground troops.
Contents |
[edit] Mission statement
The primary mission statement of the PAF was given by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan during his address to the passing out cadets of the PAF Academy Risalpur on 13th April, 1948. His statement has been taken as an article of faith by all coming generations of PAF personnel:" A 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". But the present scenario has forced and enabled the Force to come up with an improved and up-to-date Mission Statement, "To provide, in Synergy with other Armed Forces, an efficient,, assured and cost-effective aerial defence of Pakistan".
[edit] History
[edit] Origin (1947 - 1951)
The Royal Pakistan Air Force (RPAF) was formed in 1947 following the Partition of India. The RPAF began with 2,332 personnel, a fleet of 24 Tempest II fighter-bombers, 16 Hawker Typhoon fighters (also called Tempest I), two H.P.57 Halifax bombers, 2 Auster aircraft, twelve T-6G Harvard trainers and ten Tiger Moth biplanes. It also got eight C-47 Dakota cargo planes which it used to transport supplies to soldiers fighting in the 1947 War in Kashmir against India. It started with 7 operational airbases scattered all over the provinces. The prefix Royal was removed when Pakistan gained the status of Republic on 23 March 1956. It has since been called Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Operating these inherited aircraft was far from ideal in Pakistan's diverse terrains, deserts and mountains; frequent attrition and injuries did not make the situation any better. However, by 1948 the air force acquired better aircraft such as the Hawker Fury fighter-bomber and the Bristol Freighter. These new aircraft gave a much-needed boost to the morale and combat capability of the Pakistan Air Force; 93 Hawker Fury and roughly 50-70 Bristol Freighter aircraft were inducted into the PAF by 1950. The jet age (1951 - 1961) Although the Pakistan Air Force had little funds to use and markets to choose from, it entered the jet age quite early. Initially it had planned to acquire US-built F-94Cs, F-86s, or F-84s and produce its order in Pakistan. However, lack of funds and strong British pressure persuaded the PAF to acquire the British Supermarine Attacker. The first squadron equipped with these aircraft was the Number-11 "Arrow". The Supermarine Attacker had a rather unsatisfactory service in the Pakistan Air Force with frequent attrition and maintenance problems.
In 1957 the Pakistan Air Force received 100 American-built F-86 Sabres under the U.S. aid program. Squadron after squadron in the PAF retired its Hawker Furys and Supermarine Attackers, and replaced them with F-86 jet fighters. In 1957 thirty-six year old Air Marshal Asghar Khan became the Pakistan Air Force's first commander-in-chief; his tenure saw a change of PAF discipline, professionalism and quality which even today leaves its positive mark on the PAF. During his eight-year command the PAF saw modernization and re-equipment programs, as well as stricter and better training.
[edit] The new generation (1983 - 1989)
In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to crush opposition and rebellion in its allied neighbour. The violent Soviet invasion brought hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees to Pakistan. With the war being critical to Pakistan's national sovereignty and integrity, the PAF once again sought out modernization, including the procurement of new generation fighter aircraft. France offered its new Mirage 2000, while the PAF's senior officers were interested in procuring American F-16 or F-18L fighters. Initially the Americans refused to sell the F-16 or F-18L and instead offered F-20, F-5E/F or A-10 aircraft. Eventually the new Republican administration of Ronald Reagan approved the sale of F-16s to Pakistan, and in 1981 an agreement was made to supply 28 General Dynamics F-16A and 12 F-16B "Fighting Falcon" aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force.
The F-16s would be supplied under the "Peace Gate" Foreign Military Sales Program; the first six were delivered in 1983 under "Peace Gate-I" while the remaining 34 arrived by 1986, under the "Peace Gate-II" program. Between 1986 and 1988 Pakistani F-16s took part in frequent skirmishes with Soviet and Afghan aircraft.
Pakistani F-16s typically carry two all-aspect AIM-9Ls on the wingtip rails, along with a pair of AIM-9Ps on the outermost underwing racks. The F-16s also have an important strike role for which they are fitted with the French-built Thomson-CSF ATLIS laser designation pod and have the capability to deliver Paveway laser-guided bombs[citation needed]. The ATLIS was first fitted to Pakistani F-16s in January 1986, which became the first non-European aircraft to be qualified for the ATLIS pod.[citation needed]
During the late 1980s, the Pakistan Air Force's Air Defence system also underwent modernization, including the induction and integration of new land-based AN/TPS-47 radars and new Crotale Surface-to-air missiles. Attempts to acquire a new AWACS aircraft were also made - with the E-3 Sentry being desired, but the U.S would not sell it and instead offered the E-2 Hawkeye.
In 1988 the Pakistan Air Force sought to replace its F-6s and Mirages by 1997 with the procurement of new aircraft; initially a mix of Mirage 2000 and F-16A/B Block-15OCU were to be acquired alongside 90 or so F-7 (Chinese MiG-21). However in 1988 the death of Zia-ul-Haq and the new government's desire to reduce spending on defence resulted in 71 F-16A/B Block-15OCUs instead. These aircraft were to be delivered by 1997 and a follow-on order of F-16C/D Block-30s was thought likely.
