Pakistan Air Force Bases - Earlier images
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PAF Base Masroor, Karachi
PAF Base Masroor is the largest airbase operated by the PAF. It is located in the Mauripur area of Karachi, in the Sindh province. The airbase at Mauripur was established by Britain (Royal Indian Air Force, RIAF) during World War II in 1940–1941. On establishment of the Royal Pakistan Air Force (RPAF) the base became RPAF Station Mauripur. After 1956, it became PAF Station Mauripur.
PAF Base Mauripur was renamed PAF Base Masroor in honour of former Base Commander, Air Commodore Masroor Hussain, who died in June 1967 ,while piloting a Martin B-57 bomber which was struck by a vulture causing his instant incapacitation and the aircraft crashed near National Cricket Stadium. He managed to direct the burning aircraft away from a populated area before crashing. Masroor base is claimed to have the distinction of not only being the largest base, area wise, in Pakistan but also in Asia.
Before Karachi airport came up, it was also used for domestic flights. It is of immense strategic importance considering it has been entrusted upon the task of defending the coastal and Southern region of Pakistan.
It houses the 32 Tactical Attack (TA) Wing which comprises four separate squadrons, and comes under Southern Air Command.
The airbase houses No. 2 MR, No. 4 EW, No. 7 TA, No. 8 TA, No. 84 SAR squadrons, which operate JF-17 Thunder, ZDK-03 AEW&C Karakoram Eagle, Mirage-IIEA ROSE-1, Mirage 5PA2/3, and Mirage IIIDE 5EF, and Alouette III aircraft.
Picture Credit: Karachi Transport Network
PAF Base Faisal is the other Pakistan Air Force base in Karachi. A new PAF Base Bholari near Karachi was inaugurated in January 2018.
As of now only 19 Sqn is there and another Squadron from Masroor will also move there after the completion of support facilities.
Masroor Air filed. Picture Credit: wikimapia
PAF Base Masroor, Karachi
PAF Base Masroor is the largest airbase operated by the PAF. It is located in the Mauripur area of Karachi, in the Sindh province. The airbase at Mauripur was established by Britain (Royal Indian Air Force, RIAF) during World War II in 1940–1941. On establishment of the Royal Pakistan Air Force (RPAF) the base became RPAF Station Mauripur. After 1956, it became PAF Station Mauripur.
PAF Base Mauripur was renamed PAF Base Masroor in honour of former Base Commander, Air Commodore Masroor Hussain, who died in June 1967 ,while piloting a Martin B-57 bomber which was struck by a vulture causing his instant incapacitation and the aircraft crashed near National Cricket Stadium. He managed to direct the burning aircraft away from a populated area before crashing. Masroor base is claimed to have the distinction of not only being the largest base, area wise, in Pakistan but also in Asia.
Before Karachi airport came up, it was also used for domestic flights. It is of immense strategic importance considering it has been entrusted upon the task of defending the coastal and Southern region of Pakistan.
It houses the 32 Tactical Attack (TA) Wing which comprises four separate squadrons, and comes under Southern Air Command.
The airbase houses No. 2 MR, No. 4 EW, No. 7 TA, No. 8 TA, No. 84 SAR squadrons, which operate JF-17 Thunder, ZDK-03 AEW&C Karakoram Eagle, Mirage-IIEA ROSE-1, Mirage 5PA2/3, and Mirage IIIDE 5EF, and Alouette III aircraft.
Picture Credit: Karachi Transport Network
PAF Base Faisal is the other Pakistan Air Force base in Karachi. A new PAF Base Bholari near Karachi was inaugurated in January 2018.
As of now only 19 Sqn is there and another Squadron from Masroor will also move there after the completion of support facilities.
Masroor Air filed. Picture Credit: wikimapia
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Risalpur, Nowshera, NWFP, 1930 (c)
View showing the aerodrome at Risalpur which was part of the British military garrison in the town. It became a Pakistan air force base in 1947 and remains in use.
