Pakistan Air Force: Second to None

A seminar titled “Pakistan Air Force: Second to None” was organised by the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, on 7 September 2023. The seminar paid tribute to the unwavering commitment, professionalism, and extraordinary feats of PAF throughout its history. PAF’s pivotal role in the 1965 and 1971 Wars was discussed at length to highlight the nation’s trust in its sheer determination, passion, and proficiency.

 

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail (Retd) delivered a compelling keynote address, shedding light on pivotal moments in PAF’s history. He began by recounting the valiant efforts of PAF during the early days of Pakistan’s independence. He highlighted a supply drop mission in 1948, where an ageing DC-3 Dakota, led by Flying Officer Mukhtar Dogar, engaged in a dramatic 20-minute combat with Indian Tempest fighters. This incident marked the award of PAF’s first Sitara-e-Jurrat, setting a precedent for bravery. He also provided insights into the 1965 and 1971 Wars, emphasising the strategic brilliance of PAF’s leadership, the courage of squadron commanders, and the comparative failings of the IAF.

 

Despite a numerically superior adversary, PAF emerged victorious in 1965 and held its ground in 1971, thanks to meticulous planning and professionalism. He attributed PAF’s feats in 1965 to the leadership of Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Air Marshal Nur Khan, who had formulated sound war plans and demonstrated prompt decision-making abilities. He also highlighted Squadron Commanders’ central role in PAF’s success, with examples like M M Alam and Sarfaraz Rafiqui inspiring the entire Air Force through their exceptional feats. PAF’s superior planning, agility, and effective deployment of resources allowed them to outperform the IAF, as seen in the attrition rates and combat outcomes. In the 1971 War, despite the odds, PAF continued to showcase its resilience and adaptability. Its strategic offensive operations were designed to dilute IAF’s resources, keeping the enemy busy while its air defence and army anti-aircraft artillery contributed to the destruction of Indian aircraft. The diverse experience of PAF pilots, who had trained on various types of aircraft, was a key factor in their success.

 

In a heartfelt address, Air Commodore Khalid Chishti (Retd) paid tribute to the remarkable heroes of PAF who demonstrated exceptional valour and selflessness in the defence of the nation. From the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam to the legendary feats of fighter pilots like M M Alam, these individuals left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s history. He shared poignant stories of sacrifice and courage, highlighting lesser-known heroes like Squadron Leader Shabbir Alam Siddiqui and Group Captain Cecil Chaudhary, who displayed unwavering dedication during wartime. Their stories serve as a testament to the PAF’s enduring legacy of excellence and selflessness.

 

These narratives highlight the profound respect and love that the PAF and its personnel have held for the leaders and defenders, exemplifying the unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation’s freedom and peace. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of these brave individuals.

 

Air Commodore Farooq Haider Khan (Retd) emphasised the critical role of well-trained pilots and air defence controllers in Pakistan’s success and resilience during the 1965 and 1971 Wars. Despite a significant disparity in aircraft numbers, PAF prevailed due to the adoptive, innovative and aggressive attitude displayed by its personnel. One notable example was Flight Lieutenant Yousaf’s mission against six Indian Gnats, where he initially found himself outnumbered but managed to turn the situation around with the assistance of an F-104. He also highlighted Pakistan’s innovative approaches to air defence, such as spoofing and jamming, which contributed to downing enemy aircraft. Additionally, he acknowledged the invaluable contributions of civilian volunteers in building protective sandbag barriers and camouflage sites, ensuring the safety of PAF assets near the border. These anecdotes highlight the significance of quality over quantity in wartime scenarios. Air Commodore Farooq’s (Retd) talk vividly illustrated how PAF’s prowess and resourcefulness played a pivotal role in overcoming numerical disadvantages during key conflicts. He emphasised the importance of skilled personnel, innovative strategies, and civilian support in achieving military objectives. These historical accounts serve as a testament to Pakistan’s ability to leverage its strengths and adapt to challenging situations during wartime, ultimately resulting in successful outcomes.

 

Air Commodore Abdul Basit (Retd), in his enlightening discussion, stressed the significance of learning from the past for future progress. He vividly recounted his experiences, both as a witness to Pakistan’s early days and as a pilot in the PAF during the 1965 and 1971 Wars. He highlighted remarkable achievements of the PAF, including setting world records and executing challenging missions, such as night bombings on Indian airfields. Notably, he shared lesser-known stories of courage and resourcefulness, highlighting the dedication of the PAF personnel who often went above and beyond their call of duty. His anecdotes shed light on the challenges faced by PAF and the uncelebrated heroes who contributed to its legacy. Air Commodore Basit’s (Retd) narratives provided valuable insights into the courage and commitment displayed by PAF during critical wartime operations. The accounts of innovative tactics, unwavering dedication, and the human element in these missions highlighted the resilience and resourcefulness of the PAF in the face of adversity. These stories serve as a testament to the exceptional individuals and their contributions to Pakistan’s military history, illustrating the importance of honouring their sacrifices and learning from their experiences to mark a brighter future.

 

During the Q&A session, several crucial issues were discussed, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Pakistan. The importance of nurturing a strong connection between the armed forces and the civilian population was emphasised, with the speakers highlighting that the nation’s support is essential for the success of any military endeavour. The session also addressed the evolving landscape of modern warfare, with concerns raised about the need for Pakistan to keep pace with advancements in technology, education, and economic stability to ensure its national security in an ever-changing world.

 

In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS, Lahore, reiterated the remarkable achievements and resilience of the PAF during the 1965 and 1971 Wars. Despite facing significant odds, PAF demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and strategic prowess. These historical lessons emphasised the importance of training, modern equipment, and indigenous technological capabilities for maintaining a vigilant and potent air force crucial for ensuring national security and regional stability in today’s dynamic and challenging geopolitical environment. Moreover, he emphasised that for an effective, watchful, and hard-hitting air force, it is important to have focused training; state-of-the-art equipment and weapons; and a self-sufficient industrial base with indigenously developed technologies. He highlighted that under the leadership of the current Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, PAF has undergone a strategic reset in terms of combat training, along with the acquisition of requisite equipment and infrastructure development, to maintain its legacy of having cutting-edge combat capabilities.