[edit] The "lost" decade (1991 - 2001)
From 1990 Pakistan was hit by American military embargoes in response to Pakistan's nuclear weapons development; these embargoes prevented the Pakistan Air Force from acquiring the 71 new-built F-16s from the U.S. After the 1998 nuclear tests and 1999 military coup, Pakistan was hit by further sanctions not only from the U.S but other Western nations as well; it would not be until 2002 when the U.S finally but most of the embargoes. During the 1990s the Pakistan Air Force strived for alternative sources for its new generation fighter requirement; the French Dassault Mirage 2000-5 was chosen but was too expensive to obtain.
This forced Pakistan to rely heavily on China for military aircraft. Pakistan and China worked together to develop the K-8 trainer, and continue to cooperate on the JF-17 project which aims to provide both nations with a new-generation fighter. This project is a major joint venture between Pakistan Air Force and China Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation along with Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC). The research and development cost of this project is between 450 to 500 million US dollars. It is financed up to 50%-59% by the government of Pakistan. Estimated cost per aircraft will be around 20 million US dollars. As of 2005, Pakistan had started manufacturing JF-17s in Kamra and the first delivery of two planes has taken place in March, 2007.
[edit] Present
The PAF today operates F-16s, F-7PGs, F-7MPs, Mirage-IIIs, and Mirage-Vs, around 500 to 530 fighters[1] organized in 22 front-line squadrons, the total of aircrafts exceeds over 700. The PAF is upgrading fighter aircraft such as the Mirage ROSE-I that can utilize BVR, and Mirage ROSE-III that can carry out surgical strike missions using long-range glide bombs. Pakistan has also started manufacturing 150 JF-17 Thunder fighters at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra. The first batch of two aircrafts have been commissioned in PAF in March, 2007.
On April 12, 2006, the Government of Pakistan authorized the purchase of up to 77 F-16 fighter planes from the US. The Government of Pakistan had also authorized the purchase of 36 Chinese J-10 fighter aircraft. [2] [3] According to the Business Recorder, a leading financial newspaper in Pakistan, [4] Pakistan will be initially buying:
- 36 J-10 fighters from China.
- 8 JF-17 pre-production fighters from China.
- 26 F-16 A/B Block-15OCU (ex-Peace Gate III/IV aircraft) from United States.
- 18 F-16 C/D Block-52 also from United States, with an option for another 18.
- 7 Saab-2000 Erieye AWACS
Pakistan will also be buying
- 300 SD-10 BVR air to air missiles.
- 500 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
- 18 targeting pods.
- 500 joint direct attack munitions.
The number of F-16s has been increased to around 96 aircraft. Pakistan will be looking for additional F-16 MLU from third parties.
[edit] Pakistan Air Force Day
Pakistan Defense Day is celebrated every year on the 6th of September, marking the official beginning of the Indo-Pak war of 1965. While Air Force day is celebrated 7th of September. That day Air shows and other programs mark the PAF's role in defending the nation.
[edit] Major conflicts
The PAF recorded its first kill on 10 April 1959 when an Indian Air Force English Electric Canberra plane allegedly on photo reconnaissance mission over Rawalpindi was shot down.
[edit] Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
- See the main article: Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
On 6 September 1965 war broke out between India and Pakistan. The first PAF F-104 kill of an Indian Air Force Mystère IV with one of its Sidewinders came on the afternoon of September 7, making it the first combat kill with a Mach 2-capable aircraft. Pakistan attacked India using F-104, F-86, B-57 and RT-33A. The war lasted for 23 days and although it ended indecisively, both in India and Pakistan it is considered a victory. On September 7, 1965 the PAF claimed a heavy toll on the IAF with Sqn Ldr Muhammad Mahmood Alam in his F-86 Sabre claiming as many as six IAF Hunters, [5].
The PAF had claimed 104 aircraft destroyed for a loss of 19 aircraft, while India stated a loss of 35 aircraft compared to 12 PAF aircraft destroyed. Independent observers too, do not agree on the actual number of aircraft shot down, with figures ranging from as high as 6:1 in Pakistan's favor to 2:1 in India's favor.
"By all accounts the courage displayed by the Pakistan Air Force pilots is reminiscent of the bravery of the few young and dedicated pilots who saved this country from Nazi invaders in the critical Battle of Britain during the last war." Patrick Seale, The Observer, London, September 12, 1965.
"For the PAF, the 1965 war was as climatic as the Israeli victory over the Arabs in 1967. A further similarity was that Indian air power had an approximately 5:1 numerical superiority at the start of the conflict. Unlike the Middle East conflict, the Pakistani air victory was achieved to a large degree by air-to-air combat rather than on the ground. But it was as absolute as that attained by Israel." USA - Aviation week & space technology - December 1968 issue.
[edit] The Six-Day War
- See the main article: Six-Day War.
In between the war of 1965 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, PAF sent its pilots to many Arab nations during the Six-Day War. Pakistani pilots flew in the Air Forces of Jordan, Egypt and Iraq, recording 3 confirmed kills against the Israeli Air Force (including Mirages, Mystères and Vautours) without losing any of their own planes.[6]
[edit] Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
- See the main articles: Bangladesh Liberation War and Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 .