© Sidney Hatter / AirHistory.net
Risalpur, Nowshera, NWFP, 1930 (c)
View showing the aerodrome at Risalpur which was part of the British military garrison in the town. It became a Pakistan air force base in 1947 and remains in use.
© Sidney Hatter / AirHistory.net
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Risalpur, North-West Frontier, 1930's (c).
One of the camps at Risalpur:- Risalpur In Nowshera later became RPAF Flying Training School (FTS) in September, 1947.
Risalpur, North-West Frontier, 1945.
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator Heavy Bomber
Aircraft Which Failed To Take Off. Two Such Liberator Accidents Were Logged By The The Royal Air Force In Risalpur, In June And October 1945, So It Was Probably One Of Those Two Incidents.
© Bill Saunders / John Saunders
Risalpur, North-West Frontier, 1930's (c).
One of the camps at Risalpur:- Risalpur In Nowshera later became RPAF Flying Training School (FTS) in September, 1947.
Risalpur, North-West Frontier, 1945.
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator Heavy Bomber
Aircraft Which Failed To Take Off. Two Such Liberator Accidents Were Logged By The The Royal Air Force In Risalpur, In June And October 1945, So It Was Probably One Of Those Two Incidents.
© Bill Saunders / John Saunders
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Air Station Miranshah, NWFP. , 1946 ..
Jawaharlal Nehru, Vice President of the Interim Government of India, arriving at Miranshah in October 1946, with Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
Wing Commander Mehar Singh, OC RAF Kohat, on the right, flew him to Razmak in a Harvard.
Jawaharlal Nehru, Vice President of the Interim Government of India, arriving at Miranshah in October 1946, with Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
Wing Commander Mehar Singh, OC RAF Kohat, on the right, flew him to Razmak in a Harvard.
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Hawker Audax K4851B of the 20 Squadron Crashed in Miranshah, North Waziristan, 1938 (c).
Note - There Were Two Squadrons Operating From Miranshah, No: 20 and No: 39 Both Detached from Risalpur NWF Frontier.
Hawker Audax K4851B of the 20 Squadron Crashed in Miranshah, North Waziristan, 1938 (c).
Note - There Were Two Squadrons Operating From Miranshah, No: 20 and No: 39 Both Detached from Risalpur NWF Frontier.
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Badin
In 1962 it was felt necessary by the PAF to establish a radar installation at Badin due to the strategic importance of the area. It was located close to the Indian border, and enemy aircraft taking off from forward Indian airfields in Rajasthan would have to pass through its cover to attack civil and military targets in the lower Sind region between Sukkur and Karachi. For a number of years the base remained an important sector operations centre contributing to the air defence of a large area in the southern region of Pakistan.
The base is located in the typically sandy and flat terrain of the southern Sind where the post-independence availability of water has transformed the countryside into highly productive farm lands.
Due to its remote location, friends did sympathize in the early days if one was posted to Badin. But with the efforts and initiatives of each successive base commander, the technical and domestic facilities at Badin continued to improve and today the base is fully self sufficient in all operational, administrative and recreational respects.
Throughout the 65 war Badin's men bravely warded off air attacks and kept its operational facilities fully intact. On 21 September, When an enemy rocket set ablaze an equipment building, Leading Aircraftman Muhammad Anwar Hussain Khan, a radar mechanic of the maintenance wing, died a hero's death while trying to extinguish this fire. For his courageous conduct Anwar Hussain was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Juraat. He lies buried near the main guard room where floral wreaths are laid on his grave on 7 September every year to renew the memory of his valour.
