PAF Squadron History

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01 November 1948, the storied legacy of Pakistan Air Force took flight with the birth of No 14 Air Superiority Squadron — the legendary “Tail Choppers.” Raised at PAF Base, Peshawar as the nation’s very first Fighter Bomber Squadron, it began its journey with Fury and Tempest aircraft before transitioning to the mighty F-86 Sabres at Mauripur. From those early days, the “Tail Choppers” etched their name in history through unflinching courage and extraordinary skill. Standing alone in the defence of East Pakistan during Indian aggression, the Squadron earned its battle honours in both the 1965 and 1971 wars — symbols of valor written in the sky.

Their iconic title was born from a daring night raid during the 1965 War. On 07 September, five Sabres led by the Squadron Leader Shabbir H. Syed roared across enemy lines in a low-level assault on Kalaikunda Air Base. The strike left 10 Indian Canberras destroyed, several others damaged and the enemy’s pride shattered. Against overwhelming odds, all the PAF aircraft returned safely — a living testament to the Squadron’s audacity, precision and unyielding spirit.

Today, “Tail Choppers” operate the formidable JF-17 Thunder, carrying forward the proud heritage of heroes like Sqn Ldr Sarfraz Rafiqui Shaheed and Air Cdre Sajjad Haider. With eyes on the horizon and hearts ablaze with purpose, they remain ever ready — guardians of Pakistan’s skies, symbols of courage and heirs to a glorious legacy.

 

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PAF has come a long way since its humble beginnings as part of the RAF.

 

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No. 41 Squadron of Pakistan Air Force, affectionately referred to as the "Albatross," epitomizes the ideals of adaptability, dedicated service and understated excellence. Founded on 23 June 1966, at PAF Base Peshawar, this distinguished Squadron began its journey as Light Communications Flight, operating a modest fleet dedicated to light transport, mail delivery and personnel duties.

As the years unfolded, the Squadron underwent significant transformation, relocating to PAF Base Nur Khan and substantially enhancing its fleet with a diverse array of aircraft, including the Cessna 172, Harbin Y-12, Beach Barron, Piper Seneca, Embraer Phenom 100 and Piper M600. This evolution not only exemplifies a steadfast commitment to modernization but also reflects the unit's enduring spirit of progress.

No. 41 Squadron's storied legacy is marked by significant humanitarian contributions, particularly during the devastating 2005 Kashmir Earthquake, where the unit's efforts offered vital assistance to those in need. Today, as an integral part of No 35 Air Mobility Wing, 41 Squadron stands as a profound testament to Pakistan Air Force’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, innovation and national service.

 

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No. 15 Squadron "Cobras" established on 05 June, 1956 at PAF Base Mauripur has remained a cornerstone of Pakistan Air Force’s operational strength.

The Squadron etched its name in history by achieving PAF’s first-ever aerial kill in 1959, shooting down an intruding Indian Canberra at 47,500 feet near Rawat.

From heroic air battles in 1965 war, where Flt Lt Imtiaz Bhatti downed 2 Indian Vampires to Cold War-era vigilance during Soviet-Afghan War, the Squadron has always remained combat-ready. In 2019, Cobras activity participated in Operation Swift Retort, executing precision airstrikes with Mirage jets in response to IAF's Balakot incursion.

Now equipped with J-10C 4.5+ generation fighters, the Cobras continue to embody precision, courage and aerial dominance. In the recent aerial engagement with IAF during Marka e Haq, the J-10Cs from No. 15 Squadron successfully shot down IAF fighter jets including 3xRafales, 1xMig-29, 1xMirage-2000 and a SU-30.




Throughout its distinguished history, No. 15 Squadron has demonstrated unwavering operational resilience and tactical excellence, evolving into a vital component of Pakistan’s air defence strategy.

 

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DGPR (AIR FORCE)

@DGPR_PAF

Today in History
On 01 June 1957, Pakistan Air Force formally raised No 2 Squadron as No 2 Fighter Conversion Squadron, equipped with T-33s and carrying forward the legacy of the RPAF Conversion School at Mauripur, established in 1948.

Earlier the school had been equipped with Dakota, Fury, Tempest and Harvard aircraft before evolving into the Jet Transition School with Freighter Mk XXIII and later T-33s under Sqn Ldr M. K. Abbasi; laying the first firm bricks of PAF's jet-age training foundation. From these formative years rose a unit that would become synonymous with sacrifice, professionalism and honour. Its personnel proudly call themselves “Minhasians”—a tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, the nation’s youngest martyr. No 2 Squadron remains the only PAF unit to carry Pakistan’s highest gallantry award on its crest, a distinction etched in its identity.

Over time, the squadron’s role evolved with the demands of modern warfare. In May 1972, RT-33s and photo-reconnaissance capabilities arrived from No 20 Squadron. In 1982, B-57 light bombers brought night interdiction and special mission tasks after the temporary number-plating of No 7 Squadron.

By August 1990, the induction of F-7P aircraft redefined its role, and it was re-designated No 2 Air Superiority Squadron, tasked with the defence of national skies.

With the arrival of the JF-17 Thunder in January 2015, the Pride of the Nation, the Squadron entered its current chapter as No 2 Multi Role Squadron. Yet through every transformation, the spirit of the “Minhasians” has remained unchanged: to fly with courage and to honour forever the legacy of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider.