F-86 Sabres of Pakistan Air Force

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L–R: Flight Lieutenant Mazhar Abbas, Flight Lieutenant Fazal Elahi.

The aircraft in the background is a North American F-86F Sabre, the primary day fighter of the Pakistan Air Force during the 1960's.

Flight Lieutenant Mazhar Abbas took part in the first strike on Pathankot airbase during the 1965 war and later retired as an Air Commodore. Flight Lieutenant Fazal Elahi was KIA during the 1971 war when his Sabre was hit by anti-aircraft artillery while flying a close air support mission.

The photograph was taken on a hardstand (pierced-steel planking is visible underfoot) in front of an operational F-86F. Both officers are in full flying kit, indicating that the picture was most likely taken just before or after a sortie.

Picture Courtesy:- Usman Shabbir
 
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Today in History
Raised on 30 August 1967, No 26 Squadron “Black Spiders” has evolved through generations of aircraft and roles into a formidable multi-role unit of Pakistan Air Force, distinguished by its enduring commitment to operational excellence, training and national defence.

Originally established at Masroor for operational training of fighter pilots on the F-86, the Squadron trained over 400 Pakistani pilots and 150 student pilots from other Islamic nations during its formative years.
 

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