PAF officially initiated hostilities by launching a preemptive strike, Operation Chengiz Khan, against Indian airbases. The PAF's strikes were based on the same strategy of pre-emptive neutralisation of enemy air capabillity followed by the Israeli Air Force on Egyptian and Arab air forces in Operation Focus during the six day war. However, this strike, though taking the Indians by surprise, did not achieve its mission objectives of neutralizing the IAF. The IAF was able to regroup and launch retaliatory strikes that same night. The IAF's achieved near total air supremacy towards the end of the war as the entire East Pakistan airbase with all the flights were destroyed. The war in the west also did not fare well with PAF as the ground troops lost the decisive battles of Basantar and Longewala.
The 1971 war did not go Pakistan's way even with the valiant effort on the side of the Pakistani Airforce. Pakistan lost 30% of its land mass in the name of Bangladesh. The PAF found itself outgunned in East Pakistan. They only had one squadron of 16 vintage F-86 Sabre aircraft against an Indian airforce that outnumbered them on the eastern front with more aircraft. As a result the airspace over East Pakistan could not be effectively patrolled by the PAF, this adversely effected the ability of the Pakistan army to defend its borders.
[edit] Yom Kippur War
- See the main article: Yom Kippur War.
During this war the PAF sent 16 pilots to the Middle East in order to support Egypt and Syria but by the time they arrived, Egypt had already been pushed into a ceasefire. Syria remained in a state of war against Israel. Eight (8) PAF pilots started flying out of Syrian Airbases; they formed the A-flight of 67 Squadron at Dumayr Airbase.
The Pakistani pilots flew Syrian Mig-21 aircraft conducting CAP missions for the Syrians. Flt/Lt. A. Sattar Alvi became the first Pakistani pilot, during the Yom Kippur War, to shoot down an Israeli Mirage in air combat. He was honored by the Syrian government. Other aerial encounters involved Israeli F4 Phantoms; Pakistan Air Force did not lose a single pilot or aircraft during this war.
The Pakistani pilots stayed on in Syria until 1976, training Syrian pilots in the art of air warfare.
[edit] Soviet-Afghan War
- See the main article: Soviet-Afghan War.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 in support of the pro-Soviet government in Kabul, which was being hard-pressed by Mujahadeen rebel forces, marked the start of a decade-long occupation. Mujahadeen rebels continued to harass the occupying Soviet military force as well as the forces of the Afghan regime that it was supporting. The war soon spilled over into neighboring Pakistan, with a horde of refugees fleeing to camps across the border in an attempt to escape the conflict. In addition, many of the rebels used Pakistan as a sanctuary from which to carry out forays into Afghanistan, and a steady flow of US-supplied arms was carried into Afghanistan from staging areas in Pakistan near the border. This inevitably resulted in border violations by Soviet and Afghan aircraft attempting to interdict these operations. Between May 1986 and November 1988, PAF F-16s have shot down at least eight intruders from Afghanistan. Four of the kills were Afghan Su-22s bombers, three were Afghan transports (two An-26s and one An-24), and one was a Soviet Su-25 bomber.[citation needed] Most of these kills were achieved using the AIM-9 Sidewinder, but a Su-22 was destroyed by cannon fire and the one An-24 crash landed after being forced to land upon interception. At least one F-16 was lost in these battles, in the encounter between F-16s and Soviet MiG-23s on 29 April 1987. PAF claims that it was shot down by friendly fire. Other sources suggest that it might have been hit by a bomb dropped by a MiG or that one of the MiG pilots downed it by cannon fire (the MiGs were not armed with missiles) but did not claim it since there was no permission given to fire. [7], [8]
[edit] Womens role in Air force
Women will soon be flying fighter jets in Pakistan's air force, changing the face of the 55-year-old all-male institution. Women are now allowed to enroll in the aerospace engineering and fighter pilot programs of the nation's air force academy. There are 10 women in two groups in the flying wing of the academy. Many more compete with men in the engineering and aerospace wing. Although women march shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts during early-morning parade, some parts of the training, particularly physical exercises, are carried out separately.
On March 31st 2006, Saba Khan, Nadia Gul, Mariam Khalil and Saira Batool were among 36 aviation cadets who received their wings after three and a half years of intensive training.
Vice-Chief of Army Staff Gen Ahsan Saleem Hyat was quoted to say the first female pilots have: “shown the spirit and courage to rise above the ordinary and break new ground for others to emulate. If Pakistan is to rise to the height that it deserves ... both men and women of our beloved land must find equal space and opportunity.”
[edit] Current fleet
PAF currently operates an estimated 500 to 530 fighter planes[9]. Some 70 of the Mirages have been given ROSE upgrades - allowing them to engage in BVR combat; and also allowing them to either perform high-altitude air-superiority missions or specialized surface strike missions. The F-7PGs and F-16s are the PAF's main multirole fighter aircraft - while the F-7P is a limited interceptor/ground-strike aircraft. It is likely however that the PAF will procure another 26 F-16A/Bs to start retiring its F-7Ps.