Some time before the 71 war began, the sector operations centre at Badin was moved to a new location to enable it better to cover a larger area of responsibility. During that war, the observer squadrons of the base were deployed at their assigned surveillance posts and provided excellent and timely warnings to the air defence network. I
n one particular air raid against Badin itself the determined gunners of the ack unit shot down an attacking Mig-21 with their intensive and accurate fire. Much has been done in recent years too by way of further development and modernization of the base. Its responsibilities have been enhanced both in magnitude and in character to enable it to continue its solid contribution to the PAF's operational efficiency.
.,.,,..
Chaklala
Chaklala was already functioning as an RIAF station well before independence and a Para Training School (PTS) was located there. On 12 January 47, a medical training centre under the command of Squadron Leader Haque was also established at Chaklala. On 14 August 47, the PTS had the honour of presenting the guard at the lowering of the RIAF ensign for the last time when RPAF Station Chaklala was born.
The base soon became the scene of intense air activity; in August alone, there were as many as three hundred and nine arrivals and departures in addition to frequent VIP movements.
The station provided all ground handling facilities to Nos 10 and 31 RAF Squadrons which conducted many Dakota flights for the evacuation of non-Muslims from various frontier regions and for air lifting migrants from India to Pakistan. Being located in a most attractive provincial On 20 September 47, the Central Medical Board (CMB) was established at Chaklala under the command of Squadron Leader Mahmood .
Like other RPAF stations, Chaklala was short of manpower and the departure of Indian and RAF units had given it a desolate appearance. Both runways had begun to sink and break up due to soil erosion and excessive traffic, and repairs could not be carried out for want of funds. Meteorological and fire services were almost non-existent and daily requirements were being met on, an adhoc basis.
On 22 June 48, a Bristol Freighter gave a demonstration of loading and unloading of equipment, which was perhaps the first indication of the station becoming a transport base. By October 49, a detachment of 6 Squadron had been established at Chaklala, but the station's main role still related to the function of a forward repair and maintenance unit. No 1 Air 0 P Flight and an air selection centre had also been established here.
On 1 January 50, No 3 University Air Squadron of the Punjab was formed at Chaklala which, alongwith No 1 AOP flight and the 6 Squadron detachment remained the three regular flying elements of the station till June 1954, when the Flying Instructors School (FIS) was established. At about this time No 3 Air Scouts Troop and No 76 MODC Platoon were also raised at Chaklala. By January 56, 4 additional units had come up at the base: No 103 Air Logistic Depot, No 2 Wireless Observer Squadron and No 10 MODC Platoon were established here, while the Central Gliding School (CGS) was, moved up from Drigh Road to Chaklala.
The northern area air transport commitment had meanwhile grown from a single aircraft operation in 1949 to almost the full strength of a squadron, and from the mid-50s onwards,transport squadron personnel were being continuously rotated at Chaklala from their parent station, Lahore.
Finally in 1960 the entire air transport element of the PAF, i.e. Nos. 3, 6 and 12 Squadrons were moved to Chaklala, and since then the base has remained the hub of all peace time military air transport activity in Pakistan. In March 1963, the first four C-130s were received by No. 6 Squadron and on 29 June the C-in-C PAF flew in one of them for the first time. Next day, the Bristol freighters were struck off from the squadron establishment.
Over two years later, in September 65, the technicians and engineers of PAF Chaklala accomplished the unusual feat of making 4 phased out Freighters serviceable for war operations within just two days. During the war the base carried out 297 sorties against the enemy and 5 officers were awarded Sitara-e-Juraat. On 17 April 67 a formation of 5 C-130s flew for the first time in an air display held at Chaklala. In 1971, the base had again become a centre of hectic air transport activity much before the war itself, because of the floods and civil disturbances in East Pakistan.
The base continues its function as a military air transport and VIP movement centre. It has had the privilege of accommodating the main component of Air Headquarters in its modern Transport Conversion School building since the early-80s and boasts of providing functional or administrative support to more than 50 units today.
