Journo, photographer, freelance Editor AirForces Monthly mag, author/publisher, specialising in military aviation.
Prague, Czech Republic
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If it's true the #PakistanAirForce shot down #IndianAirForce Rafales - and there is video evidence of a Rafale M88 engine in a field in India, #Dassault must be shocked. We were always told Rafale's #Spectra EW system was best in the world. The J-10C/PL-15 combo is deadly.
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Not too surprisingly the #PakistanAirForce C-130 Hercules wins the prestigious Concours d’Elegance Trophy at the #RIAT2025 in UK.
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Clearly the #PakistanAirForce showed us what huge Chinese military support can do with the use of their satellites and a great fighter/missile combo. But don't forget the Swedish #SaabErieye flavouring, with a massive handful of Pakistani courage and tactical superiority.
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Spoke to #PakistanAirForce Chief ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber yesterday. The PAF brought down the IAF's entire kill chain on May 5-10. Satellite downlinks were scuttled, radars jammed and GPS killed. IAF was fortunate not to lose more than four , yes four, Rafales.
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The #PakistanAirForce JF-17C Block III was awarded the prestigious 'Spirit of the Meet Trophy' for its striking livery and the incredible journey from Pakistan, with an Il-78 air to air tanker.
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On Thursday I spent several hours with the #PakistanAirForce J-10C pilots, including some who had shot down IAF fighters on May 6/7. Next day I was on the rear ramp of a C-130H for three hours, race tracking over Pakistan, photographing J-10Cs JF-17Cs and F-16Cs. Epic times
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So the #IndianAirForce Chief, ACM AP Singh now reckons IAF #S400s shot down five #PakistanAirForce fighters, and an #Erieye during #OpSindoor! He's made himself and IAF look even sillier now. Resign sir, just resign.
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It was no fault of the #Dassault #Rafale or #Thales #Spectra EW system that four were shot down. But the PAF's use of its new EW and cyber warfare ops in addition to the J-10/PL-15 combo. All part of a multi domain system created by the #PakistanAirForce CAS. I witnessed today.
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Just for the record for the Indian trolls. The Pakistan AF has never paid me a penny/rupee while working with them since 2001. I do it because the PAF is an interesting, exciting and innovative air force. Even designed and co-build their own fighter. And it’s amassive privilege.
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Not sure why former IAF Chief, ACM BS Dhanoa told Indian press recently that Wg Cdr Abhinandan shot down a PAF F-16. It’s simply not true. I recently saw all four of the Wg Cdr’s missiles. Left R73 was badly damaged by fire after jet crashed but rocket motor etc was still there
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#PakistanAirForce has released names of J-10C pilots who shot down the #IAF_MCC #Rafales. They were awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage) as were two 14 Sqn JF-17C Thunder pilots, involved in arguably the most dangerous missions - destroying the S-400 radars at Adampur.
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Quite a thorough brief by #PakistanAirForce today on the locations of the downed #IndianAirForce aircraft. Any satellite imagery of the sites shown?
During an international media briefing, the #Pakistan Air Force revealed the exact number of #Indian aircraft shot down and pinpointed the locations where their debris was recovered inside #India.
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Just been advised all Rafale kills were attributed to the J-10C/PL-15 combo. So that probably won't happen - maybe something else!
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For the record the #PakistanAirForce Commander earlier this week never denied that his bases had been hit. I was at one of them today. And on the fourth #Rafale being shot down, he explained why it took two months to confirm. And it stacked up with what I'd witnessed.
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Latest issue of AFM on sale since Wednesday in UK. Well worth a read, particularly the 16 page feature on Understanding the Rafale kills. It's behind a paywall, but for an intro see here: key.aero/article/afm-pakista…
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As I leave, I still don't understand why the #Thales #Spectra EW system was such a failure for the #IndianAirForce #Dassault #Rafale when coming up against the #PakistanAirForce #J10/ #PL15 combo. Surely one of the most advanced EW systems should have warned the Rafale pilots?
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Not too sure who is behind this very nice #PakistanAirForce patch. But there is no smoke without fire! They do like their patches in Pakistan.
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I saw one of two specially marked @PakistanAirForce JF-17C Block 3 Thunders at Kamra-Minhas today. Bound for @RIATPR. Looking very smart having just being painted. Left for Masroor where they are based with 8 'Haiders' Sqn. Both should appear in the static display.