Current Aircraft | ||||
Aircraft | Inducted | Attrition | Current | Role |
---|---|---|---|---|
JF-17 Thunder | 150 | 0 | 2* | Multi-Role |
Chengdu J-10 | 36 | 0 | 0 | Multi-Role |
Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52 | 12 | 0 | 0 | Multi-Role |
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Training & Multi-Role |
General Dynamics F-16A Block-15 | 30* | 6 | 24* | Multi-Role |
General Dynamics F-16B Block-15 | 12 | 2 | 10 | Training & Multi-Role |
Chengdu F-7PG | 48 | 2 | 46 | Interceptor |
Chengdu FT-7PG | 9 | 0 | 9 | Training |
Chengdu F-7MP Skybolt | 155 | 30? | 120 | Interceptor & Ground-Support |
Chengdu FT-7P Skybolt | 15 | ?? | ~15 | Training |
Dassault Mirage ROSE-I (Mirage-IIIEA) (Refurbished: Ex-Australian) | 32 | 4 | 28 | Interceptor |
Dassault Mirage ROSE-I (Mirage-IIIDP) | 5 | 1 | 4 | Training & Interceptor |
Dassault Mirage ROSE-II (Mirage-VEF) (Refurbished: Ex-French) | 19 | 3 | 16 | Strike & Ground-Support |
Dassault Mirage ROSE-II (Mirage-VDF) (Refurbished: Ex-French) | 6 | 0 | 6 | Training & Strike & Ground-Support |
Dassault Mirage ROSE-III (Mirage-VEF) (Refurbished: Ex-French) | 14 | 0 | 14 | Precision Strike |
Dassault Mirage-IIIEP | 18 | 6 | 16 | Interceptor & Ground-Support |
Dassault Mirage-IIIEL (Refurbished: Ex-Lebanese) | 10+1DP | 0 | 11 | Interceptor & Ground-Support |
Dassault Mirage-IIIDA (Refurbished: Ex-Australian) | 7 | 0 | 7 | Training |
Dassault Mirage-IIIRP | 13 | 3 | 12 | Reconnaissance |
Dassault Mirage-VPA3 | 12 | 3 | 9 | Naval Support |
Dassault Mirage-VPA2 | 18 | 3 | 30 | Ground Support |
Dassault Mirage-VPA | 28 | 7? | 28 | Ground Support |
Dassault Mirage-VDPA2 | 2 | 0 | 30 | Training |
Dassault Mirage-V (Refurbished: Ex-Libyan?!) | ? | ? | 10+?? | |
Nanchang Q-5/A-5C | 52 | 12+ | 48 | Ground-Support & Tactical Strike (Currently being phased out). |
Chengdu FT-6 | ~15 | ?? | 15 | Fighter Conversion (Advanced Jet Training) |
Chengdu FT-5 | ~20 | ?? | 25 | Fighter Conversion (Advanced Jet Training) |
Hondgu K-8 | 30 | 0 | 30 | Basic & Intermediate Jet Training |
Cessna T-37 | 20 | ?? | 20+ | Basic Jet Training |
Super Mushak MFI-395 | 20 | ?? | 20+ | Primary Training |
Mushak MFI-17 | 80 | ?? | 80+ | Primary Training |
Falcon DA-20 | 2 | 0 | 2 | ELINT/ECM |
Lockheed Martin C-130B/E | 16 | 6? | 30 | Medium-Lift Transport |
Antonov An-26 'Curl' | 1 | 0 | 1 | Medium-Lift Transport |
CN-235 | 4 | 0 | 4 | V.I.P & Light-Lift Transport |
HAMC Y-12(II) | 1 | 0 | 1 | Light-Lift Transport |
Boeing 707 | 3 | 0 | 3 | VIP Transport |
Fokker F-27 200 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Light Transport |
Falcon-20 | 1 | 0 | 1 | VIP Transport |
Super King Air | 1 | 0 | 1 | Light Transport |
Lockheed L-100 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Tactical Transport |
Airbus A310 | 1 | 0 | 1 | VIP Transport |
Saab 2000 | 6 | 0 | 6 | Airborne Early Warning |
* Includes two upgraded F-16A Block-15 inducted from the US in Dec'2005. *JF-17 Thunder were delivered to the PAF on 12th March 2007.[1]
- ROSE: Retrofit Of Strike Element: Is actually the major (Avionics + Radar) upgrade that the PAF Mirage fleet under went during the 90s.
- ROSE-I: This included upgraded cockpit instrumentation, Grifo-M Radar and weapons system reconfiguration. (BVR-able).
- ROSE-II: This included the Sagem implemented MAESTRO Nav/Attack System. (Strike).
- ROSE-III: This included the Sagem MAESTRO Nav/Attack and FLIR. (Precision Strike).