Badin
In 1962 it was felt necessary by the PAF to establish a radar installation at Badin due to the strategic importance of the area. It was located close to the Indian border, and enemy aircraft taking off from forward Indian airfields in Rajasthan would have to pass through its cover to attack civil and military targets in the lower Sind region between Sukkur and Karachi. For a number of years the base remained an important sector operations centre contributing to the air defence of a large area in the southern region of Pakistan.
The base is located in the typically sandy and flat terrain of the southern Sind where the post-independence availability of water has transformed the countryside into highly productive farm lands.
Due to its remote location, friends did sympathize in the early days if one was posted to Badin. But with the efforts and initiatives of each successive base commander, the technical and domestic facilities at Badin continued to improve and today the base is fully self sufficient in all operational, administrative and recreational respects.
Throughout the 65 war Badin's men bravely warded off air attacks and kept its operational facilities fully intact. On 21 September, When an enemy rocket set ablaze an equipment building, Leading Aircraftman Muhammad Anwar Hussain Khan, a radar mechanic of the maintenance wing, died a hero's death while trying to extinguish this fire. For his courageous conduct Anwar Hussain was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Juraat. He lies buried near the main guard room where floral wreaths are laid on his grave on 7 September every year to renew the memory of his valour.
Some time before the 71 war began, the sector operations centre at Badin was moved to a new location to enable it better to cover a larger area of responsibility. During that war, the observer squadrons of the base were deployed at their assigned surveillance posts and provided excellent and timely warnings to the air defence network. I
n one particular air raid against Badin itself the determined gunners of the ack unit shot down an attacking Mig-21 with their intensive and accurate fire. Much has been done in recent years too by way of further development and modernization of the base. Its responsibilities have been enhanced both in magnitude and in character to enable it to continue its solid contribution to the PAF's operational efficiency.
.,.,,..
Chaklala
Chaklala was already functioning as an RIAF station well before independence and a Para Training School (PTS) was located there. On 12 January 47, a medical training centre under the command of Squadron Leader Haque was also established at Chaklala. On 14 August 47, the PTS had the honour of presenting the guard at the lowering of the RIAF ensign for the last time when RPAF Station Chaklala was born.
The base soon became the scene of intense air activity; in August alone, there were as many as three hundred and nine arrivals and departures in addition to frequent VIP movements.
The station provided all ground handling facilities to Nos 10 and 31 RAF Squadrons which conducted many Dakota flights for the evacuation of non-Muslims from various frontier regions and for air lifting migrants from India to Pakistan. Being located in a most attractive provincial On 20 September 47, the Central Medical Board (CMB) was established at Chaklala under the command of Squadron Leader Mahmood .
Like other RPAF stations, Chaklala was short of manpower and the departure of Indian and RAF units had given it a desolate appearance. Both runways had begun to sink and break up due to soil erosion and excessive traffic, and repairs could not be carried out for want of funds. Meteorological and fire services were almost non-existent and daily requirements were being met on, an adhoc basis.
On 22 June 48, a Bristol Freighter gave a demonstration of loading and unloading of equipment, which was perhaps the first indication of the station becoming a transport base. By October 49, a detachment of 6 Squadron had been established at Chaklala, but the station's main role still related to the function of a forward repair and maintenance unit. No 1 Air 0 P Flight and an air selection centre had also been established here.
On 1 January 50, No 3 University Air Squadron of the Punjab was formed at Chaklala which, alongwith No 1 AOP flight and the 6 Squadron detachment remained the three regular flying elements of the station till June 1954, when the Flying Instructors School (FIS) was established. At about this time No 3 Air Scouts Troop and No 76 MODC Platoon were also raised at Chaklala. By January 56, 4 additional units had come up at the base: No 103 Air Logistic Depot, No 2 Wireless Observer Squadron and No 10 MODC Platoon were established here, while the Central Gliding School (CGS) was, moved up from Drigh Road to Chaklala.
The northern area air transport commitment had meanwhile grown from a single aircraft operation in 1949 to almost the full strength of a squadron, and from the mid-50s onwards,transport squadron personnel were being continuously rotated at Chaklala from their parent station, Lahore.
