PAF Squadron History

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No. 14 Squadron

No 14 Fighter-bomber Squadron was formed at Peshawar on 1 November 48 with Squadron Leader Khyber Khan as the first squadron commander. After being number- plated on 15 January 49, it was reactivated on 16 December 49 under the command of Squadron Leader J K Zuromski. The squadron left for Miranshah on 24 March 50 on its first operational deployment. Its task was to police the tribal areas of North Waziristan in order to contain the insurgency fomented by the Faqir of Ipi. In 1954 the squadron went through various memorable experiences like the activation of Tezgaon airfield at Dhaka in March, an air display for King Saud at Peshawar in April, a fire power demonstration at Fort Sandeman in May and exercise 'November Handicap' in November. In 1955 there was a summer camp at Samungli in May, a fly past over the Pakistan Day parade in Karachi in August and another tour at Miranshah in October and November. In September 56, No 14 Squadron pilots started leaving for F-86 MTD classes which had been set up at Drigh Road. The squadron moved to Mauripur in November and soon became operational on the Sabre. In November 57 it took part in the naval exercise 'Crescent' and an army co-op exercise 'Yellow Lizard'. In March 59 the squadron won the Perry-Keene armament trophy with a comfortable margin. While in Mauripur the squadron also participated in CENTO exercise 'Shahbaz'. In March 64, the squadron again won the coveted Perry- Keene armament trophy. Soon to follow was another Samungli camp from 20 May to 30 June 64 and then, on 7 October 64, the unit was permanently moved to Dhaka, under the command of Squadron Leader Shabbir Hussain Syed who had taken over in March 63. No 14 Squadron's exploits during both the 65 and 71 wars constitute an unforgettable part of the PAF's history and have been graphically described in this book in the chapters titled 'Triumph in the East' (1965) and 'Intrepid under Siege' and 'Three Days of Fury' (1971). Here it would be sufficient to mention the high point of each episode. The strike against Kulaikunda on 7 September 65 was led by Squadron Leader Shabbir with Flight Lieutenants Haleem, Baseer and Tariq Habeeb and Flying Officer Afzal Khan as formation members. They took off at 0631 hours with two 120 and two 200 gallon tanks and gun ammunition only. The formation arrived over the target without being intercepted and caught 14 Canberra's neatly lined up on the tarmac. The formation put in two attacks each on these Canberra's and on three Hunters also parked on the tarmac; they destroyed ten Canberra's and damaged the rest as well as two Hunters. Squadron Leader Shabbir and Flight Lieutenant Tariq Habib were awarded Sitara-i-Juraat. In 1971, placed in a no win situation against a force of 10 IAF squadrons comprising Mig-21 s, Su-7s, Gnats and Hunters, No 14 Squadron kept the flag flying till literally the last gasp. Their peerless valour won them six Sitara-i-Juraats. In July 72, No 14 Squadron was reformed with F-6 aircraft at Sargodha under the command of Wing Commander Muhammad Afzal Chaudhry. When Wing Commander J A Carrapiett took over in April 73, plans were underway to assign the squadron the role of an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The, plan ultimately crystallized in January 1974 where after the squadron successfully graduated 10 pilots of the first OCC on 6 November. At this stage the unit was moved to Mianwali which was then an upcoming training base. On 1 November 76 the squadron was presented with its colour by General Muhammad Sharif, Chairman joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The parade was commanded by the squadron commander Wing Commander Anwar-ul-Haq Malik while the colour bearer was Flying Officer Abrar Ahmed Tahir. The squadron colour has the battle honours of Kulaikunda 1965' and Dhaka 1971' on two of the six scrolls. To facilitate the unit's training role, a trainer version of the F-6, the FT-6, was added to the squadron inventory in May 77 when FT-6s were ferried across from China. During the ferry flight however, a valuable member of the team was lost over the Himalayas, after ejecting from his disabled FT-6. During its tenure as an OCU, No 14 Squadron had graduated over 100 pilots operationally trained on the F-6. In September 86, the squadron was re equipped with F-16 multi-role aircraft. After reforming in Sargodha under the command of Wing Commander Sheikh Amjad Javed the squadron flew over to Kamra where an impressive re equipment ceremony was held on 2nd October 1986 reviewed by the Chief of the Air Staff. Wing Commander Amjad Javed commanded the parade and Squadron Leader Sohail Gul Khan and Flight Lieutenant Badar Islam were the old and new colour custodians respectively.