[edit] Sources
- Evaluation of Pakistan Air Force
- Deterrence of Pakistan Air Force
- PAF Fleet Upgrades & Strength
- Mirage Fleet Acquisition History
- F-16 Attrition history
- F-7 Fleet Serial# and Strength
- PAF Fleet Strength: Without Attrition Adjustments
- PAF Fleet Strength: Without Attrition Adjustments
- PAF Attrition History
- PAF Attrition - Queryable Database
[edit] Ground SAM vehicles
- Crotale 2000/3000/4000, approx 25 systems
- FIM-92 Stinger , 100 Systems
- RBS-70 Rayrider, 133 Launchers, 400 Missiles
- Matra Mistral
- HQ-2B(SA-2), approx 32 launchers 400msl
- PL-9, combined with twin 35/37mm guns
- GDF-002 35 mm radar Controlled Systems, approx 200
[edit] Command structure
[edit] Personnel and command
The Air Force has about 65,000 active personnel with about 10,000 reserves. The Chief of the Air Staff holds the operational and administrative powers. He is assisted by a Vice Chief of Air Staff and six Deputy Chiefs of the Air Staff who control and administer the Administration, Operations, Engineering, Supply (logistics), Personnel, and Training divisions of the PAF respectively. In addition, there are three non-operational directorates for PR, Air Intelligence and Recruitment. Recently, the Air Headquarters (AHQ) has been moved from Chaklala to Islamabad. Major Air force bases are at Shorkot, Karachi, Quetta, Kamra, Peshawar, Mianwali, Sargodha and Risalpur. There are many war-time operational forward bases, civilian airstrips and runways as well as emergency motorways.
[edit] Ranks
The current officer rank structure follows Royal Air Force designations: Air Force / Army / Navy
- Air Chief Marshal / General / Admiral
- Air Marshal / Lieutenant General / Vice Admiral
- Air Vice Marshal / Major General / Rear Admiral
- Air Commodore / Brigadier / Commodore
- Group Captain / Colonel / Captain
- Wing Commander / Lieutenant Colonel / Commander
- Squadron Leader / Major / Lieutenant Commander
- Flight Lieutenant / Captain / Lieutenant
- Flying Officer / Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant
- Pilot Officer / Second Lieutenant / Midshipman Officer
In 2006 the Pakistan Air Force changed the rank insignia for its officers, abandoning the ring insignia in favour of an army-style one based on stars.[10]
[edit] List of PAF Chiefs
- Air Vice Marshal Allan Perry-Keane (August 1947 - February 1949)
- Air Vice Marshal R.L.R. Atcherley (February 1949 - May 1951)
- Air Vice Marshal L.W. Cannon (May 1951 - February 1955)
- Air Vice Marshal A.W.B. McDonald (February 1955 - July 1957)
- Air Marshal Asghar Khan (July 1957 - July 1965)
- Air Marshal Nur Khan (July 1965 - September 1969)
- Air Marshal A.Rahim Khan (September 1969 - March 1972)
- Air Marshal Zafar Chaudhry (March 1972 - April 1974)
- Air Chief Marshal Zulfiqar Ali Khan (April 1974 - July 1978)
- Air Chief Marshal M. Anwar Shamim (July 1978 - March 1985)
- Air Chief Marshal Jamal A. Khan (March 1985 - March 1988)
- Air Chief Marshal Hakimullah (March 1988 - November 1991)
- Air Chief Marshal Farooq F. Khan (November 1991 - November 1994)
- Air Chief Marshal Abbas Khattak (November 1994 - November 1997)
- Air Chief Marshal Pervaiz Mehdhi Qureshi (November 1997 - November 2000)
- Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir (November 2000 - February 2003)
- Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat (March 2003 - March 2006)
- Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed (March 2006 - present)
*Air Marshal Asghar Khan was the First native Pakistani C-in-C
*Air Marshal M. Nur Khan was the Air Force Chief in the 1965 war with India
*Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir died when his Fokker F27 crashed into a mountain near PAF Base Kohat, in February 2003
[edit] Bases
These are the bases from which the PAF planes operate during peace time. They have complete infrastructure of hardened shelters, control towers, workshops, ordnance depots etc. These are ten in number and are :
- PAF Mushaf (Sargodha)
- PAF Masroor (West Karachi)
- PAF Rafiqui (Shorkot)
- PAF Peshawar
- PAF Samungli (Quetta)
- PAF Mianwali
- PAF Minhas (Kamra)
- PAF Chaklala (Rawalpindi)
- PAF Faisal (Central Karachi)
- PAF Risalpur (Nowshera)
[edit] Markings
The PAF's roundel is green and white, with green being the outer color. It resembles the low-visibility roundel used by the Royal Air Force. The tail marking is simply the flag of Pakistan.
[edit] Nishan-e-Haider
The Nishan-e-Haider (Urdu: نشان حیدر) (Sign of the Lion), is the highest military award given by Pakistan.
Rashid Minhas is the only officer of the PAF to be awarded the Nishan-e-Haider.
- Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (1951–August 20, 1971)
Other heros of the PAF
[edit] Engineering & maintenance capability
Since independence the PAF has developed and nurtured an extensive in house engineering, maintenance and repair capability. Indigenization of in house maintenance has enabled it to maintain force levels and high serviceability / reliability rates. The premier maintenance organizations supporting the mission of the Pakistan Air Force include F6 Rebuild Factory, Mirage Rebuild Factory, Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Kamra Avionics Rebuild Factory, No 102 Air Engineering Depot (Aero-Engines Overhaul), No 107 Air Engineering Depot (Avionics), No 108 Air Engineering Depot (Ground Radars), No 109 Air Engineering Depot (Missiles), No 130 Air Engineering Depot (Transport Aircraft Overhaul). R&D work is done at Central Technical Development Unit, Special Task Group & No 118 Software Engineering Depot. The PAF managed / supported Air Weapon Complex (AWC) produces a number of high technology armament and munitions for the air force.
