List of Pakistan Air Force aircraft squadrons
Encyclopedia
Squadrons are the most basic flying unit of the Pakistan Air Force
(PAF). Combat aircraft squadrons contain around 20 aircraft. Squadron titles incorporate a squadron number and each squadron also has a nickname associated with it. PAF squadrons are organised into wings which contain multiple squadrons.
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Name
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Operational
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Role
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Notes
|-valign="top"
|style="width:90px"| No. 1 Sqn
| Rahbars
| 1975
1975—1987
1987
1987—
|style="width:120px"|
FT-5
FT-5
FT-5
|
FCU
AD
FCU
| Set up in 1975 at PAF Base Masroor before moving to PAF Base Mianwali. A fighter conversion unit (FCU) training pilots to fly the Shenyang F-6, Nanchang A-5 and Chengdu F-7 fighters.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 2 Sqn
| Minhas
| 1956
1956—1972
1972—1979
1979—1982
1982—1986
1986—1990
1990—1993
1993—
|
T-33A
T-33A, RT-33A
T-33A, RT-33A
T-33, RT-33, B-57
T-33, RT-33A
F-7P, T-33A, RT-33A
F-7P
|
FCU
FCU, R
Various
Various
Various
Various
AS
| Set up in 1956 with T-33A. Split into two flights, A flight for F-7P operations and B flight for T-33A/RT-33A operations. T-33A/RT-33A retired in 1993.
|-valign="top"
| No. 5 Sqn
| Falcons
| 1947
1947~1950s
~1950s—
—1967
1967—2010
2010—
|
Tempest II
Hawker Fury
F-86 Sabre
Mirage III
F-16C+/D+
|
RP, TA
MR
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 6 Sqn
| Antelopes
| 1947
1947—1950
1950—1963
1963—
|
C-47
C-47, Freighter
C-130
|
| No. 6 Squadron performed 71 sorties during run-up to Pakistan's 1998 nuclear tests, transporting 575 tonnes of cargo. Also known as the Antelopes.
|-valign="top"
| No. 7 Sqn
| Bandits
| 1960
1960—1982
1982—1988
1989—1990
1990—1991
1991—1993
1997—
|
B-57 Canberra
Nanchang A-5C
Nanchang A-5C
Nanchang A-5C
Mirage III
Mirage III ROSE I
|
LB
TA
OCU
TA
MR
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 8 Sqn
| Haiders
| 1960—
1982—
1993—
| B-57 Canberra
Mirage 5
Mirage 5
|
MS
| Formed as part of No. 31 Bomber Wing on 11 May 1960, equipped with the B-57 Canberra
and lead by Squadron Leader Muhammad Iqbal. Disbanded and resources amalgamated with No. 7 Squadron after the 1965 Indo-Pak War due to B-57 spare parts supply being stopped by United States. Re-activated with Dassault Mirage 5
in 1982.
|-valign="top"
| No. 9 Sqn
| Griffins
| 1943
1943—1947
1947—1950
1950—1961
1961-~1971
1973—1977
1977—1984
1984—
|
Tempest II
Fury FB.60
F-104A
Mirage 5PA
Mirage 5PA
F-16 A/B
|
TA
OCU
MR
| Second unit to be equipped with the F-16. Credited with 3 kills: two Su-22 on 17 May 1986 by Squadron Leader Mohammed Yousaf and an An-26 on 30 March 1987 by Squadron Leader Sikander Hayat. Equipped with the ATLIS II
targeting pod in 1987 for ground attack role. Commanded by Wg. Cmd. Aamir Masood in 2006, who is now flying Sukhoi Su-30MKK
with the Chinese Navy (PLAN)
.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 10 Sqn
|
| 1959
1959—1960
2009—
|
B-57 Canberra
Il-78 Midas
|
OCU
MRTT
| Established as the No. 10 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Squadron with delivery of the PAF's first Il-78 in December 2009 and operating from PAF Base Chaklala
.
|-valign="top"
| No. 11 Sqn
| Arrows
| 1949
1949—1949
1951—1956
1956—1966
1966—1983
1983—
|
Attacker
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6
F-16
|
LB
FI
FB
AS
MR, OCU
| First PAF squadron to operate a jet-powered fighter.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 12 Sqn
| Globe Trotters
|
1950—1950
1951—1953
1953—?
