Seminar
Pakistan Air Force: Second to None
September 7, 2023
The seminar explored the pivotal role of air power in shaping modern warfare and national defence, drawing lessons from PAF’s historic performance in the 1965 and 1971 wars. It highlighted the enduring legacy of professionalism, strategic leadership, and operational excellence that continues to define the PAF.
About The Event
Air power has emerged as a pivotal and indispensable component of modern warfare and global security. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, was cognisant of the significance of air power, hence in 1947, he laid out a direction to build the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as an “efficient air force, second to none”.
PAF has ever since followed Quaid’s dictum, and maintained high standards of professionalism. The 1965 War between India and Pakistan set the pace for air battles in South Asia with the professional and heroic performance of the PAF. It was one of the major tests of the PAF to defend the country’s airspace against a quantitatively superior adversary. It was a test of leadership, professionalism, and spirit, requiring the force to act swiftly and effectively against an act of aggression. PAF was instrumental in stopping the advance of Indian forces towards Lahore; the tables were turned as fighter pilots rewrote history by achieving and maintaining air superiority against the Indian Air Force (IAF). PAF pilots manifested the finest techniques of air power employment during the 1965 War. Despite being smaller, PAF outmanoeuvred and outsmarted its larger adversary. Its success is attributable to the vision of its leadership, outstanding training standards and extremely motivated and professional airmen who set new standards of courage and bravery.
While PAF is credited with changing the course of the 1965 War, its story of professionalism, competence and success did not end there. PAF displayed similar attributes in the 1971 War to outperform and outmanoeuvre IAF in the air as well as on the ground. PAF’s role in 1965 and 1971 reassured the nation that no matter what the odds are, its sheer professionalism, passion, and perseverance will not let the nation down. We are indebted to our war heroes, who symbolise PAF’s flare, energy and resolve. The professional excellence and matchless commitment indicate that the PAF is indeed a force worthy of the title, ‘Second to None’.
Key Takeaways
- Exemplary Leadership
Leadership plays a crucial role in war and has a significant impact on its outcome. In 1965 and 1971, the strategic brilliance of PAF’s leadership paved the way for its success.
- Qualitative Edge
Possessing a qualitative edge through seamless integration of all capabilities can thwart the quantitative advantage of an adversary.
- Operational Readiness
An air force must possess operational readiness at all times to be prepared to protect the aerial frontiers of the country.
- Fighting Spirit
An indomitable fighting spirit, coupled with superior training and unwavering morale, can be a decisive factor against a numerically superior enemy.
- Timely Decision-Making
Appropriate and timely decisions can enable an air force to overcome its opposition in conflict. This was one of the key determinants of PAF’s success in the 1965 and 1971 Wars.
Policy Considerations
- Technological Advancement
PAF may continuously assess its force structure to ensure that it remains agile and adaptable to evolving security threats. This includes striking a balance between offensive and defensive capabilities to meet the full spectrum of security challenges.
- Indigenisation and Self-Sufficiency
A comprehensive strategic plan may be developed for achieving self-reliance through indeginsation besides other objectives. Science and technology hubs dedicated to research and development may also be established to foster collaboration between government agencies, academia, and industry.
- Training and HR Development
Basic and advanced training programmes may be reorganised and established to ensure that PAF personnel are well-trained and equipped to operate and maintain sophisticated aircraft and systems. This also includes collaborating with international air forces through joint exercises and exchange programmes to expose the personnel to different operational scenarios for honing their skills on modern lines.
- Strategic Financial Planning
PAF may develop a long-term budgetary plan that balances procurement of modern equipment with fiscal constraints, whereby procurements must be prioritised according to threats, and cost-effective solutions should be favoured. This will ensure that essential capabilities are not compromised.
- Bolstering Cyber Resilience
The cyber domain requires continuous focus, and besides offensive abilities, a resilience strategy may be evolved to protect critical systems from attacks and to ensure quick recovery in case of breaches.
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
PAF needs to continue to focus on streamlining logistics and supply chain management processes to ensure timely and cost-efficient delivery of spare parts, fuel and other critical resources to its units.
- Morale
Initiatives may be launched to keep the morale of PAF personnel high to ensure that they can demonstrate the same fighting spirit in future conflicts.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive report capturing expert analyses, strategic insights, key recommendations, media coverage, and event highlights.
Guest Speakers
Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail (Retd)
Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail (Retd) is a highly qualified military professional, holds an MSc in Strategic Studies and graduated from the Air War College and the National Defence University. Throughout his career, he has held significant roles, including commanding a Fighter Squadron and Fighter Wing, serving as the Director of Operations at Air Headquarters (AHQ). He also commanded a PAF Base. He has also been a guest speaker at international institutions and a member of a panel for regional security in the United States. He is the author of three books Great Air Battles of Pakistan Air Force, In the Ring and on Its Feet PAF in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and Against All Odds. His prestigious awards include Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military)
Air Commodore Khalid Farooq Chishti (Retd)
Air Commodore Khalid Farooq Chishti’s (Retd) educational qualifications include an MSc in Strategic Studies and graduation from the Air War College and the National Defence University. His career highlights his leadership capabilities, having commanded a Fighter Squadron and later serving as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (ACAS) at AHQ. His dedication to PAF continued as he took on the role of SASO ADC and eventually commanded a PAF Base. Beyond his military service, he extended his expertise to academia by serving as an Adjunct Faculty Member at both LUMS and UMT, fostering the growth of future leaders. Additionally, he excelled in the business world as the CEO of Aspire Pakistan Business Group. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he has been honoured with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and the Sitara-e-Basalat awards.
Air Commodore Farooq Haider Khan (Retd)
Air Commodore Farooq Haider Khan (Retd) is a graduate of the PAF Staff College and holds a BSc (Hons) degree. He undertook a series of crucial professional assignments, including operations in Bajaur in 1961/62 and overseeing Ran of Katch operations in 1964/65. He demonstrated exemplary service during the 1965 and 1971 Wars, contributing significantly to the nation’s defence. His leadership abilities were evident as he commanded 11 different units and later served as the ACAS at AHQ. He is credited with the destruction of 18 Indian aircraft, showcasing his exceptional combat skills. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in designing lifts for radars, creating video maps for Condor and AR 75 Radar Systems, and developing a Balloon Barrage Deployment Plan for bases. His innovative thinking also led to the conceptualisation of an Air Defence System for Abu Dhabi. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he has received prestigious awards and honours, including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military).
Air Commodore Abdul Basit (Retd)
Air Commodore Abdul Basit (Retd) is a graduate of the National Defence University and also holds a BSc degree. Throughout his career, he undertook significant roles, including serving as the Director of Bajaur Operations in 1961/62 and rendering valiant service during the 1965 and 1971 Wars. His leadership skills were evident as he commanded both a Flying Squadron and a Flying Wing, contributing to the operational success of PAF. His dedication to PAF continued with his appointment as the Air Secretary at AHQ. He also commanded two PAF Bases. His achievements and accreditations include being a key member of PAF Offensive Operations and serving as an instructor at the Libyan Air Academy. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, he received Sitara-e-Jurrat, Sitara-eImtiaz (Military), and Sitara-e-Basalat.
Event Chair
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President, CASS Lahore
Event Coordinator
Group Captain Faisal Ul Rehman
Director O&A, CASS Lahore
Master of The Ceremony
Sabina Babar
Researcher, CASS Lahore
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
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