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I noticed a very positive vibe in Pakistan this trip. The security situation is so much better and I sensed people have more confidence in their futures. The country and the people deserve it.
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If the #PakistanAirForce shot Rafales down, they were probably equipped with Scalp EG cruise missiles for a potential strike. The J-10C or JF-17C then struck with PL-15. Will the PAF now introduce the Mirage too for retaliatory offensive ground ops? Tense times.
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The CAS confirmed the Su-30MKI kill in addition to the MiG-21 Bison. Also added that the IAF Mi-17 that was lost was shot down by its own side possibly by a MiG-21, in a ‘red on red’ incident. He reiterated that no PAF F-16 pwas lost.
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While the #PakistanAirForce may have cancelled its participation in #AnatolianEagle because of the uncertainty surrounding Iran, the JF-17 Thunders are still heading to @RIATPR. I imagine we will see #Rafale kill marks on at least one of the JF-17Cs! Let's see...
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Obviously a man who understands what happened on May 6/7 between the #IndianAirForce and #PakistanAirForce. Even if it won't go down well with many of his compatriots. @PravinSawhney
CDS Anil Chauhan has said that #OperationSindoor is still on.
This has been said to give escape route to the government to not discuss the air battle on May 7/8 night with the opposition in the Parliament.
Without this, rest is of little consequence because both sides have understood their operational gaps & will fill them swiftly with appropriate weapons acquisition.
The air battle is a different ballgame for four reasons:
1. It is about building a digital ecosystem to support air power to operate at beyond visual ranges. Putting this hardware & software is time consuming.
2. It is about pilot training to optimally operate a complex digital system which takes years of training, dedicated & focus
3. It is about advanced Electronic Warfare. This is what no nation shares with another.
4. Between India & Pakistan, the air war will largely determine the campaign outcome.
Moreover, no sensible nation uses its air power against a peer military competitor on non military targets deep within enemy territory. Worse, to believe that after such act the enemy, when informed, will not retaliate is to live in a fantasy world.
I have great difficulty in understanding India's political & military leadership!
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Good news for some of you, if you're visiting #RIAT. Two JF-17s have been painted but only one is going to RIAT. The other I'm told is in normal 8 'Haiders' Sqn marks.
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So that's a wrap. I finish my stay in Pakistan with a visit to #GIDS. I've watched this company modernise and expand over the past few years. The PAF operates Shahpur II but my favourite product remains, unsurprisingly, the Taimoor air launched cruise missile.
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One thing the PAF Chief, ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan said on Monday. ‘Whatever capabilities the Indian Air Force acquires, like the Rafale/Meteor BVR combo’ he said, ‘the Pakistan Air Force will match it - the balance has to be maintained. Have no doubt about that.’
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The first eight dual seat JF-17B Thunders were rolled out today. That’s an incredible feat because when I was at PAC Kamra in late April work hadn’t even started on the first aircraft yet - seen here.
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Wow! All 14 #JF17B Thunders built this year for the Pak AF were rolled out at #PAC Kamra today, to celebrate completion of JF-17B production. Work will now concentrate on the Block 3 jets. I can also see the three @NigAirForce JF-17s in the background. Wicked... @DGPR_PAF
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I never tire of seeing this gorgeous looking Mi-24/35 (as the #CzAF refers to it). With the arrival of the @BellHelicopter AH-1Z/UH-1Y next year the Czech gov appears to have sanctioned the transfer of the Hind fleet to Ukraine. The first two are being prepared. #avgeek
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One for the PAF fans. The two JF-17 Thunder display pilots Wg Cdr Baryar (left) and Sqn Ldr Sibtain hosted me for a great lunch at the flightline yesterday just before the former did his display.
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Friday morning and what better time to get another Pak Air Force Mirage pic out there. Well two Bandits Mirages and a 2 Sqn F-7P (since replaced by JF-17s) beginning a run over Karachi but does anyone recognise the land mark top right? Thanks :)
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@DubaiAirshow. There was some interesting stories here but the first public appearance of #PakistanAirForce #JF-17 Block 3 was one of best. It’s going to be a very capable jet, particularly with the new Chinese missiles. Upgrade of Block 2s will commence soon.