Presently
|
Halifax Mk.6/Mk.8
Halifax Mk.6/Mk.8 ?
Viking, Dakota, Fury, Halifax
A-310,B707,Phenom 100,Gulf Stream IV
|
| Made No. 12 Composite Squadron in September 1953.
|-valign="top"
| No. 13 Sqn
|
|
2009—
|
Saab 2000 Erieye
|
AEW&C
| First Saab 2000 Erieye delivered December 2009.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 14 Sqn
| Tail choppers
| 1948
1948—1949
1949—
1956—1971
1972—1986
1986—1993
1993—
|
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6, FT-6
F-16
F-7P
|
OCU
| A pilot was lost when he ejected over the Himalayas while ferrying an FT-6 from China in May 1977.
|-valign="top"
| No. 15 Sqn
| Cobras
| 1956
1956—1973
1973—1976
1976—1993
1993—1997
1998—
|
F-86 Sabre
, T-33
Shenyang F-6
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Mirage III
|
TA
AS
TA
| Number-plated in August 1997, was scheduled to convert to ex-French Mirages in the tactical attack role.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 16 Sqn
| Panthers
| 1957
1957—1963
1970—1972
1982—1983
1983— 2011
2011-
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6
A-5C, FT-6
JF-17 Thunder
| TA
TA
MR
| Became the Fighter Leaders School in 1971. First squadron to fly A-5C, first A-5s landing at PAF Base Rafiqui on 12 February 1983. Converted pilots of No. 7 and No. 26 Squadrons to fly the A-5. Flew against the F-16 extensively during dissimilar aircraft combat training (DACT) in 1985. Also flew 1v1 DACT missions against the F-7P in 1988. In 1990, Wing Commander Zafar took part in an evaluation of the Nanchang A-5M and A-5F. Officially converted to the JF-17 Thunder
on 11 April 2010.
|-valign="top"
| No. 17 Sqn
| Tigers
| 1957
1958—1977
1977—2001
2001-
|
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6
F-7PG
|
| Operated F-6 from 1977 to 2001.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 18 Sqn
| War Hawks
| 1958
1958—1980
1981—1989
1989—
1999—
|
F-86 Sabre
Mirage 5
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu F-7P
|
TA
TA
OCU
| Previously named Sharpshooters.
|-valign="top"
| No. 19 Sqn
| Sherdils
(English: Lion-hearted)
| 1958
1958—1977
1977—1989
1990—
|
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu FT-7
|
AS
AS
OCU
| All aircraft damaged by a hail storm during the night of 13 October 1997. (NoteNot to be confused with PAF aerobatics Team Sherdils
.)
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 20 Sqn
| Eagles
| 1956
1956—1972
1972—1986
1986—1988
1988—?
Presently
|
RT-33
Mirage IIIRP
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu F-7PG
|
PR
TA, PR
AS
|
|-valign="top"
| No. 22 Sqn
| Ghazis
| 1984
| Mirage IIIDE,5EF
| OCU
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 23 Sqn
| Talons
| 1961
1961—1964
1966—
1975—2002
2002—
|
Hawker Fury
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7PG
|
AS
| F-6 retired in 2002.
|-valign="top"
| No. 24 Sqn
| Blinders
| 1962
1962-~1977
1987—
|
RB-57
Falcon DA-20
|
ELINT
EW
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 25 Sqn
| Night Strike Eagles
| 1966
1966—1995
1996—1998
1997—
|
Shenyang F-6
Mirage III ROSE I
Mirage 5EF ROSE II
|
TA
| One of the first two squadrons to be equipped with the Shenyang F-6. Changed to specialist night attack role in March 1997.