 

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This squadron had been an OCU for the F-6 aircraft until September 1986, when it was re-equipped with the F-16 multi-role aircraft and shifted to Kamra. The squadron's stay at Kamra (later renamed Minhas) proved to be extremely fruitful. During the long Afghan War, the squadron flew extensive combat air patrol missions over the western borders. The ever vigilant presence of the Tail Choppers on the border earned them five kills.

On 16 April 1987, Squadron Leader Badar Islam, with Squadron Leader Khalid Pervez Marwat as his No. 2, shot down an Afghan Su-22 with an AIM-9L missile. Squadron Leader Saif-ur-Rehman was controlling the formation. On the night of 4 August 1988, an Su-25 was shot down and its Russian pilot, who ejected, was taken prisoner. Squadron Leader Athar Bukhari was the pilot of the F-16 while Squadron Leader Taufiq Raja controlled this night interception.

On 12 September 1988, Flight Lieutenant Khalid shot down two Mig-23 aircraft; Squadron Leader Irfan-ul-Haq was the controller. Again on 3 November 1988, Flight Lieutenant Khalid Mehmood shot down an Afghan Su-22. Squadron Leader Saif-ur-Rehman controlled this formation.

On 9 September 1993, a nine-ship F-16 formation made a farewell fly-past over Minhas to say goodbye before departing to for Sargodha. During the month that followed, the squadron was re-equipped with the Chinese F-7P aircraft, under the command of Wing Commander Abbas Petiwala.

On 1 November 1998, the Tail Choppers celebrated their fiftieth year. Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) M. Khyber Khan, the first Squadron Commander of the 14 Squadron, reviewed the Golden Jubilee Celebration parade. The Squadron Commander, Wing Commander Kahleel Ahmed, commanded the parade while Flying Officer Faisal Gul was the colour bearer. The parade was dovetailed with the fly-past of the 'Missing Man Formation'.

This fly-past, led by Wing Commander Arshad Mehmood, was meant to pay tribute to the martyrs of the squadron.

 

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8 Sqn Pioneers 1983.

(In Vee Form) L-R: Flight Lieutenant Abbas Petiwala, Squadron Leader Arif Moeen, Squadron Leader Aurangzeb Khan, Squadron Leader Kaiser Tufail. Squadron Leader Noorullah Afridi, Wing Commander Khalid Sattar, Flight Lieutenant Babar Hasan, Flight Lieutenant Riaz Shah, Squadron Leader Masood-ul-haq, Squadron Leader Maghfoor Shah, Squadron Leader Inamullah.

© K. Tufail

 

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No. 15 Squadron

During the expansion of the PAF following the mutual assistance agreement with the USA, No 15 Squadron was formed on 5th June 1956 at PAF Base, Mauripur; it was designated as a tactical attack squadron. A Cobra was chosen as the squadron insignia. Flight Lieutenant S N Hassan was the first officer posted on the strength of 15 Squadron on 25th May 1956. By the middle of June the squadron had received its first aircraft, a T-33, allotted for transition and instrument flying. The first F-86s were received on 20 July. It was on 4th September that the first of the legendary F-86s lifted into the skies of Pakistan and 15 Squadron is proud that the aircraft belonged to it. On 5 September Squadron Leader S M Ahmed, the Squadron Commander, became the first pilot to cross the sound barrier and create a sonic bang in Pakistani airspace. On 22nd December 1956 the F-86s of Nos 11 and 15 Squadrons took part in the first formation aerobatics demonstration on Sabres, which was witnessed by the visiting Chinese Premier Mr. Zhou Enlai. History was created on 2nd February 1958, when 16 Sabres performed a loop in close formation. This unprecedented event was witnessed by King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan along with President Iskander Mirza. A number of 15 Squadron pilots, including its CO, belonged to this historic 'Falcons' team. On 11th February 1958 the squadron bid farewell to Mauripur and moved to Peshawar. 10th April 1959 was a special Eid for No 15 Squadron. On that day of festivity two Cobras were scrambled at 0715 hours to intercept an intruding aircraft which upon being identified as an IAF Canberra was shot down. Flight Lieutenant Yunis of 15 Squadron created history by being the first Pakistani pilot to shoot down a hostile aircraft. The squadron moved to Samungli in July 62, and then to Sargodha in October 1963. Here the squadron once again showed its mettle when on 1st September 1965 Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti shot down two IAF Vampires in the Chamb sector, for which he was awarded Sitara-i-Juraat. 15 Squadron flew a number of strike, close 1965 War. In July 1973, the unit was re equipped with the F-6. In recognition of its commendable performance over a span of twenty years, the squadron was presented with a colour by the President of Pakistan, Mr. Fazal Elahi Chaudhry at an elegant ceremony held at PAF Base, Peshawar on 9th January 1976. The role of the squadron was also changed at that time to that of an air superiority squadron.