The College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE) situated at PAF Academy Risalpur graduates engineers in aerospace and avionics specialty and is a world class institute with a high reputation for the quality of its graduates and fulfills requirements for both army & navy as well as a number of foreign countries.
Apart from this Pre Trade Training School, School Of Aeronautics, School Of Electronics, Administrative Trades Training School and School Of Logistics fulfills different manpower requirements of Pakistan Air Force.
[edit] Records
- Pakistan Air Force was the first to claim combat kill with a Mach 2-capable aircraft. This was done by a PAF F-104 which shot down an Indian Air Force Mystère IV with one of its Sidewinders on the afternoon of September 7.
[edit] Future plans (2009 - 2019)
[edit] Introduction
In light of Pakistan's significant contribution to the War on Terror, the United States and Western European countries, namely Germany and France lifted their defense related sanctions on Pakistan; enabling the country to once again seek advanced Western military hardware. Since the lift of sanctions, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) became heavily active in evaluating potential military hardware; such as new fighter planes, radars, land based air-defense systems, etc. The key factor had been the lifting of American sanctions on Pakistan; including restrictions on military combat aircraft - namely the Lockheed Martin F-16. However the urgent relief needed in Kashmir after the October-8th Earthquake forced the Pakistan Military to stall its modernization programme; so it could divert its resources for fuel and operations during the rescue effort.
The modernization stall would end in April 2006 when the Pakistani cabinet approved the Pakistan Air Force's proposal to procure 132 new fighters from the U.S and China. The Pakistan Government has launched the Armed Forces Development Programme - 2019 (AFFDP-2019); this programme will oversee the modernization of the Pakistan Air Force from now to 2019.
[edit] Fighter fleet
The Pakistan Air Force currently operates between 500 to 530 active combat aircraft; its fleet is mostly comprised of F-7P and Mirage III/V aircraft. Although 70 to 90 of the Mirages were given the ROSE-I and ROSE-II/III upgrades - the airframe life of these aircraft is declining; and like the F-7P, will require replacement by 2014.
The main workhorse of the Pakistan Air Force from 2014 will be the JF-17 Thunder medium-tech, multi-role fighter aircraft; developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) in China and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Pakistan. At least 150 JF-17s are expected to be procured by the Pakistan Air Force by the end of 2015. The JF-17 Thunder is a 4th generation, medium-weight multi-role fighter aircraft capable of using various types of Beyond-Visual-Range (BVRAAM) Air-to-Air Missiles, Within-Visual-Range (WVRAAM) Air-to-Air Missiles and Air-to-Surface Precision-Guided Munitions (PGM). The aircraft will be capable of multi-weather as well as day and night operations; upgrades will be conducted on the JF-17 and will incorporate Infrared Search and Tracking (IRST) and Air-to-Air Refueling. Its avionics consist of a Pulse-Doppler radar with a track-and-search range of at least 100 km and targeting range of at least 70 km; the aircraft can engage multiple air or ground targets - as well as utilize Helmet-Mounted-Sight (HMS) and Electronic Counter Measure/Electronic Warfare (ECM/EW) systems. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a Galileo Avionica/Selex "Vixen" series AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar is being sought by PAF for use on its JF-17 (in the long-term). The JF-17 will replace the PAF's F-7P/FT-7P, Mirage-III/V, and Q-5 aircraft by 2013 - and be fully operational in large numbers by 2015. Recent interviews with the Pakistan Air Force commanders revealed the PAF has plans to procure another 50 to 100 JF-17s in addition to the base 150.
In addition to JF-17s the Pakistan Air Force is aggressively pushing for the acquisition of another two advanced fighter aircraft - which boast more range and payload, as well as considerably more advanced avionics and ECM/EW systems than the JF-17. Originally up to 75 F-16C/D Block-52 were supposed to be procured; however the tragic and catastrophic earthquake in Azad Kashmir forced the Pakistan Government to delay acquisition of F-16s. With the Kashmir relief operations draining the government's funds - the Defense Ministry was considering a significantly down-scaled F-16 order.
On April 12, 2006 the Government of Pakistan approved the purchase of Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52+ and F-16A/B Block 15. The revised F-16 purchase includes the acquisition of 26 ex-Peace Gate-III and IV F-16A/B Block-15OCUs and 18 F-16C/D Block-52s with an option for 18 more; the purchase was finalized between the PAF and Lockheed Martin in October 2006. The total value of the F-16 package is 5.101bn U.S Dollars - if all options are excersized; the deal includes 500 AIM-120C5 BVRAAMs, 200 AIM-9M-8/9 WVRAAMs, 500 JDAM PGMs, and thousands of other air-to-surface bombs. Although the AIM-9X was not procured, the International Defence Exhibition & Seminar (IDEAS) at Karachi in 2006 revealed that the Pakistan Air Force was interested in the European IRIS-T for its F-16 WVR requirement. In addition to the 18 new built F-16C/D Block-52+ aircraft, the 60 F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft will go through the Mid-Life-Update - III upgrade (MLU-3); this would make the F-16A/Bs avionically on par with the Block 52+. Janes Defence Weekly reported that the Pakistan Air Force may order a second phase of 33 new-built F-16C/D Block 52+.