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Who doesn't love a Mirage eh. Just doing some research work on Pakistan Air Force Mirages and thought this might brighten up some people's day. Taken during the early days of Mirage air to air refuelling training with two South African pilots.
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One for the PAF fans. The pilot of the first JF-17 to taxi out on Tuesday, held up the Pakistani flag as he went by.
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PAC Kamra is set to sign two more big contracts within weeks, that will push its Super Mushshak sales backlog to nearly 70. Another 50 or so to be upgraded with glass cockpits. With five countries. Glass cockpits have given the SMK a new lease of life in recent years!
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Caught up with General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, at the #GIDS stand on the first day @worlddefenseKSA. We discussed what the new multiple launch rocket system #Fatah II which was successfully test fired in Dec means to Pakistan
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Managed to catch up with the PAF Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan in his office today. Had a great chat about Op Swift Retort, JF-17 Thunder, future threats and next gen fighters.
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The Pak Air Force Chief, ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan opened up a brand new section at PAF Museum Faisal yesterday, devoted completely to Operation Swift Retort. Looks very impressive.
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I’ve said this before but you Pakistanis amaze me with your hospitality. It’s incredible. A far cry from the image projected in the West. Everyone I speak to, whether civilian or military always take time to be very pleasant. And a smile or laugh is never far away. Thank you.
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So Air Marshal Arshad Malik has been stopped from continuing his role as CEO of Pakistan International Airlines. That’s a real shame, he offered the ailing airline some hope for the future. A hard worker and a real gentleman. Seemed to know what was required. Now what?
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Great to catch up with Wg Cdr Sibtain after his final #PakistanAirForce JF-17 flying display this afternoon. He received the water cannon salute as he turned the jet off the runway. A veteran of six internat’l airshows of which we met on five. Good luck for future! #WDS2024
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Hearing from a good source that the Argentina #JF17 sale is now waiting parliament approval. Iraq is a PAC/Pak AF sales effort and is in early stages, but if true CATIC will provide support.
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Interviewed the Pak AF Chief, ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan today at AHQ Islamabad. As you can imagined we talked about a lot of things including some of the events on Feb 27, JF-17 Block 3, next generation fighter aircraft etc.
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No 809 Naval Aviation Squadron stands up today. This F-35B ZM151 is on display wearing the units marking on tail and code ‘809’. Feels like it’s been a long time coming.
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Was heartening to read of the messages of condolences from many Indians for WC Noman today, particularly in the wake of Op Swift Retort. My twitter account has been a battlefield in recent weeks. It showed humanity and dignity.
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I saw a lot of JF-17Bs today at AMF’s flight test station. One with air to air refuelling probe. 14 more two seaters will be delivered this year, adding to the eight handed over in late Dec. Production of the extremely capable Block 3 with AESAradar starts next year.
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There are nine Pakistan AF JF-17 Thunders in Europe right now. Three Minhasian jets @parisairshow and six from the most recent JF-17 unit to stand up, Pheonix, at Konya in Turkey for Exercise Anatolian Eagle. I arrived in Paris this evening and hope to be in Konya next week.
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Now that Ramadan has ended I’m wishing all my Muslim followers Eid Mubarak! Enjoy your holidays. :)
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The #SwedishAirForce Commander also told me that during the recent Kabul airlift, one of the SwAF C-130Es used Islamabad (Nur Khan base) as a hub to fly 12 sorties to Kabul and back. It airlifted 900 people to Pakistan. The Royal Danish Air Force was also there.
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Was very sad to hear of the loss of the PAF’s Wg Cdr Noman Akram today. He was a man that was respected by all in the PAF. And obviously one of the best PAF F-16 pilots too being CO of 9 Sqn. A real shame.
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The third #PakistanNavy ATR72 arrived at Monchengladbach today. The aircraft based at PNS Mehran will be converted to a maritime patrol role by #RheinlandAirService. They modernised the previous two. Photo: WM
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Let's brighten things up with a Pakistan Air Force Mirage image. This ex-Libyan Air Force 5DD taxies out from sun sheds, in April 2019 for an eight-ship sortie. Was lucky enough to fly in this beast for a photo sortie with Sqn Ldr Sajjad during Feb 2011. Happy days! #AvGeek
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#ShaheenIX finished in Pakistan today. Nice selection of jets in the background here - including a PLAAF J-10C. The PAF undoubtedly know a lot about the jet and the AAMs. But I wonder if they got a good look at the PL-15 BVRAAM's capabilities during the manoeuvres...@DGPR_PAF
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The PAF is set to receive a batch of Egyptian Air Force Mirage Vs over the coming months. It’s a deal that has been under negotiation for a couple of years now. But has now been sealed. The bulk will be used to support current fleet but we could see some becoming operational too.