 

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The Cobras continued to defend the western borders and faced Afghan intruders boldly until the end of the war. They flew innumerable scrambles as well as CAP missions throughout the conflict. The squadron got relocated to Minhas in June 1989.

In July 1993, the squadron bade farewell to its aging F-6 aircraft and was re-equipped with the Chinese F-7P fighter interceptor aircraft. In the same year, in August, Skardu was activated and safe operations were conducted despite inclement weather and problems associated with high altitude operations.

The squadron continued to participate actively in the PAF, like DACT Camps, High Mark exercises and Saffron Bandit. The squadron flew the maximum number of sorties in High Mark-95. It created a new record in the PAF's history by scoring an 'A' in the air-to-air firing camp held at Masroor in January 1996. The aircrew displayed their professional skills during the Pakistan Day Fly-Past in 23 March 1997 and won the Best Formation Trophy.

As a consequence of the PAF force re-structuring programme, the squadron was number plated on 31 August 1997 and the F-7P aircraft on its inventory were distributed among other F-7 operating units. The unit will re-equip with the ex-French Mirage aircraft and is scheduled to be reformed at its new location at Rafiqui. The squadron will then take up the role of a tactical attack squadron.

 

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No. 15 Squadron Commanders

Rank Name Date Wg Cdr Tariq Awan Jul-1987 Ateeb Siddiqui Dec-1988 S A Mudassir Dec-1990 Rao Qamar Suleman Jan-1992 Mohammed Hassan Dec-1993 Humayun Khursheed Jun-1995 Altaf Saleemi Jan-1997 Khalid Mehmood Jun-2000 Zaheer A Babar Dec-2003 Wasim A Khan Jul-2005

 

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Pilots Of The No. 14 Squadron Pose For The Camera Early 1990's.

© B Shahid

 

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Pakistan Air Force Martin B-57 Canberra At Masroor Air Base, Karachi Along With Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star & Shenyang F-6 Fighter Aircraft In Mid 80s.

Note - F-86Es From No 17 Sqn In The Background.

 

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No. 16 Squadron

No 16 Tactical Attack Squadron was raised in 1957 and was equipped with F-86Fs with Squadron Leader Imam-ul-Haq Khan as its first Commanding Officer. Little is recorded about the early years of the squadron; due to unknown reasons, it was disbanded in 1963. On 13 April 70, the squadron was reactivated at PAF Base, Masroor, once again with F-86F aircraft. Wing Commander Sharbat Ali Changazi was appointed as the officer commanding. In February 1971, the squadron was designated as the Fighter Leading School, where courses were conducted for senior pilots of the PAF. The squadron did not take part in the 1971 war as a unit; instead its pilots were attached command of No 26 Squadron, also an F-86F unit, which was based at PAF Base Peshawar. Apart from leading several missions into enemy territory, Wing Commander Changazi shot down 1 IAF Hunter. Squadron Leader Cecil Chaudhry, also a member of 16 Squadron, was attached to No 18; he accounted for an Su-7. Earlier in the war, he himself had been shot down by ground fire but had ejected safely and was recovered by own troops on the same day. After the war, in October 1972, the squadron was once again number-plated. After a lapse of almost ten years the squadron was again reactivated, this time with F-6 aircraft, and located at PAF Base Rafiqui. At the same time, it was earmarked to receive the first A-5 III aircraft. A group of officers and airmen was therefore sent to China for familiarization with the new aircraft. The first batch of A-5s landed at Rafiqui on 12th February 1983. Wing Commander Hamid Saeed Khan was placed in command of the squadron which was given a tactical attack role. The re equipment ceremony took place on 21st March with General Mohammad lqbal, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, as the guest of honour. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of China and other dignitaries. On 23rd March 1983, the squadron took part in the Pakistan Day fly past at Rawalpindi. The base commander Amjad H. Khan, led the A-5 formation which was judged the best of the fly past,and a shield was presented to the squadron to mark the occasion. Since No.16 was the first to fly the A-5s it was instrumental in converting pilots of Nos. 7 and 26 Squadrons, which received the same aircraft later. For this contribution, Wing Commander Hamid Saeed was commended with a certificate from the CAS on 23rd March 1984. The squadron was first put to test in exercise Jetstream in 1983 and again when it took part in the armament competition in February 84. In November 1985 the squadron became the first A-5 unit to drop live 750 lb. bombs; it also carried out extensive dissimilar aircraft combat training for the first time against F-16s. In December, the squadron participated in exercise Highmark 85 and a year later, in exercise Highmark 86 during which it carried out offensive operations as well as live armament at Thal range.

