By Asma Ishaq
From its inception, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried a vision far greater than the borders of the young nation it served. Inspired by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s timeless words — “A country without a strong Air Force is at the mercy of any aggressor” — the PAF pledged to be “Second to None.” That pledge became its creed, shaping an air force that today embodies innovation, resilience, and national pride.
Guardians of the Skies — and the Nation
While its foremost duty is to defend Pakistan’s airspace, the PAF’s service extends well beyond the battlefield. From the Thar Desert to the northern peaks, the men and women in blue have been first responders in every national crisis. During the 2005 earthquake and the 2010, 2012, 2022, and 2025 floods, PAF crews worked around the clock, airlifting relief supplies, rescuing stranded citizens, and establishing emergency medical camps in remote regions. Their efficiency and mobility made the PAF a lifeline for millions.
In peace, the PAF continues to build the nation’s strength through education, research, and humanitarian work. Its Fazaia Schools and Colleges and Air University campuses nurture young minds with a rare blend of academic excellence and national character. PAF medical facilities deliver quality healthcare to both service members and civilians in underdeveloped areas. Even in sports, PAF athletes have brought national and international glory in Kabaddi, Squash, and Winter Sports — proving that the force’s discipline transcends the skies.
Courage That Defined History
The world first witnessed the courage of the PAF during the 1965 War, when its pilots, outnumbered yet unbroken, wrote history with unmatched valor. Their daring air strikes and aerial victories turned the tide of war, earning admiration even from adversaries. In 1971, despite national upheaval, PAF officers fought gallantly across multiple fronts, defending Pakistan’s sovereignty with honor that remains an enduring symbol of sacrifice and professionalism.
Decades later, in 2019, the PAF again proved its mettle through Operation Swift Retort, a moment that redefined regional air power. When the enemy crossed the Line of Control, Pakistan retaliated with precision and restraint, downing two intruding Indian aircraft while avoiding collateral damage. The world watched as the PAF reaffirmed its place among the most disciplined and capable air forces on earth.
Transforming into a Fifth-Generation Force
Following 2019, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu ushered in a bold era of modernization. Understanding the changing landscape of fifth-generation warfare, he initiated reforms that merged strategic foresight with technological innovation.
Despite financial challenges, ACM Sidhu closed critical capability gaps and launched the landmark National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) — a network of aerospace innovation hubs across Pakistan. These centers now serve as incubators for advanced research, defence technology, and indigenization, laying the foundation for a self-reliant, tech-driven Pakistan. NASTP is not merely a defence project; it is a national economic catalyst, fusing security with industrial growth.
May 2025 — The Test of Vision and Valor
The real measure of these reforms came in May 2025, when Pakistan faced renewed aggression from its eastern neighbor. In a lightning-fast campaign, the PAF executed coordinated precision strikes, neutralizing enemy targets and showcasing the power of its modernized arsenal.
Within hours, seven Indian Air Force aircraft were destroyed, including advanced fighters. The pride of Pakistan, the JF-17 Thunder, achieved what many deemed impossible — the destruction of India’s S-400 air-defence system. Strategic attacks on Indian command centers and bases from the north to Kandla crippled enemy operations.
Adding a new dimension to warfare, PAF’s stealth drones penetrated deep into enemy territory — even reaching New Delhi — striking key command nodes with surgical precision. These missions marked the dawn of AI-enabled, multi-domain aerial combat, proving that Pakistan’s defence evolution was driven by intelligence, not just firepower.
From Defensive Shield to Strategic Powerhouse
Under ACM Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s visionary leadership, the PAF has transformed from a defensive force into a multi-domain, globally respected powerhouse. Its emphasis on modernization, data-driven warfare, and indigenous capability has elevated Pakistan’s strategic standing in international defence circles.
Today, air forces across the world study the PAF’s Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) model — admired for its efficiency, precision, and adaptability in both kinetic and non-kinetic theatres.
The Spirit of an Invincible Nation
As the PAF marks its journey from infancy to invincibility, it stands as a living embodiment of Pakistan’s spirit — visionary, disciplined, and determined. From Jinnah’s dream of being “Second to None” to the reality of a force that makes Pakistan insurmountable, the Pakistan Air Force remains not only the guardian of the skies but the beating heart of a rising nation.