The F-16s and JF-17s will be reinforced with 32-40 Chinese CAC J-10A aircraft under the designation "FC-20". According to the PAF Air Chief, additional FC-20s are planned. The FC-20 will likely become the core of the PAF's fleet as a multi-role fighter, replacing the Mirage ROSE III/V and F-7PG by 2019.
[edit] AEW&C/AWACS capability
The Pakistan Air Force had sought an Airbrone Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system since the mid-1980s; although it had failed to acquire what it wanted (the E-3 Sentry) - it eventually did procure a system. On May 25, 2006 the Government of Pakistan approved the acquisition of up to 6-7 Saab-2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft; the value of the deal is about 1bn U.S Dollars. This acquisition was in response to a long standing AEW&C requirement as well as the Indian Air Force's procurement of three Phalcon AWACS mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft.
AEW&C capability provides the user with an airborne long-range radar which allows the user to, detect incoming enemy formations deep within enemy territory; as well as coordinate large-scale missions involving multiple forces (Army, Air Force, Navy) - and in peace time, coordinate search and rescue operations. According to the Air Chief of the Pakistan Air Force - Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed - all of the PAF's fighter aircraft will be datalinked with the Erieye system. Currently the F-16C/D Block 52+ and F-16A/B Block 15MLU-3 will utilize the American Link-16 datalink system with the Erieye; datalink would allow the F-16s to use the Erieye's radar without having to use their own (and exposing their radar signitures to the enemy). This would give the F-16's greater radar range as well as the ability to adapt to mission requirements or ECM/EW events without the use of a Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM).
Currently it is unclear what datalink system the JF-17s and J-10s will use; however if the PAF's JF-17s are eventually equipped with Western radars, avionics, etc - they will likely use a Western datalink system with the Erieye.
However the J-10 may not be able to datalink with the Erieye (at least not without heavy modification and integration on part of PAF); this is mainly due to China and Swedens' reluctance to allow their respective systems to be exposed to each other's engineers and scientists. Because of this - the PAF may have to procure a Chinese AEW&C system; recently, Chinese firms have demonstrated their Y-8 based rotodome AEW&C in Pakistan. At the end of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi, the Pakistan Air Force and a Chinese aviation firm signed a MoU over the development and production of a long-range Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft.
[edit] Air Defence
The Pakistan Air Force begun its Air Defence modernization quite early with the procurement of six AN/TPS-77 land based three-dimensional tactical mobile radar systems from the U.S. This was reinforced with another six YLC-2 3D long-range and ten YLC-6 2D low altitude radar systems from China; the PAF is in the process of inducting these systems. Air Weapons Complex is on the forefront of the Pakistan Military's C4I program. The PAF is evaluating the Czech Vera passive-radar system, and will decide to purchase it or not soon. The PAF's air defence will join the Pakistan Military's joint Hi-Medium Air Defence (HiMAD) and Low-Medium Air Defence (LoMAD).
Modernization of the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) fleet is part of the AFFDP-2019 programme; the PAF is planning to phase out replace its old Crotale short range SAM systems. Negotiations were underway for the MBDA Spada 2000 short to medium-range system. However, new reports suggest Pakistan is interested in a more advanced and longer term solution, such as the MBDA SAMP-T with Aster 30 medium range SAM. During IDEAS 2006, Diehl BGT offered the IRIS-T SL short to medium-range and IRIS-T SLS short-range SAMs to the Air Force and Army, respectively.
Since 2001, the Pakistan Air Force has desired a long-range SAM system; initially it was interested in the Chinese FT-2000, but no deal has been made. The PAF was also offered the Patriot II system by the U.S - but rejected it on unknown basis (likely cost); it reportedly negotiated with Russia for the S-300. In the end the PAF will likely procure the Chinese HQ-9/FT-2000 long-range SAM system. Pakistan will procure this system with local development and manufacturing capability, and perhaps use it as a basis for its anti-ballistic missile program.
The American Patriot III Long-Range and SL-AMRAAM Medium-Range SAM systems were display at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar 2006 (IDEAS) in Karachi. The American representative there said that the PAC 3 and SLAMRAAM system was open to Pakistan, but an offer cannot be made without a formal request by the Pakistani Government.
[edit] Logistics
The Air Force's logistical fleet is currently in the process of inducting six C-130E aircraft; after the induction of these aircraft the PAF's C-130 Medium-Lift Aircraft fleet will consist of roughly 12-16 aircraft. Four Indonesian CN-235s have been bought and inducted with another four or so likely to be ordered soon. It is unclear whether the PAF is pursuing a medium-lift transport aircraft to replace it's ageing C-130s; the C-130J was supposedly evaluated, but deemed too sophisticated and expensive for a prop-transport. The PAF may acquire the Chinese Y-9 or European A400 when the need to replace C-130s arises;but will likely not happen before 2012. PAF also has few Gulf streams for the Higher rank air force officer and government ministers. It had some Boeing-707s for transportation that have been disposed off.