 

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In 1988, this squadron was stationed at PAF Base Rafiqui, and was equipped with A-5 aircraft. The year was full of operational commitments. In addition to one Flat Out and two Wide Awake Exercises, the squadron carried out the Long Shadow Exercise in February, and Hit Hard-VI, VII and VIII in April, June, and August 1988, respectively. In addition, the Fake-XIV and Shako Exercises were also carried out. The squadron also participated in a Durandal bomb drop exercise at Sonmiani range in December. In the later half of the year, 1 vs. 1 DACT missions were carried out, evaluating the performance of the A-5 against the F-7P in close combat.

In 1989, apart from taking part in Hit Hard exercises, the squadron participated in the Armement Competition. During the Fire Power Demonstration that followed the competition, the squadron carried out level delivery of Mk-82 bombs. During the month of May, five more aircraft were added to the squadron's inventory. In November 1989, the squadron was deployed at PAF Base Farid for Exercise High Mark. At the end of the year, the Inter-Squadron Dive Bombing Competition was held between 16 and 26 Squadrons, which the 16 Squadron won.

During 1990, the squadron carried out one Flat Out and three Wide Awake exercises. Exercise Tondo-II, III, and IV were also carried out. In the middle of the year, the Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Zafar, went to China to carry out evaluation trials in A-5M and F aircraft. The squadron pilots also went to Sargodha to undergo SCUP.

During 1991, three FT-6 aircraft, fitted with Martin Baker seats, were added to the inventory of the squadron. In addition to the exercises Flat Out and Wide Awake, the squadron also participated in Exercise Combat-VI, Sore Eyes-III, and Condor-II. During November, the squadron moved to Multan and during its stay there, it flew 115 sorties with 100 per cent serviceability and reliability.

During 1992, the squadron carried out four Wide Awake and three Flat Out exercises. The squadron also participated in DACT Camp in April and May. In June, Exercise King Cobra was held in which the squadron achieved 100 per cent results. During 1993, in addition to the routine exercises, the squadron carried out DACT in month of May and participated in High Mark Exercise in October. During 1995, the squadron participated in the exercise Saffron Bandit followed by exercise High Mark.

In January 1996, the squadron proceeded to Masroor for air-to-air firing. During this year, three Wide Awake and three Flat Out exercises were also carried out. During 1997, the squadron participated in exercise Fire Fox in March. This was an Air Defence exercise aimed at generating low level tracks for interceptors.

The year 1997 was full of squadron movements. The squadron was deployed twice to Minhas for a DACT Camp, and to Murid and Minhas as the runway of its parent base was being re-carpeted. The squadron was also deployed at Chaklala for ADA duties. The last deployment was at Sargodha for participation in the exercise Saffron Bandit.

The squadron also participated in the fly-past on 7 September in connection with Pakistan's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Besides, the squadron carried out routine Wide Awake and Flat Out exercises. In one of the Wide Awake exercise, the canopy of an A-5 aircraft blew-off in the air, while it was proceeding to the range. The aircraft landed safely at the home base. It was during this year that operations on the Jamurd Range were discontinued as it was handed over to civil authorities.