|-valign="top"
| No. 26 Sqn
| Black Spiders
| 1967
1967—1980
1980—1984
1984—2011
2010—
|
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6
A-5C
JF-17 Thunder
|
AS
TA
MR
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 27 Sqn
| Zarrars
| 2007
2007—
|
Mirage 5 ROSE III
|
TA
| Named after Hazrat Zarrar Bin Al Azwar (RA), the favorite Lieutenant of Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid (RA).
|-valign="top"
| Sherdils
|
| 1972
1972—2010
2010—
| K-8 Karakorum
T-37 Tweet
K-8 Karakorum
|
| The Sherdils Squadron is the aerobatics display team of the Pakistan Air Force Academy, based at PAF Risalpur. The team flew the T-37 Tweet until circa 2010, when they switched to the K-8 Karakorum, and is composed of instructors of the Basic Flying Training (BFT) Wing.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 81 Sqn
| Kangaroos
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Peshawar.
|-valign="top"
| No. 82 Sqn
|
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Mushaf.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 83 Sqn
| Dolphins
|
| Alouette 3, Mi-171Sh
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Masroor.
|-valign="top"
| No. 85 Sqn
|
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Samungli.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 86 Sqn
| Ababeel
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Mianwali.
|-valign="top"
| No. 87 Sqn
|
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Minhas.
|-valign="top"
|CCS
|Skybolts
|
|
Mirage 5PA
Mirage IIIO
|
ATT
|Combat Commanders School (CCS), named Skybolts.
|-valign="top"
|CCS
|Dashings
|
1976—1992
1992—
|
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
|
ATT
|Combat Commanders School (CCS).
Key:
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Operational
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Role
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Comments
|-valign="top"
|style="width:180px"| No. 4 Squadron
| 1959—1969
1959—1960
1960—1969
|style="width:180px"|
SA-16 Albatross
Bristol Freighter
SA-16 Albatross
Sikorsky H-19D
|
MR
T
MR
SAR
| Formed on 15 August 1959 with four Bristol Freighters and four Grumman SA-16 Albatross amphibious aircraft, two of which were transferred from No. 12 squadron. Strength reduced to two SA-16 and two Sikorsky H-19D on 8 July 1960. SA-16 aircraft taken out of service on 19 August 1968, later followed by the H-19D. Squadron "number-plated" in March 1969.
|-valign="top"
| JF-17 TEF
| 2007—2010
| JF-17
| T&E
| Established on 20 February 2007 as JF-17 Test and Evaluation Flight, commanded by Wg Cdr Ahsan Rafiq and stationed at PAF Base Minhas, Kamra. Transformed into No. 26 Black Spiders Squadron on 18 February 2010 when No. 26 officially converted from the Nanchang A-5C to the JF-17.
Key:
SAR = Search and Rescue
MR = Maritime Reconnaissance
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
(PAF). Combat aircraft squadrons contain around 20 aircraft. Squadron titles incorporate a squadron number and each squadron also has a nickname associated with it. PAF squadrons are organised into wings which contain multiple squadrons.
Active squadrons
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Squadron! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Name
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Operational
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Role
! style="text-align: left; background: lavender;"|Notes
|-valign="top"
|style="width:90px"| No. 1 Sqn
| Rahbars
| 1975
1975—1987
1987
1987—
|style="width:120px"|
FT-5
Shenyang J-5
The Shenyang J-5 , originally designated Dongfeng-101 - , and also Type 56 before being designated J-5 in 1964, is a Chinese-built single-seat jet interceptor and fighter aircraft derived from the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17. The J-5 was exported as the F-5...
FT-5
Shenyang J-5
The Shenyang J-5 , originally designated Dongfeng-101 - , and also Type 56 before being designated J-5 in 1964, is a Chinese-built single-seat jet interceptor and fighter aircraft derived from the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17. The J-5 was exported as the F-5...