Finally in 1960 the entire air transport element of the PAF, i.e. Nos. 3, 6 and 12 Squadrons were moved to Chaklala, and since then the base has remained the hub of all peace time military air transport activity in Pakistan. In March 1963, the first four C-130s were received by No. 6 Squadron and on 29 June the C-in-C PAF flew in one of them for the first time. Next day, the Bristol freighters were struck off from the squadron establishment.
Over two years later, in September 65, the technicians and engineers of PAF Chaklala accomplished the unusual feat of making 4 phased out Freighters serviceable for war operations within just two days. During the war the base carried out 297 sorties against the enemy and 5 officers were awarded Sitara-e-Juraat. On 17 April 67 a formation of 5 C-130s flew for the first time in an air display held at Chaklala. In 1971, the base had again become a centre of hectic air transport activity much before the war itself, because of the floods and civil disturbances in East Pakistan.
The base continues its function as a military air transport and VIP movement centre. It has had the privilege of accommodating the main component of Air Headquarters in its modern Transport Conversion School building since the early-80s and boasts of providing functional or administrative support to more than 50 units today.
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Mianwali
During the 1965 war it was realized that Sargodha needed an alternate recovery airfield deeper inside Pakistani territory, and Mianwali was selected as the site for this new air base, partly because a WW II airstrip already existed there already. In addition to serving as a deeper airfield looking east, it would act as a front line base against a threat from the west. Initially it was conceived as a satellite airfield only.
During the 71 war, Mianwali played a very active role and contributed substantially to the war effort of the PAF. It was activated in October 71 with Group Captain S M Dutta as its commander. Detachments of several types of aircraft operated from this' airfield during the war. The Indians found this airfield an attractive target and made regular raids on it for the first three days of war.
However, after suffering heavy losses without causing any damage, the IAF discontinued its raids on Mianwali. Mianwali's battle initiation occurred on the second day of the war. As a pair of F-6s was lining up for take off, 2 enemy Hunters pulled up for attack, having sneaked in undetected. The Hunters aimed at the lined up fighters but poor shooting left both F-6s untouched. As the Hunters pulled out of their attack and started exiting east at low level, one of the F-6 pilots Flight Lieutenant Javed Qazi took off in hot pursuit. Making up for lost time in full afterburner, Qazi never took his eyes off his targets and shot one of them down near Sakesar, about 40 miles from his home base.
For his cool courage in precarious circumstances, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Juraat. During that war, another 4 Indian aircraft were destroyed and one damaged by the pilots and gunners, of this base.
In August 74, Mianwali was upgraded from a satellite to a full-fledged operational base. Wing Commander Sultan Muhammad took over as the first base commander. It took about three more years to complete the remaining framework of a permanent operational base with facilities such as residential camps, messes, and technical complexes. In November 75, No.1 Fighter Conversion Unit was shifted from PAF Base Masroor to Mianwali on a permanent basis and equipped with the Chinese FT-5 (Mig-17T) aircraft.
The FCU was to undertake fighter conversion training of the PAF Academy graduates. Since then this unit has successfully carried out this task, and has trained over 500 fighter, pilots who form the backbone of the PAF combat force today.
The next unit to arrive at Mianwali was No.14 Squadron in November 76. The squadron was assigned the task of carrying out operational conversion of the graduates from No I FCU on their first single-seat fighter.
No.14 Squadron continued to perform this task till August 86 when it was selected for reequipment with F-16s and moved out of Mianwali. The F-6 OCU task is now in the hands of No 25 Squadron. Several additional operational units and facilities have been added to the base during the 1980's.
Mianwali
During the 1965 war it was realized that Sargodha needed an alternate recovery airfield deeper inside Pakistani territory, and Mianwali was selected as the site for this new air base, partly because a WW II airstrip already existed there already. In addition to serving as a deeper airfield looking east, it would act as a front line base against a threat from the west. Initially it was conceived as a satellite airfield only.