In April 1998, the squadron participated in exercise Zarb-e-Aahen and exhibited a high standard of professionalism that was appreciated by the Corps Commander who had witnessed the entire exercise. In appreciation of the performance of the squadron pilots, he visited the squadron along with AOC, NAC, Air Vice Marshal Pervaiz Mirza, and presented a memento to the squadron.

The squadron was awarded the ACES Trophy for the best performance, from among all tactical attack squadrons, in the year 1997.

 

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No. 16 Squadron Commanders

Rank Name Date Wg Cdr Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh Sep-1987 Zafar Hussain Jul-1989 Mohammed Younus Aug-1991 Syed Shadab Hasnain Feb-1993 Zafar Iqbal Haider Jul-1994 Shahid Khan Jul-1995 Sajid Habib Jan-1997 Razi Nawab Jun-1998 Mumtaz Ahmed Mar-2000 Shahid Latif Bajwa Jul-2001 Arshad Ali Wasti Apr-2003 Ch. Waleed Akhter Aug-2004

 

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No. 17 Squadron

No 17 Squadron was established at Mauripur on 1st April 1957, under the command of Squadron Leader M Z Butt. The unit was housed in an old building comprising 4 rooms which had to be shared with No 16 Squadron. No furniture or furnishing had been provided and these had to be obtained from other units on a beg, borrow or steal basis! In about a month's time, the squadron established itself and started regular flying by 20th May 1957, In January and February 58, the squadron provided an aerial escort of 8 aircraft each for the President of Indonesia and King of Afghanistan. It also took part in the historic air display which was held in honour of the latter dignitary. In the beginning of May 1958, the unit moved to Peshawar from where it carried out offensive operations in the Dir / Bajaur area. 17 Squadron also participated in PAF exercise 'Janus' in 1959. On 27th September 1963, the squadron moved from Mauripur to PAF Base Dhaka where, on 4th January 1964, Air Marshal M Asghar Khan, C-in-C PAF, visited the unit during his annual inspection of the base. On 12 January a static display of aircraft and equipment was held on the Armed Forces Day. The squadron returned to West Pakistan in February 1964 to participate in the Perry-Keene armament competition. Seven F-86s were flown across India in two formations with a night stop at Palam. Flying Officer Zaigham Aizad won the Sher Afghan trophy for best individual marksmanship during the competition. While in West Pakistan, the squadron also took part in the Republic Day fly past at Rawalpindi on 23rd March 1964. The unit returned to Dhaka on 28th March 1964. Air Marshal Asghar Khan again visited the squadron on his way back from a tour of Indonesia and the Philippines in April 1964. On 8th October 1964, the unit moved from Dhaka to Mauripur on a permanent basis. Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti was left behind for liaison duties with the incoming No 14 Squadron. No 17 Squadron took an active part in the war between India and Pakistan in September 1965 in which all its pilots flew with great determination and courage. The role assigned to the squadron at Sargodha mostly involved close support to the army in Sialkot, Lahore and Khem Karan sectors. Squadron Leader Azim Daudpota, the squadron commander, and Flight Lieutenant Seraj-ul-Haque also flew some air defence missions at Sargodha. After successfully executing a strike over the Philora area on 19th September 1965 Squadron Leader Daudpota's formation comprising Flight Lieutenants S M Ahmed, Mujtaba and Azam was bounced by 2 IAF Gnats and in the ensuing fight Azam shot down 1 Gnat. One of the most effective strikes carried out by the squadron was led by Squadron Leader Daudpota with Flying Officer Qadir and 2 other pilots, they destroyed several medium guns that had been positioned near Jallo / Atari for shelling Lahore. The formation was highly commended by the Army field commander. The squadron in all claimed 20 to 30 tanks and 100 to 150 vehicles destroyed or damaged and 150 to 200 enemy troops killed. In April 1966, 4 pilots flying F-86 aircraft escorted King Faisal of Saudi Arabia into Karachi on his state visit to Pakistan. On 1st June the squadron was equipped with F-86E aircraft and by August all the squadron pilots were operational on this new mark of the Sabre. In October 66, the squadron moved to Iran for ten days to take part in the Iranian Air Force Day fly past. In February 67, the squadron took part in the annual armament competition and produced scores which were an improvement upon its previous performances. On 9th March the squadron also participated in a fire power demonstration at Jamrud Range, Peshawar. On 15th October 1971 No. 17 Squadron moved to PAF Rafiqui from where it carried out war operations under the command of Wing Commander Mujtaba Qureshi. A total of 337 sorties were flown during December 1971 which included 272 operational missions. The war missions included air defence scrambles close support in the Lahore-Kasur-Hussainiwala sector and counter air strikes against the IAF. During operations there were 5 cases of aircraft damage due to enemy attack. On 4th December 1971 Flight Lieutenant Nayyar lqbal sustained fatal injuries when his aircraft engine flamed out. The squadron returned to Masroor at the end of December. On 19th July 1979, Squadron Colour was presented to the unit by Admiral K R Niazi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

