PAF Art Gallery by Squadron Leader Adnan Siraj - - Part I

PAKISTAN’S PRIDE SOARING HIGH

A testimony of brilliance emerging out of Sino-Pak collaboration and a marvel of aerospace engineering, JF-17 Thunder stands right up there with the world’s best light weight, highly agile and maneuverable multi-role fighter aircraft. Equipped with advanced flight controls systems, state of the art avionics, modern navigation aids and integrated self-protection suite, the JF-17 provides a lethal and robust platform to carry out highly accurate weapon delivery of stand-off / precision guided munitions at day / night during all weather operations deep into enemy’s airspace by virtue of its air refueling capability. Its admirable war readiness status by virtue of high sortie generation and increase on-station time, make JF-17 an un-matchable strike-force multiplier and provides the critical fire power punch much needed by small and efficient air force like the PAF.

FIFTY YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

No.11 MR Sqn is an elite Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force and has a rich legacy of excellence. It has the distinction of being the first fighter jet squadron of the PAF. Over the years, the equipment underwent from Supermarine Attackers through F-86, F-6 and F-16s. The squadron is credited with the highest number of “Kills” in war the country has fought. Ace pilot and national hero, MM Alam also belonged to this squadron.

THE FIRST AND THE FURIOUS

Sqn Ldr Zulfiqar and Sqn Ldr Afzal (GIBS) of No 9 MR Sqn destroy an intruding UAV (Searcher-II) of IAF on the night of 7th June, 2002, during Ops Sentinel. This was the first kill of a UAV by any fighter aircraft in the world.

FROM ASHES TO RICHES “1942 – 2005” “JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

No-6 Squadron, raised in 1942, is the oldest and the only Air Transport Support Squadron of PAF. Since its inception, the squadron had Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, Dakota and Bristol Freighters on its inventory. The main work horse of the squadron, the C-130 Hercules was inducted in 1963 and is still in service. The squadron has actively participated in World War-II at Burma front and has not missed out a single Indo-Pak conflict; like 1948 Kashmir War, 1965 War, 1971 War and Ops Sentinel. In recognition of its remarkable performance during these conflicts, the squadron aircrews were decorated with one DSO, two DFCs, eleven SJs and two TJs.