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It’s been a brilliant week in Pakistan. Visited several PAF bases which are at an extremely high level of alert. Had a fab day with the Mirages - thanks for the fantastic hospitality. You know who you are. 😊
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#PACKamra Chairman, Air Marshal Noman told me last week the first MFI-17 Super Mushshak for the @TurkishAirForce has been rolled out of the paint shop. It looks smart. The first of 52 on order.
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Pak AF Commander, ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan visited the Azerbaijan AF Chief today. The AAF acquired ten MFI-17 Super Mushshaks a couple of years back, so is JF-17 Block III now on the agenda? With KLJ-7A AESA radar and more capable weapons plus low price it would be a good option.
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The Pakistan Air Force has been conducting motorway operations today. The exercise was conducted to demonstrate the PAF's capability in being able to sustain high tempo air operations. Photos courtesy of PAF
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I’ve recently found a few days to research Pak AF Mirages. It meant going through all my old notebooks and images. It’s been a joy. Some great interviews I’d never had the time to write up. This ex Lebanese AF dual seater lifts off from Rafiqui AB last year.
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Caught up with an old friend today - Air Marshal Mughees now the #PACKamra Chairman. We first met when he was based at Rafiqui and oversaw my sortie in a Mirage VDD. Great memories! #DubaiAirShow
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Nice to catch up with some old friends here today. The #PakistanAirForce has brought three JF-17 Block 2s, with the mighty Minhasians leading the way. One was equipped with a refuelling probe. Three very good practise displays today.
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A CATIC source told me during #DubaiAirshow2021 that any Argentina #JF17 deal would include ten single seaters and two dual seaters, as well as anti-shipping missiles - probably C802As. I’m sure British intel are keeping a close eye on that one.
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Nice to see some familiar faces among the recent #PakistanAirForce promotions. AVM Sarfraz is a very experienced Mirage pilot I've been fortunate enough to meet and interview several times.
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I’ve been incredibly fortunate to watch the JF-17 evolve close up since it arrived in Pak in 2007. The Block 3 with new AESA and targeting pod wizardry with AAR is different class. Then there is the JF-17B dual seater now with a competent sim system.
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I was privileged to spend some time with the Minhasians this afternoon @parisairshow watching activities on the flightline.
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The Pak Air Force is hoping to send three JF-17 Thunders to Paris Show next month, barring any operational commitments.
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One of the five Pakistan Air Force 28 Sqn 'Phoenix' JF-17s at AE19 taxies past two Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16s yesterday.
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Flew to Karachi overnight and in the morning headed to the Pak AF Museum to see the contents of the new Op Swift Retort gallery (attached). Very impressive display.
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Nice to catch up with Sqn Ldr Shaukat at the static JF-17 this morning - wearing a nice patch for Paris Air Show. During a night shoot at his base back in April he was flying one of the Minhasian Thunders.
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UAE’s EDGE revealed its new stealthy UCAV today, known as Jeniah. It is a result of three years development and investment I was told. #IDEX
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The #Hongdu #K8 is China's most successfully exported military aircraft. Been fortunate to fly in the K-8 in Sri Lanka (first one with a #PakAirForce pilot!) and in Pakistan several times. Was lucky enough to make a shoot with three #Sherdils over the massive Tarbela Dam in 2017.
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PAC Kamra has today rolled out the first JF-17, 07-103, to be overhauled locally by the Aircraft Rebuild Factory. Nice tail art! It is one of two that has been completed there, work on the other two was completed in China. I was fortunate to see them during my visit in April.
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Great work hitting the planned JF-17B production target despite being hindered by the restrictions of COVID-19.
In-country production of JF-17 Block-3 formally launched by Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, PAF at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra today.