FT-5
Shenyang J-5
The Shenyang J-5 , originally designated Dongfeng-101 - , and also Type 56 before being designated J-5 in 1964, is a Chinese-built single-seat jet interceptor and fighter aircraft derived from the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17. The J-5 was exported as the F-5...
|
FCU
AD
FCU
| Set up in 1975 at PAF Base Masroor before moving to PAF Base Mianwali. A fighter conversion unit (FCU) training pilots to fly the Shenyang F-6, Nanchang A-5 and Chengdu F-7 fighters.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 2 Sqn
| Minhas
| 1956
1956—1972
1972—1979
1979—1982
1982—1986
1986—1990
1990—1993
1993—
|
T-33A
T-33A, RT-33A
T-33A, RT-33A
T-33, RT-33, B-57
T-33, RT-33A
F-7P, T-33A, RT-33A
F-7P
|
FCU
FCU, R
Various
Various
Various
Various
AS
| Set up in 1956 with T-33A. Split into two flights, A flight for F-7P operations and B flight for T-33A/RT-33A operations. T-33A/RT-33A retired in 1993.
|-valign="top"
| No. 5 Sqn
No. 5 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 5 Squadron, named the Falcons, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron, the second oldest fighter squadron since the PAF's creation in 1947.-History:...
| Falcons
No. 5 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 5 Squadron, named the Falcons, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron, the second oldest fighter squadron since the PAF's creation in 1947.-History:...
| 1947
1947~1950s
~1950s—
—1967
1967—2010
2010—
|
Tempest II
Hawker Tempest
The Hawker Tempest was a British fighter aircraft primarily used by the Royal Air Force in the Second World War. The Tempest was an improved derivative of the Hawker Typhoon, and one of the most powerful fighter aircraft used during the war....
Hawker Fury
Hawker Fury
The Hawker Fury was a British biplane fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s. It was originally named the Hornet and was the counterpart to the Hawker Hart light bomber.-Design and development:...
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Mirage III
F-16C+/D+
|
RP, TA
MR
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 6 Sqn
No. 6 Squadron PAF
The No. 6 Squadron, named the Antelopes, is a transport squadron of the Pakistan Air Force..-History:The squadron was formed on August 14, 1947 at Maripur, Karachi. While it was formed without any aircraft or equipment on its charge, its first Commanding officer was Flight-Lieutenant M. J. Khan...
| Antelopes
No. 6 Squadron PAF
The No. 6 Squadron, named the Antelopes, is a transport squadron of the Pakistan Air Force..-History:The squadron was formed on August 14, 1947 at Maripur, Karachi. While it was formed without any aircraft or equipment on its charge, its first Commanding officer was Flight-Lieutenant M. J. Khan...
| 1947
1947—1950
1950—1963
1963—
|
C-47
C-47, Freighter
Bristol Freighter
The Bristol Type 170 Freighter was a British twin-engine aircraft designed and built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as both a freighter and airliner, although its best known use is as an air ferry to carry cars and their passengers over relatively short distances.-Design and development:The...
C-130
|
| No. 6 Squadron performed 71 sorties during run-up to Pakistan's 1998 nuclear tests, transporting 575 tonnes of cargo. Also known as the Antelopes.
|-valign="top"
| No. 7 Sqn
No. 7 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 7 Squadron, named the Bandits, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established as No. 7 Light Bomber squadron in June 1960, equipped with the Martin B-57 Canberra light bomber, commanded by Squadron Leader Ayaz A. Khan and assigned the airfield strike and deep...
| Bandits
No. 7 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 7 Squadron, named the Bandits, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established as No. 7 Light Bomber squadron in June 1960, equipped with the Martin B-57 Canberra light bomber, commanded by Squadron Leader Ayaz A. Khan and assigned the airfield strike and deep...
| 1960
1960—1982
1982—1988
1989—1990
1990—1991
1991—1993
1997—
|
B-57 Canberra
B-57 Canberra
The Martin B-57 Canberra was a United States-built, twin jet engine light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, which entered service with the United States Air Force in 1953. The B-57 was initially a version of the English Electric Canberra built under license. However, the Glenn L...