 

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During the Afghan conflict, this squadron carried out ADA duties from PAF Base Samungli. From July to October 1988, it carried out ADA duties at Chaklala under the command of Wing Commander Shaukat Haider Changezi. The squadron participated in the PAF Fire Power Demonstration at Sonmiani Range on 25 March 1989, a performance which was witnessed by the then Prime Minister. The squadron also participated in ISAC-89 and won the trophy in the non-INAS aircraft category, while Flight Lieutenant Arif Khan was declared No. 1 pilot in the 'Sher Afgan-89 Armament Competition' among the non-INAS aircraft. In November/December 1989, the squadron participated in the exercise 'Zarb-e-Momin' while operating from PAF Base Farid and PAF Vehari. In March 1990, it participated in the Pakistan Day fly-past while operating from PAF Base Peshawar. The squadron also won the 1990 ACES Trophy. In October 1996, the squadron participated in ISAC-96 held at PAF Base Masroor. The squadron pilots also carried out banner tow duties for ISAC-96. Wing Commander Khalid Chishti was declared the Best Shot on the F-6 weapon system. In 1998, prior to the nuclear tests at Chaghai, the pilots of 17 Squadron carried out standing CAPs under the command of Wing Commander Muhammed Jamil Memon.

No. 17 Squadron Commanders

Rank Name Date Wg Cdr Shaukat Haider Jan-1987 Rashid Bukhari Jul-1987 Zahoor A Shaikh Jul-1991 Suhaib Afzal Jul-1993 Arshad Quddus Jan-1995 Khalid Farooq Chishti Jul-1996 Mohammed Jamil Feb-1998 Shaheen Ghazanfar Aug-1999 Ahmed Tariq Mirza Jan-2001 Imran Khalid Jan-2003 Wasim Hussain Jun-2004 Sarfaraz Khan Dec-2005

 