The occasion also witnessed roll out of dual-seat JF-17 B aircraft for Pakistan Air Force.
#PrideOfPakJF17
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The delta winged Mirages have now been serving the Pak AF for over 52 years. And there appears to be no end in sight. They provide a vital capability. One of the Mirage pilots I spoke to flew four missions today including one at night. He clearly loves his job too. :-)
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Visited PAFB Masroor this evening for night flying. Got some nice images and video of the Bandits and Haiders Mirages. Watching them take off with afterburners from edge of runway and ground shaking provides an insight into the punishment these old but valued fighters receive.
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Back at PAC Kamra today. Plenty of JF-17s both operational and with AMF. The first of 14 JF-17s to be built this year was on the production line. The new PAC Chairman, Air Marshall Noman, ex #JF-17 CPD who I’ve known for many years found time, for a chat on his first day.
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The Pak AF's No 11 Multirole Squadron flying F-16s won this year's Inter Squadron Armament competition (ISAC). The competition, which took place Oct 10-30, saw all the PAF weapons systems (fighters) involved. Best Armament Trophy was shared between 2 Sqn and 8 Sqn.
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Everyone I met in Pakistan has been so hospitable. I'm going on a diet once I leave here. :))
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It was looking very photogenic in the evening sun when I left it this evening! @Saab #GlobalEye, #PAS2025
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The #PakAF Block 3 JF-17C had a good selection of weapons positioned around it today. A third Block III squadron will probably stand up next year. @BahAirshow #BIAS2024
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Was presented with this excellent patch during my visit to the AMF. It celebrates the eight JF-17Bs that were built at PAC Kamra/AMF last year. The PAF do great patches!
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First three of 52 Super Mushshaks for the Turkish Air Force are expected to be handed over by end of the year. AMF is on the verge of being awarded another big deal. The Super Mushshak has been revitalised in recent years with the integration of new avionics systems.
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Pakistan Air Force and PLAAF on joint ops again. One of the most fascinating exercises. Some nice footage.
Pak-China Joint Air Exercise “Shaheen-IX” started today at an Operational Air Base of PAF.
The PLAAF contingent comprising Pilots and Air Defence Controllers is participating in the exercise.
#PAFShaheenIX
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I bet there is a lot of nail-biting going on among some senior officers of the Pakistan Air Force right now. We await the announcement of a new Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) within next few days. Four main contenders but there can always be surprises!
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And Shaheen Foundation/Pak Air Force is working with @NigAirForce to return the C-130H fleet back into service. Two done so far. NAF technicians are being trained to carry out a lot of the work themselves.
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Another highlight was this specially marked F-4E celebrating 60 years of service with the Turkish Air Force. It will be attending RIAT next month. Very nice!
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It was unusual for an Indian defence journalist to visit the Pakistan Air Force, but such was his reputation and fair-mindedness there were no issues. Pushy told me on several occasions how he enjoyed his time there, and the PAF still remember him. @DGPR_PAF
Nice to see a pic of my friend Pushpindar Singh on the wall at the fantastic PAF Museum this afternoon. It appeared under the Sherdils aerobatic team section.
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My main JF-17 concern is the Klimov RD93 power plant. Russia might object to the export to some countries. Let’s hope China can continue the supply line and even come up with a more capable alternative.
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This ex Afghan AF MiG-21bis looked nice in the low sun yesterday. The pilot landed the jet at Peshawar in Sept 1989 while defecting to Pakistan. I wonder what happened to the pilot? Anyone know?
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It's likely the standing up of a third #PakistanAirForce JF-17C squadron will be delayed, while aircraft are diverted off the #PACKamra production line for the #AzerbaijanAirForce.
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Whatever your political views, you have to admire the armed Bayraktar TB2 drone and the significant role it played for Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh and for Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA). As part of a Turkish game-plan, it’s been a game-changer.
🇹🇷 @Baykar_Savunma Teknik Muduru @Selcuk Bayraktar:
“MIUS’un ilk prototipinin ucusunu 2023’ten once yapmayi planliyoruz.”
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Departing Pakistan tonight. Met some great people on this trip which has been very different. Thanks to you all for the company and hope to be back soon. :)
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The green JF-17 with Wg Cdr Zaryar at controls prepares to taxis out yesterday. Sqn Ldr Sibtain flew the grey one today.
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