Nanchang A-5C
Nanchang A-5C
Nanchang A-5C
Mirage III
Mirage III ROSE I
|
LB
TA
OCU
TA
MR
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 8 Sqn
| Haiders
| 1960—
1982—
1993—
| B-57 Canberra
B-57 Canberra
The Martin B-57 Canberra was a United States-built, twin jet engine light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, which entered service with the United States Air Force in 1953. The B-57 was initially a version of the English Electric Canberra built under license. However, the Glenn L...
Mirage 5
Mirage 5
|
MS
| Formed as part of No. 31 Bomber Wing on 11 May 1960, equipped with the B-57 Canberra
B-57 Canberra
The Martin B-57 Canberra was a United States-built, twin jet engine light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, which entered service with the United States Air Force in 1953. The B-57 was initially a version of the English Electric Canberra built under license. However, the Glenn L...
and lead by Squadron Leader Muhammad Iqbal. Disbanded and resources amalgamated with No. 7 Squadron after the 1965 Indo-Pak War due to B-57 spare parts supply being stopped by United States. Re-activated with Dassault Mirage 5
Dassault Mirage 5
The Dassault Mirage 5 is a supersonic attack aircraft designed in France by Dassault Aviation during the 1960s, and manufactured in France and a number of other countries. It was derived from Dassault's popular Mirage III fighter, and spawned several variants of its own.-Early development:The...
in 1982.
|-valign="top"
| No. 9 Sqn
| Griffins
| 1943
1943—1947
1947—1950
1950—1961
1961-~1971
1973—1977
1977—1984
1984—
|
Tempest II
Hawker Tempest
The Hawker Tempest was a British fighter aircraft primarily used by the Royal Air Force in the Second World War. The Tempest was an improved derivative of the Hawker Typhoon, and one of the most powerful fighter aircraft used during the war....
Fury FB.60
Hawker Fury
The Hawker Fury was a British biplane fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s. It was originally named the Hornet and was the counterpart to the Hawker Hart light bomber.-Design and development:...
F-104A
Mirage 5PA
Mirage 5PA
F-16 A/B
|
TA
OCU
MR
| Second unit to be equipped with the F-16. Credited with 3 kills: two Su-22 on 17 May 1986 by Squadron Leader Mohammed Yousaf and an An-26 on 30 March 1987 by Squadron Leader Sikander Hayat. Equipped with the ATLIS II
ATLIS II
The Thomson-CSF ATLIS II is a French laser/electro-optical targeting pod for fighter bomber and attack aircraft.ATLIS was developed starting in 1976, entering service in 1980...
targeting pod in 1987 for ground attack role. Commanded by Wg. Cmd. Aamir Masood in 2006, who is now flying Sukhoi Su-30MKK
Sukhoi Su-30MKK
The Sukhoi Su-30MKK is a modification of the Su-27 SK manufactured since 1999 by KnAAPO and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is considered an upgraded version of Sukhoi Su-30. It was jointly developed by Russia and China, similar to the Su-30MKI. It is a heavy class, all-weather, long-range...
with the Chinese Navy (PLAN)
People's Liberation Army Navy
The People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 10 Sqn
|
| 1959
1959—1960
2009—
|
B-57 Canberra
B-57 Canberra
The Martin B-57 Canberra was a United States-built, twin jet engine light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, which entered service with the United States Air Force in 1953. The B-57 was initially a version of the English Electric Canberra built under license. However, the Glenn L...