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No. 18 Squadron

No 18 Tactical Attack Squadron joined the Pakistan Air Force on 1st February 1958 at PAF Station, Mauripur with Squadron Leader Nazir Latif as its first squadron commander. It was equipped with F-86F aircraft and became operational in June 1958. The first action the squadron saw was during 1960-62, when it flew missions in support of the army in Dir and Bajaur agencies. The first combat history of this squadron was written during the 1965 war when the unit based mainly at Sargodha conducted extensive operations all the way from Kashmir in the north to the Kasur area. Earlier the squadron had provided air cover in the Rann of Kutch to Pakistan Army. The period is replete with the courageous deeds of its men and officers. The squadron went into action early in the morning of 6th September in the Wagah and Atari sectors. For two weeks thereafter formations of 18 Squadron delivered one telling blow after another to exact a heavy toll from the enemy. On one occasion, two ammunition trains attacked by this unit at Gurdaspur railway yard remained ablaze for thirty six hours. This strike was led by the squadron commander Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed and during it he joined the ranks of the shaheeds thus setting an example which will continue to inspire the men and officers of 18 Squadron and indeed the whole of the PAF, long into the future. Though primarily tasked to carry out ground attack, the achievements of this squadron in aerial engagements also earned recognition. Before he martyrdom, Squadron Leader Ahmed had shot down a Mystere; Flight Lieutenant Saleem destroyed an Indian army aircraft, while young Flying Officer Qais dispatched a light communication aircraft. Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed and Flight Lieutenants Hashmi and Amanullah Khan were awarded the Sitara-i-Juraat while all squadron pilots were awarded Imtiazi Sanads. During the 1971 war the squadron was once again called upon to give a courageous account of itself, and it lived up to its traditions. Equipped with F-86Es it went into action in the Shakargarh salient and provided extensive close support to the army. It flew several interdiction missions in the Kashmir valley. One such mission was the spectacular attack on an explosives dump at Akhnur. From Samba to Sulemanki the fighters of 18 Squadron attacked with exemplary skill and courage. And as in the previous war, the unit was not to be left behind in air combat. The squadron pilots shot down three Su-7s and one Mig-21 and damaged two Su-7s all with the faithful old Sabre. Two young pilots of 18 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Maqsood Amir and Flying Officer Taloot Mirza were awarded Tamgha-i-Juraat for shooting down the best of Indian Air Force fighters. From 1972 to 1980 the squadron took part in all the major operational exercises such as 'Saqib', 'White Horse' and the 'Jetstream' series. In each of these exercises it set out to attain an ever higher standard of professional excellence. The unit's standard of maintenance matched its operational performance . It also set a commendable standard of flight safety resulting in winning the flight safety trophy in 1979. In September 1980 the unit was number-plated upon the phasing out of F-86s. The squadron was reactivated at Rafiqui in October 1981 with the new and more versatile Mirage-V aircraft and was assigned a tactical attack role. Since its reactivation the squadron has participated in various exercises and earned a number of distinctions: in 1983 the unit earned the Professionals trophy in exercise Jetstream; in 1984 it won the Sarfraz Rafiqui flight safety trophy and in 1985 the inter-squadron armament competition. For its outstanding performance in war and peace the unit was awarded a colour on 1 April 1982. In the year 1986, it was decided that 18 Squadron would be affiliated as a "brother squadron" of No 9 Squadron of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, equipped with F-5Es. The ceremony took place in Jordan on 22nd March 1987 at the Prince Hassan Air Base when the officer commanding No 18 Squadron presented the squadron colour to No. 9 Squadron, Royal Jordanian Air Force. A return ceremony took place in Pakistan when on 7th October 1987, the Jordanian squadron brought its own standard and presented it to No.18 Squadron at an impressive ceremony reviewed by General Akthar Abdul Rahman Khan, chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff Committee.

 

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No 18 OCU was formed in Mauripur, near Karachi on 21 February 1958 and was initially equipped with F-86 Sabres. Under the command of Squadron Leader Nazir Latif, the squadron saw its first action in early 1965.


The unit's aircraft were again called upon in 1971, shooting four Indian fighters and damaging further two in the Kashmir Valley. The squadron was deactivated in 1980 with the phase-out of the Sabre, but was reactivated in 1981 with the induction of the Mirage III. By 1986 the unit was affiliated as a 'brother squadron' of the Royal Jordanian AF's No 9 Squadron, equipped with F-5E Tigers. A ceremony took place at the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan on 23 March 1987 where the Officer Commanding No 18 Squadron was presented with the unit colour to its Jordanian affiliate. The return ceremony took place in Pakistan on 7 October 1987 when the RJAF unit brought its own colour and presented it to No 18 Squadron.

In 1989, after a brief stay at Kamra, No. 18 Squadron moved back to Rafiqui. The squadron was re-equipped with F-7P aircraft, and fifteen pilots were posted to the squadron. Later, during the same year, the squadron took part in exercise High Mark. Many dignitaries, including the Bangladesh Air Chief and COAS visited the squadron during the period 1990 to 1991. In 1993, the squadron's pilots visited Jordan to establish stronger ties with RJAF, a gesture which was reciprocated by a visit from pilots of 9 Squadron of the RJAF in 1994.

In 1994-95, the squadron participated in different exercises like Saffron Bandit, Twilight, Sky Guard-III, and Highmark-95 and performed extremely well.

The year 1997 brought new laurels to the squadron when it won the 'Air Superiority' and 'Top Gun' trophies. It was the first F-7P squadron to have won the highest honour of the PAF.

Buster-I was the last exercise in which the squadron participated from Rafiqui. The end of the year 1998 witnessed relocation of the squadron to PAF base Mianwali. The squadron became an Operational Conversion Unit by the start of year 1999.