[edit] Training
"As an air defense analyst, I am fully aware that the Pakistan Air Force ranks today as one of the best air forces in the world and that the PAF Combat Commanders' School (CCS) in Sargodha has been ranked as the best GCI/pilot and fighter tactics and weapons school in the world". As one senior US defense analyst commented to me in 1991, "it leaves Topgun (the US Naval Air Station in Miramar, California) far behind". -Sergey Vekhov May 1993 issue (pages 46-47) of Airforces Monthly, reputable UK-based air defense magazine.
The aircraft and technology which will be inducted into the PAF will be drastically different and more advanced than what the PAF's trainer force currently operates. The fleet's current 1950-era T-37 and FT-5/6 aircraft cannot sufficiently train future JF-17, F-16 and F-10 pilots. With the massive induction of fly-by-wire aircraft, BVRAAMs, WVRAAMs, PGBs as well as HMS/HMD and datalink supported warfare, the PAF requires new trainer aircraft.
Currently the PAF has 12 new generation K-8 intermediate jet trainer aircraft, with another 27 or so on order. The K-8 will replace the PAF's aging Lockheed T-37 aircraft in the intermediate jet trainer role; another order of at least 11 K-8s may be placed in the near future. For the lead-in advanced fighter conversion role - the PAF will replace its FT-5s with a new aircraft; it is unclear what that aircraft will be. According to the former Air Chief - Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Kaleem Sadaat, a twin-seat JF-17 will be used for conversion. However, Hondgu - the manufacturers of K-8 - recently flew their L-15 advanced jet trainer; which was reportedly offered to the PAF during its development. Currently there is a requirement for at least 20-25+ advanced lead-in jet trainer aircraft; options include the twin-seat JF-17, Hondgu L-15 and perhaps even the KAI/Lockheed Martin T-50.
[edit] Auxiliary
The Pakistan Air Force reportedly ordered 4 IL-78 Midas air-to-air refueling aircraft from Ukraine; these will apparently be used to support the PAF's JF-17 fleet. It is known when the deal was finalized - as this was confirmed by the PAF Air Chief - ACM Tanvir Mahmood Ahmad.
[edit] Ammunition
The Pakistan Air Force will consist of a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions;
[edit] Known systems include;
- 500 AIM-120C5 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
- 300 SD-10 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
- 200 AIM-9M-8/9 Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
- 300 AIM-9M-1/2 Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
- ??? PL-9C Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
- 500 Joint Direct Attack Munition (air-to-surface).
- ??? Joint Stand-Off Weapon
- ??? Harpoon Block II Anti-Ship Missile
[edit] Confirmed Future PAF Fleet
- 36-40 F-10A/B Vanguard
- 12 F-16C Block 52+ Fighting Falcon
- 6 F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon
- 34 F-16A Block 15 MLU-3 Fighting Falcon
- 26 F-16B Block 15 MLU-3 Fighting Falcon
- 150 JF-17 Thunder
- 6 Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C + 1 training Aircraft
- 4 IL-78 Midas Air-to-Air Refueling Aircraft
- 12 C-130H w/6 reserve C-130H Medium Lift Transport Aircraft
- 39+ K-8 Intermediate Jet Trainer
*Additional F-10A/B Vanguard will be procured.
*JF-17 fleet may rise from 150 to 200-250
*The PAF may procure an additional 33 F-16C/D Block 52+.
*The PAF will procure an unspecified number of Sino-Pak developed AEW&C aircraft.
*Plans to procure an Advanced Lead in Jet Trainer to replace the FT-5 and the FT-6 in a fighter conversion role, e.g., the L-15, L-159B or T-50.
[edit] Notes
- ^ GEO News. Two JF-17s Delivered to Pakistan. (12 March,2007).
[edit] References
- Today In History
- History of PAF
- Site mentioning the number of Tempest II flights that were divided amongst India & Pak.
- Interview with Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmad - 2006.
- Janes Defense Weekly Articles:
- 1) IDEAS 2004 Interview with Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat.
- 2) November - December 2005 Interview with Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat.
- 3) March 2006 Interview with Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat
- Flight International Article: "Crescent Wings" - 2006
- Strategy Center
- PAF Enthusiast Website
- Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra
- Pakistani Defense Industry - Export Prospects
- [11]
- Pak Tribune on PAF's history
- Mirage-IIIRP attrition
- Info on Pakistani Defense Site & Online Forum
- PakDef Site & Online Forum
- Air Bases of Pakistan Air Force
- PAF Museum, Karachi
- Mirage in PAF
- AIR WEAPONS COMPLEX, WAH CANTT RAWALPINDI (WWW.AWC.COM.PK)
[edit] External links
- Pakistan Defence News, Military Pictures, Defence Information and Discussions @ Pakistan Defence~
- PAF Falcons website
- Pakistan Air Force Air Combat Website
- PakMilitary.net PAF section
- Pakistan Air Force Overview courtesy of Scramble
- Information on the Pakistan Air Force by GlobalSecurity.org
- 3D images of major Pakistan Airfields
- Pakistan Tribune Article on PAF Fighter Planes: Mirage III/V
- Memoirs of a Pakistan Air Force pioneer - 'A Lucky Pilot'
- Pakistan Fiza'ya - Pakistan Air Force (PakAF)
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