Il-78 Midas
|
OCU
MRTT
| Established as the No. 10 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Squadron with delivery of the PAF's first Il-78 in December 2009 and operating from PAF Base Chaklala
PAF Base Chaklala
PAF Base Chaklala is an active Pakistan Air Force airbase located in Chaklala Rawalpindi, Punjab province, Pakistan. It also forms part of Islamabad International Airport.-History:The base was originally operated by the Royal Air Force as R.A.F...
.
|-valign="top"
| No. 11 Sqn
| Arrows
| 1949
1949—1949
1951—1956
1956—1966
1966—1983
1983—
|
Attacker
Supermarine Attacker
The Supermarine Attacker was a British single-seat naval jet fighter built by Supermarine for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm . It was the FAA's first jet fighter.-Design and development:...
F-86 Sabre
Shenyang F-6
F-16
|
LB
FI
FB
AS
MR, OCU
| First PAF squadron to operate a jet-powered fighter.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 12 Sqn
| Globe Trotters
|
1950—1950
1951—1953
1953—?
Presently
|
Halifax Mk.6/Mk.8
Halifax Mk.6/Mk.8 ?
Viking, Dakota, Fury, Halifax
A-310,B707,Phenom 100,Gulf Stream IV
|
| Made No. 12 Composite Squadron in September 1953.
|-valign="top"
| No. 13 Sqn
|
|
2009—
|
Saab 2000 Erieye
Erieye radar
The Erieye radar system, is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System developed by Saab Microwave Systems of Sweden. It is based on the Active Electronically Scanned Array . The Erieye is used on a variety of aircraft platforms, such as the Brazilian Embraer E-99 or EMB-145...
|
AEW&C
| First Saab 2000 Erieye delivered December 2009.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 14 Sqn
| Tail choppers
| 1948
1948—1949
1949—
1956—1971
1972—1986
1986—1993
1993—
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Shenyang F-6, FT-6
F-16
F-7P
|
OCU
| A pilot was lost when he ejected over the Himalayas while ferrying an FT-6 from China in May 1977.
|-valign="top"
| No. 15 Sqn
| Cobras
| 1956
1956—1973
1973—1976
1976—1993
1993—1997
1998—
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
, T-33
T-33
T-33 may refer to:*T-33 Shooting Star a U.S. jet trainer*T-33 Light Amphibious Tank a Soviet light tankSimilar designations:*Alfa Romeo Tipo 33*London Buses route T33*Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33...
Shenyang F-6
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Mirage III
|
TA
AS
TA
| Number-plated in August 1997, was scheduled to convert to ex-French Mirages in the tactical attack role.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 16 Sqn
No. 16 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 16 Squadron, named the Black Panthers, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established in 1957, equipped with the F-86F Sabre, commanded by Squadron Leader Imam-ul-Haq Khan and assigned the role of Tactical Attack...
| Panthers
No. 16 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 16 Squadron, named the Black Panthers, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established in 1957, equipped with the F-86F Sabre, commanded by Squadron Leader Imam-ul-Haq Khan and assigned the role of Tactical Attack...
| 1957
1957—1963
1970—1972
1982—1983
1983— 2011
2011-
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Shenyang F-6
A-5C, FT-6
JF-17 Thunder
JF-17 Thunder
The PAC JF-17 Thunder , or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong , is a light-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation of China, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex...
| TA
TA
MR
| Became the Fighter Leaders School in 1971. First squadron to fly A-5C, first A-5s landing at PAF Base Rafiqui on 12 February 1983. Converted pilots of No. 7 and No. 26 Squadrons to fly the A-5. Flew against the F-16 extensively during dissimilar aircraft combat training (DACT) in 1985. Also flew 1v1 DACT missions against the F-7P in 1988. In 1990, Wing Commander Zafar took part in an evaluation of the Nanchang A-5M and A-5F. Officially converted to the JF-17 Thunder
JF-17 Thunder
The PAC JF-17 Thunder , or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong , is a light-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation of China, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex...
on 11 April 2010.
