#ThrowBack — 27 Feb 2019
How the Indian Air Force (IAF) was humiliated in Feb 2019
On 27th February 2019 the Myth of indian Air Dominance was shattered by the #Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 🇵🇰
While the nation sleeps, PAF is awake !
#Afghanistan#PakArmy#ISPR
PAKISTAN IS A RESPONSIBLE COUNTRY WHICH DESIRES PEACE WITH HONOUR - AIR CHIEF
27 February 2026: “Pakistan is a responsible country which desires peace with honour”, said the Air Chief while addressing a ceremony at Air Headquarters to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, further said that seven years ago, the aggressor challenged sovereignty of Pakistan and gravely miscalculated our resolve and capability, as always based on their narrative of falsehood. He added that the enemy, oblivious of our firm resolve, spirit of sacrifice and unparalleled resilience, attacked in a cowardly manner in the darkness of night. The Air Chief further said that with a measured and well-calibrated broad daylight response, we re-established our deterrence against a numerically greater enemy.
Chief of the Air Staff highlighted that in the light of challenges arising from complex Global and Regional Environment as well as rapidly changing character of warfare, PAF despite fiscal constraints, embarked upon a comprehensive modernization & indigenization journey starting in March 2021 and vigorously pursued the same for transitioning PAF into Next Generation Air Force. The Air Chief underscored that the Pakistan Air Force swiftly recalibrated its Operational Doctrine to meet the dictates of modern warfare, rapidly inducting and operationalizing cutting-edge combat and combat support capabilities, alongside niche technologies in shortest possible time. He added that PAF in record time evolved a unique home-grown Kill Chain through employment of indigenously-developed Unmanned Systems, Electronic Warfare, Space and Cyber assets, resulting in consolidation of coherent multi-domain operational capabilities.
Highlighting the calibrated response of PAF during Marka-e-Haq, the Air Chief said, “when the aggressor once again challenged our sovereignty in the wee hours of May 2025, our response was far more astonishing than what the enemy had expected”. He further said that for the first time in history, PAF conducted full spectrum multi-domain operations that were excellently choreographed and flawlessly executed, decisively overpowering the adversary and bringing down some of its most advanced platforms including multiple Rafale jets, SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Mig-29 and Unmanned Aerial System. He highlighted that PAF also struck bases and ground assets deep into the enemy’s territory, besides neutralizing state-of-the-art S-400 Air Defence systems and their Command & Control Centre. In the end Chief of the Air Staff reiterated that Pakistan Air Force would live up to the expectations of its brave and resilient people and would always remain a Symbol of Pride for this great Nation.
Pakistan Air Force, along with the nation, commemorated the 7th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort - a landmark demonstration of resolve, professionalism and calibrated response in modern air warfare. On this day, the valiant air warriors of PAF renew their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensuring a robust and credible aerial defence of the motherland. Operation Swift Retort remains a symbol of national unity, professional excellence and credible deterrence. The synergy between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the resilient nation continues to serve as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and a vigilant yet responsible defence posture.
https://t.co/MNRaXV0kk4
Today in History
On this day, 22 February, we celebrate the birth anniversary of Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan, HJ, HQA, HS, SPk, SQA — an iconic Chief of Pakistan Air Force, a visionary leader and master strategist whose leadership shaped the service at defining moments in national history. Born in 1923, he was commissioned into Royal Indian Air Force, where the crucible of the Second World War forged his legend. In the raging skies of global conflict, he stood out fearless in combat, masterful at the controls and revered as a pilot whose skill and daring set him apart from his peers.
At the time of independence, he chose Pakistan, decisively & without hesitation, becoming one of the few resolute pioneers who set out to raise its air arm from bare beginnings to operational strength. In those fragile, formative years, he stood at the nerve center of transformation; holding critical command and staff posts, driving vital aircraft inductions and orchestrating the audacious shift from propeller-driven relics to the thunderous promise of jet power. Then came the golden letter date of 23 July, 1965 when he assumed command of PAF as Commander-in-Chief. He did not merely command the force; he embodied it, leading from the cockpit with the same intensity with which he led the institution. Despite a six-year hiatus from fighter cockpits, he mastered the advanced aircraft with remarkable proficiency, establishing audacious tactics and inspiring his airmen. During the 1965 War, under his leadership, a small but supremely trained PAF achieved air superiority within 24 hours, striking decisively against a numerically superior enemy, earning him Hilal-e-Jurat for outstanding gallantry and leadership. In the aftermath, he secured F-6 fighters from China and Mirage III aircraft from France, ensuring PAF’s sustained operational strength.
After retiring in July 1969, Air Marshal Nur Khan served in key government roles, leaving a mark of excellence wherever he went; a man with the Midas touch, whose vision became reality and whose pursuits were exemplary. His services were honoured nationally and internationally alike, with his legacy continuing to inspire every PAF Shaheen to uphold courage, excellence and the defence of Pakistan’s skies.
#PAF #PAFHeroes #GallantWarriors #PAFHistory #PakistanAirForce
Today in History
On this day, 23 February, we honour the death anniversary of Gp Capt Ghulam Tawab, SJ, SBt — a fighter ace of rare calibre, a commander of instinctive brilliance and a professional whose courage under fire became legend within Pakistan Air Force. In the crucible of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, then Wing Commander Tawab was deployed to No 19 Squadron at Peshawar. From the cockpit of the F-86 Sabre, he flew 24 combat missions; sixteen air defence sorties and eight in close support, each marked by precision, nerve and unwavering resolve. He provided top cover during the historic strikes on Srinagar airfield and the Jammu radar installation, shielding strike elements with steely composure. On 06 September 1965, he was airborne over Pathankot as enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground in a flawlessly executed assault that underscored air superiority at its sharpest edge. Yet it was not only in the fury of dogfights and rocket runs that his brilliance shone. During a critical reconnaissance mission, his timely and incisive report of concentrated Indian armour advancing toward Chawinda enabled Pakistan Army formations to reposition swiftly and blunt a major enemy offensive. That single act of vigilance carried decisive operational weight, shaping the course of battle on the ground. Over Chamb and Wagah, he led from the front; spearheading ferocious rocket attacks against enemy armour and convoys, striking with accuracy and audacity. Under intense fire, his calm authority inspired his formation, turning peril into momentum and pressure into performance. Leadership, for Gp Capt Tawab, was never distant; it was lived in the sky, mission after mission.
For conspicuous gallantry and resolute command in defence of the nation, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat. In the years that followed, he commanded No 14 Squadron with distinction and was later decorated with the Sitara-e-Basalat for exemplary leadership and devotion to duty. Today, we remember not merely a decorated officer, but a standard-bearer of excellence. His legacy; forged in the roar of jet engines and tempered in the heat of battle, continues to inspire generations of warriors who guard Pakistan’s skies with the same fearless commitment.
#PAF #PAFHeroes #GallantWarriors #PAFHistory #PakistanAirForce
BREAKING: 🇸🇴🇵🇰 Somalia is moving forward with a $900 million plan to purchase up to 24 JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, a landmark move to revive its air force for the first time since 1991.
Source: Somalia Today
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff Pakistan Air Force, has been awarded the Medal of Honour — the highest award of the Indonesian Air Force — during his official visit to Indonesia. The honour recognises his outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral air power cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia.
He also called on President Prabowo Subianto, with both sides emphasising deeper defence ties.
#PakistanAirForce #DefenceCooperation #Pakistani