During the 71 war, Mianwali played a very active role and contributed substantially to the war effort of the PAF. It was activated in October 71 with Group Captain S M Dutta as its commander. Detachments of several types of aircraft operated from this' airfield during the war. The Indians found this airfield an attractive target and made regular raids on it for the first three days of war.
However, after suffering heavy losses without causing any damage, the IAF discontinued its raids on Mianwali. Mianwali's battle initiation occurred on the second day of the war. As a pair of F-6s was lining up for take off, 2 enemy Hunters pulled up for attack, having sneaked in undetected. The Hunters aimed at the lined up fighters but poor shooting left both F-6s untouched. As the Hunters pulled out of their attack and started exiting east at low level, one of the F-6 pilots Flight Lieutenant Javed Qazi took off in hot pursuit. Making up for lost time in full afterburner, Qazi never took his eyes off his targets and shot one of them down near Sakesar, about 40 miles from his home base.
For his cool courage in precarious circumstances, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Juraat. During that war, another 4 Indian aircraft were destroyed and one damaged by the pilots and gunners, of this base.
In August 74, Mianwali was upgraded from a satellite to a full-fledged operational base. Wing Commander Sultan Muhammad took over as the first base commander. It took about three more years to complete the remaining framework of a permanent operational base with facilities such as residential camps, messes, and technical complexes. In November 75, No.1 Fighter Conversion Unit was shifted from PAF Base Masroor to Mianwali on a permanent basis and equipped with the Chinese FT-5 (Mig-17T) aircraft.
The FCU was to undertake fighter conversion training of the PAF Academy graduates. Since then this unit has successfully carried out this task, and has trained over 500 fighter, pilots who form the backbone of the PAF combat force today.
The next unit to arrive at Mianwali was No.14 Squadron in November 76. The squadron was assigned the task of carrying out operational conversion of the graduates from No I FCU on their first single-seat fighter.
No.14 Squadron continued to perform this task till August 86 when it was selected for reequipment with F-16s and moved out of Mianwali. The F-6 OCU task is now in the hands of No 25 Squadron. Several additional operational units and facilities have been added to the base during the 1980's.
ghazi52
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Peshawar
From 1922 to 1940 Royal Air Force Station Peshawar housed 4 RAF squadrons: Nos 5, 20, 28 and 31. The station provided close support to army units which included the Nowshera Brigade and other field regiments in the North West Frontier.
In March 37, A Flight of No 1 IAF Squadron also moved to Peshawar, for active duties in the frontier area. No 27 IAF Squadron moved to Peshawar for conversion on to Vultee Vengeance dive-bombers.
In October 47 RPAF Station Peshawar, with Wing Commander E Nazirullah as its first station commander, had under its command Nos 5 and 9 RPAF Squadrons, and No 1 AOP Flight.
Besides conversion training, the squadrons conducted extensive armament training, including rocket firing and air to ground gunnery. Major Morris was in command of 1 AOP Flight which was being used for intercommunication and reccee duties in connection with the movement of refugees and also in its basic Air OP role.
The station meteorological section provided forecasting service for the operations staff at Chaklala and Risalpur as well. In December 48, a fighter-bomber wing was formed at Peshawar and a year later Fury aircraft replaced the Tempests in the squadrons. In February 1958, Nos 11 and 15 Squadrons, equipped with F-86F aircraft, moved to Peshawar from Masroor and were joined soon by No 20 Squadron flying RT-33As.
On 10 April 59, an Indian Air Force Canberra entered Pakistani air space, and 2 F-86s of 15 Squadron were scrambled from Peshawar; their successful 'first' is described in the chapter 'Eid Mubarak'. A very important step towards safety was taken at Peshawar on 15 May 58 when an arrester barrier was installed on runway 35.
A massive air display was held on 27 October 64, in which 44 F-86s, 16 B-57s and 10 F-104s from Mauripur and Sargodha took part. It was a demonstration of the air force's new aircraft inventory and attracted large crowds at the Jamrud range.
Wing Commander Amanullah Khan and Group Captain Mian Sadruddin were the officers commanding Peshawar during the 65 and 71 wars respectively. The base performed commendably through both operations. It was from Peshawar that 19 Squadron mounted their spectacular strike on Pathankot.
No 26 Squadron, one of the units earlier based at Peshawar, was reequipped with A-5 III aircraft on 20 June 84. Air Chief Marshal M Anwar Shamim, Chief of the Air Staff, presided over the reequipment ceremony. PAF Base Peshawar's significance as a strategically vital airfield has not diminished. It continues to undertake important border air defence operations necessitated since the 1979 Soviet of Afghanistan.
The officers' mess has lost none of its nostalgic charm for PAF veterans and its tennis courts continue to host the premier national class championships each year. The Peshawar Golf Course, PAF's prized possession and boasting some of the country's best fairways, is proudly managed by the Peshawer base.
Peshawar
From 1922 to 1940 Royal Air Force Station Peshawar housed 4 RAF squadrons: Nos 5, 20, 28 and 31. The station provided close support to army units which included the Nowshera Brigade and other field regiments in the North West Frontier.
In March 37, A Flight of No 1 IAF Squadron also moved to Peshawar, for active duties in the frontier area. No 27 IAF Squadron moved to Peshawar for conversion on to Vultee Vengeance dive-bombers.
In October 47 RPAF Station Peshawar, with Wing Commander E Nazirullah as its first station commander, had under its command Nos 5 and 9 RPAF Squadrons, and No 1 AOP Flight.
Besides conversion training, the squadrons conducted extensive armament training, including rocket firing and air to ground gunnery. Major Morris was in command of 1 AOP Flight which was being used for intercommunication and reccee duties in connection with the movement of refugees and also in its basic Air OP role.
The station meteorological section provided forecasting service for the operations staff at Chaklala and Risalpur as well. In December 48, a fighter-bomber wing was formed at Peshawar and a year later Fury aircraft replaced the Tempests in the squadrons. In February 1958, Nos 11 and 15 Squadrons, equipped with F-86F aircraft, moved to Peshawar from Masroor and were joined soon by No 20 Squadron flying RT-33As.
On 10 April 59, an Indian Air Force Canberra entered Pakistani air space, and 2 F-86s of 15 Squadron were scrambled from Peshawar; their successful 'first' is described in the chapter 'Eid Mubarak'. A very important step towards safety was taken at Peshawar on 15 May 58 when an arrester barrier was installed on runway 35.
A massive air display was held on 27 October 64, in which 44 F-86s, 16 B-57s and 10 F-104s from Mauripur and Sargodha took part. It was a demonstration of the air force's new aircraft inventory and attracted large crowds at the Jamrud range.
Wing Commander Amanullah Khan and Group Captain Mian Sadruddin were the officers commanding Peshawar during the 65 and 71 wars respectively. The base performed commendably through both operations. It was from Peshawar that 19 Squadron mounted their spectacular strike on Pathankot.
No 26 Squadron, one of the units earlier based at Peshawar, was reequipped with A-5 III aircraft on 20 June 84. Air Chief Marshal M Anwar Shamim, Chief of the Air Staff, presided over the reequipment ceremony. PAF Base Peshawar's significance as a strategically vital airfield has not diminished. It continues to undertake important border air defence operations necessitated since the 1979 Soviet of Afghanistan.