|-valign="top"
| No. 17 Sqn
| Tigers
| 1957
1958—1977
1977—2001
2001-
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Shenyang F-6
F-7PG
|
| Operated F-6 from 1977 to 2001.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 18 Sqn
| War Hawks
| 1958
1958—1980
1981—1989
1989—
1999—
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Mirage 5
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu F-7P
|
TA
TA
OCU
| Previously named Sharpshooters.
|-valign="top"
| No. 19 Sqn
| Sherdils
(English: Lion-hearted)
| 1958
1958—1977
1977—1989
1990—
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu FT-7
|
AS
AS
OCU
| All aircraft damaged by a hail storm during the night of 13 October 1997. (NoteNot to be confused with PAF aerobatics Team Sherdils
Sherdils
Sherdils is the aerobatics display team of the Pakistan Air Force Academy based at the PAF Academy, Risalpur, Pakistan. The team flies nine K-8 Karakorum trainer aircraft and used to fly the T-37 "Tweety Bird"...
.)
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 20 Sqn
| Eagles
| 1956
1956—1972
1972—1986
1986—1988
1988—?
Presently
|
RT-33
Mirage IIIRP
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu F-7PG
|
PR
TA, PR
AS
|
|-valign="top"
| No. 22 Sqn
| Ghazis
| 1984
| Mirage IIIDE,5EF
| OCU
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 23 Sqn
| Talons
| 1961
1961—1964
1966—
1975—2002
2002—
|
Hawker Fury
Hawker Fury
The Hawker Fury was a British biplane fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s. It was originally named the Hornet and was the counterpart to the Hawker Hart light bomber.-Design and development:...
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7PG
|
AS
| F-6 retired in 2002.
|-valign="top"
| No. 24 Sqn
No. 24 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 24 Squadron, named the Blinders, is an electronic warfare unit of the Pakistan Air Force.-History:The squadron was established at PAF Base Peshawar in December 1962 and equipped with the RB-57F, an electronic surveillance variant of the B-57 Canberra bomber, to fulfil the role of providing...
| Blinders
No. 24 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 24 Squadron, named the Blinders, is an electronic warfare unit of the Pakistan Air Force.-History:The squadron was established at PAF Base Peshawar in December 1962 and equipped with the RB-57F, an electronic surveillance variant of the B-57 Canberra bomber, to fulfil the role of providing...
| 1962
1962-~1977
1987—
|
RB-57
Falcon DA-20
Dassault Falcon 20
The Dassault Falcon 20 is a French business jet and was the first of a family of business jets built by Dassault Aviation.-Design and development:...
|
ELINT
EW
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 25 Sqn
| Night Strike Eagles
| 1966
1966—1995
1996—1998
1997—
|
Shenyang F-6
Mirage III ROSE I
Mirage 5EF ROSE II
|
TA
| One of the first two squadrons to be equipped with the Shenyang F-6. Changed to specialist night attack role in March 1997.
|-valign="top"
| No. 26 Sqn
No. 26 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 26 Squadron, named the Black Spiders, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established at PAF Base Masroor on 30 August 1967, equipped with the F-86 Sabre, commanded by Wing Commander Rehmat Khan and assigned the role of operational training of pilots on the F-86....
| Black Spiders
No. 26 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)
No. 26 Squadron, named the Black Spiders, is a Pakistan Air Force fighter squadron.-History:The squadron was established at PAF Base Masroor on 30 August 1967, equipped with the F-86 Sabre, commanded by Wing Commander Rehmat Khan and assigned the role of operational training of pilots on the F-86....
| 1967
1967—1980
1980—1984
1984—2011
2010—
|
F-86 Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
Shenyang F-6
A-5C
JF-17 Thunder
JF-17 Thunder
The PAC JF-17 Thunder , or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong , is a light-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation of China, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex...
