20 May 2020

PAF's Transnational Exposure

PAF has had the unique opportunity of training pilots of many air forces in the Middle East and Africa.  PAF pilots have flown on trainers and fighters in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, UAE, UK, and Zimbabwe.  The pilots gained extensive experience on an assortment of fighters including F-5A, F-5E, Lightning, MiG-17, Mirage F-1E, Gnat, Hunter, MiG-21FL/M, and Su-7; the latter four types were of particular significance to PAF, as these were flown by its traditional adversary, IAF. First-hand knowledge about adversary aircraft, as well as well-honed flying skills of PAF’s pilots were key factors in their remarkable performance during various conflicts.

During the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, PAF’s expert marksman Flt Lt Saiful-Azam, who was on deputation to Jordan, downed an Israeli Mystère IVA while flying a Hunter.  A day later, he shifted to an Iraqi air base and shot down an Israeli Vautour IIA and a Mirage IIICJ.  A near-ace, he had earlier shot down an Indian Gnat in the 1965 war.

In 1974, during a combat air patrol in Syria, Flt Lt Abdus Sattar Alvi, part of an all-PAF eight-ship MiG-21 formation, claimed an Israeli Mirage IIICJ, bringing some cheer to the beleaguered Syrian Arab Air Force.

PAF has also been a regular participant in various multi-national exercises with China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, UK, and USA.  Pilots have enthusiastically fought against A-6, F-4, F-14, F-111 and Hunters of yesteryears, as well as the modern fighters including F-15, F-16, F-18, J-10, J-11 (Su-27 copy), Mirage 2000, Tornado, and Typhoon.   Operations in electronically jammed environments, flying in large strike packages at very low altitudes, and air combat against fighters with AEWC support, are some of the scenarios PAF pilots have been exposed to, during these exercises.

© KAISER TUFAIL

No comments:

Post a Comment