The officers' mess has lost none of its nostalgic charm for PAF veterans and its tennis courts continue to host the premier national class championships each year. The Peshawar Golf Course, PAF's prized possession and boasting some of the country's best fairways, is proudly managed by the Peshawer base.
ghazi52
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.,.,
Korangi |
The Royal Air Force established RAF Station Korangi Creek in 1923. The primary role of this beach station on the outskirts of Karachi was to provide embarkation and disembarkation facilities to RAF and other British personnel arriving by civil or military amphibious aircraft, and also to handle receipt and dispatch of cargo on these aircraft. For this purpose, a jetty was built with complete refueling facilities; the aircraft used to alight on the shallow The water in the creek and taxi up to the jetty. Large mooring blocks and picketing points were built for anchorage of the aircraft. Six Nissen huts were erected for storage of cargo and one block known as the Halton Block was built to serve as customs office and passenger lounge. Twelve bungalows were built for married officers and 3 blocks for bachelors. Lord Mountbatten while commanding South East Asia Command during WW II visited this station and stayed in the VIP suite of the present base commander's house. SNCOs and airmen's messes were also constructed together with 20 living-in barracks for airmen and 120 one-room houses for the followers. An aboveground sewerage system was installed and the entire sewerage was ejected into the sea through large cement pipes. Electrical power was provided by 3 engine driven generators located in the station power house; two of these generators are still working (1988) as standby power supply to the base! In 1942, the RAF leased an area of 1,007 acres from the provincial government and the station premises were then properly secured with a perimeter fence. Korangi Creek also served as a logistic base for the aircraft repair depot at Drigh Road through the supply depot there. Aircraft engines and spare parts that were brought to Korangi Creek by amphibious aircraft were eventually transferred to Drigh Road to be made use of. Much of the equipment serviced by the repair depot was channeled through Korangi to Bombay to support RAF units all over India. After independence, the station continued to be commanded and manned by RAF personnel till 1949. In December 49, the first RPAF station commander was Wing Commander A K Malik. At this stage it was decided to make Korangi a technical training base for officers and airmen of the RPAF. In April 51, the first technical school was established at this station and was named the School of Aeronautics (SOA). The school was inaugurated by the prime minister of Pakistan, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan. The SOA soon established its reputation in the PAF and abroad and a large number of foreign countries started sending their air technicians for basic training. In 1963, the School of Electronics (SOE) was moved from PAF Station Malir to Korangi Creek to become the sister institution of the SOA. The need for training PAF engineering officers within the country had been felt immediately after the establishment of the SOA in 1951. However, it was not until the mid-60s that it became feasible to budget for a PAF college of aeronautical engineering. Consequently the CAE was established at PAF Korangi Creek on 1 March 65. The college remained at Korangi Creek for over 21 years till it was shifted to PAF Academy Risalpur. in May 86. Subsequent to CAE's departure three major units of the PAF have been located at Korangi which have enhanced the training role of the base. A premier institution for training selected SNCOs, the JCOs' Academy was established in 1986, and the College of Education, dedicated to instructors' training was set up in the same year. Also the Central Trade Testing Board (CTTB), for many years a Faisal-based unit, was moved to Korangi Creek. To equip this base more comprehensively with the training aids, methods and environment necessary for the PAF's aerospace technicians of the year 2000, Air Headquarters drew up a multistaged modernization plan for Korangi Creek in 1986, which is gradually taking shape. New equipment to introduce state-of-the-art technologies to young trainees has been ordered and the old, makeshift class rooms and labs are being torn down to make place for a completely transformed training base. |
ghazi52
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Sargodha , ...
On the day of commencement of construction of PAF Base Sargodha.
PAF Base Sargodha was originally an abandoned WW2 airfield until July 1951, when a PAF Care and Maintenance Party arrived at the base.
Construction of infrastructure, was completed by 16 November 1959.
On the day of commencement of construction of PAF Base Sargodha.
PAF Base Sargodha was originally an abandoned WW2 airfield until July 1951, when a PAF Care and Maintenance Party arrived at the base.
Construction of infrastructure, was completed by 16 November 1959.
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