|
AS
TA
MR
|
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 27 Sqn
| Zarrars
| 2007
2007—
|
Mirage 5 ROSE III
|
TA
| Named after Hazrat Zarrar Bin Al Azwar (RA), the favorite Lieutenant of Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid (RA).
|-valign="top"
| Sherdils
Sherdils
Sherdils is the aerobatics display team of the Pakistan Air Force Academy based at the PAF Academy, Risalpur, Pakistan. The team flies nine K-8 Karakorum trainer aircraft and used to fly the T-37 "Tweety Bird"...
|
| 1972
1972—2010
2010—
| K-8 Karakorum
T-37 Tweet
K-8 Karakorum
|
| The Sherdils Squadron is the aerobatics display team of the Pakistan Air Force Academy, based at PAF Risalpur. The team flew the T-37 Tweet until circa 2010, when they switched to the K-8 Karakorum, and is composed of instructors of the Basic Flying Training (BFT) Wing.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 81 Sqn
| Kangaroos
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Peshawar.
|-valign="top"
| No. 82 Sqn
|
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Mushaf.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 83 Sqn
| Dolphins
|
| Alouette 3, Mi-171Sh
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Masroor.
|-valign="top"
| No. 85 Sqn
|
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Samungli.
|-valign="top" - style="background:#efefef; color:black"
| No. 86 Sqn
| Ababeel
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Mianwali.
|-valign="top"
| No. 87 Sqn
|
|
| Alouette 3
| SAR
| Stationed at PAF Base Minhas.
|-valign="top"
|CCS
|Skybolts
|
|
Mirage 5PA
Mirage IIIO
|
ATT
|Combat Commanders School (CCS), named Skybolts.
|-valign="top"
|CCS
|Dashings
|
1976—1992
1992—
|
Shenyang F-6
Chengdu F-7P
Chengdu J-7
The Chengdu Jian-7 is a People's Republic of China-built version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21. Though production ceased in 2008 it continues to serve, mostly as an interceptor, in several air forces, including China's.-Design and development:...
|
ATT
|Combat Commanders School (CCS).
Key:
- AD = Air Defence
- AS = Air Superiority
- MR = Multi-role
- MRTT = Multi-Role Tanker Transport
- OCU = Operational Conversion Unit
- PR = Photographic survey and Reconnaissance
- TA = Tactical Attack
- MS = Maritime Support
- ATT = Advanced Tactics/Training
- HB = Heavy Bomber
- LB = Light Bomber
- FI = Fighter Interceptor
- FB = Fighter Bomber
Inactive squadrons
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Squadron! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Operational
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Role
! style="text-align: left; background: ;"|Comments
|-valign="top"
|style="width:180px"| No. 4 Squadron
| 1959—1969
1959—1960
1960—1969
|style="width:180px"|
SA-16 Albatross
Bristol Freighter
Bristol Freighter
The Bristol Type 170 Freighter was a British twin-engine aircraft designed and built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as both a freighter and airliner, although its best known use is as an air ferry to carry cars and their passengers over relatively short distances.-Design and development:The...
SA-16 Albatross
Sikorsky H-19D
|
MR
T
MR
SAR
| Formed on 15 August 1959 with four Bristol Freighters and four Grumman SA-16 Albatross amphibious aircraft, two of which were transferred from No. 12 squadron. Strength reduced to two SA-16 and two Sikorsky H-19D on 8 July 1960. SA-16 aircraft taken out of service on 19 August 1968, later followed by the H-19D. Squadron "number-plated" in March 1969.
|-valign="top"
| JF-17 TEF
| 2007—2010
| JF-17
| T&E
| Established on 20 February 2007 as JF-17 Test and Evaluation Flight, commanded by Wg Cdr Ahsan Rafiq and stationed at PAF Base Minhas, Kamra. Transformed into No. 26 Black Spiders Squadron on 18 February 2010 when No. 26 officially converted from the Nanchang A-5C to the JF-17.
Key:
SAR = Search and Rescue
MR = Maritime Reconnaissance