23rd March 1983 - 40 years ago today, the first public appearance of the F-16 Fighting Falcon in Pakistan. Flown by ACM Anwar Shamim, the F-16 presented a unique salute to the president followed by a high G climb.

F-14A Tomcat of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF)

⚡️🇵🇰 In 1986, PAF pilot Flt. Lt. Khalid Mahmood successfully shot down a Soviet Su-22 over Parachinar. This marked the first confirmed Soviet aircraft kill by the PAF, highlighting their readiness and capability to protect national sovereignty. National morale took a hit after the disaster 1971 war with India when East Pakistan broke free to become Bangladesh. But slowly through the experience gained through these engagements, a new Modern PAF was shaping up. One that would be able to go up against India as a peer.

@planenerd

⚡️🇭🇺 The Hungarian Air Defense Force and the Soviet 36th Tactical Aviation Army used ten grass airfields in the 70s and 80s in Hungary.

The MiG-21s, Su-7s and Su-17s operating from grass reserve airfields would have been more difficult to find by NATO reconnaissance during the Cold War.

(Post credit to @EasternOrbat on Twitter)

⚡️🇭🇺 Hungarian MiG-29 9.12B maintenance in the nineties. The side of the MiG-29 shows the badge of the Hungarian Air Force 59th Aviation Regiment's 1st aviation squadron.

This regiment used two MiG-29s and one L-39ZO squadron in the second half of the 1990s.

(Post credit to @EasternOrbat on Twitter)

Heatseeker

⚡️🇵🇰 Time for late Cold War (80s) PAF vibes


"Tum Hi Se Aye Mujahido" by Alamgir was released in 1986.

The video is insanely well made. Airdrops, Paratroopers ops, Showing every plane in the inventory at the time, Hot scrambles, Night operations, Close Air Support runs, air-to-air missile launches, Dropping Runway bombs, Formation flying, High altitude CAPs, Sensors at work, Ground operators.

@planenerd

Actually so cool

⚡️🇵🇰 Why can't we film this shit nowadays

⚡️🇵🇰 PAF Mirage dropping a BLU-107/B Durandal Runway Denial bomb

⚡️🇵🇰 Ok last one I swear. The night shots are so cool.

⚡️🇵🇰 No. 2 Squadron "Minhasians" JF-17 Thunder Block II, armed with the C-802A air-launched anti-ship cruise missile.

@planenerd

Happy 50th birthday old fart