No. 11 Squadron Arrows
Active1 January 1949
Country Pakistan
Allegiance Pakistan
Branch Pakistan Air Force
TypeFighter aircraft squadron
RoleAir superiority
Special operations
Part ofNo. 38 (Multi-Role) Wing of Central Air Command
Assigned/StationedSargodha Air Force Base
Nickname(s)Arrows
EngagementsIndo-Pakistani War of 1965
Air operations of 1965
Six-Day War
Yom Kippur War
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Operation Sentinel
Soviet war in Afghanistan
Operation Brasstacks
Chagai-I
Chagai-II
Commando Operation
Operation Parakram
War in North-West Pakistan
2008 PAF Air Alert
Commanders
Notable
commanders		ACM Zulfiqar Ali Khan
ACM Anwar Shamim
Air Mshl Nur Khan
Air Mshl Abdul Rahim Khan
Air Cdre Mitty Masud
Air Cdre M.M. Allam
Air Cdre Sattar Alvi
Air Cdre W. J. M. Turowicz

The Number XI Squadron Arrows (best known as known as the Arrows), is PAF's fighter squadron assigned and part of No. 38 (Multi-Role) Wing of Central Air Command. It is well known to operate the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting air superiority and special forces missions.

Operational History

The squadron was formed in January 1st of 1949 at Corangi Creek Air Force Base with twin fixed engine Bristol Brigand. However, the first Bristol Brigand was crashed before approaching to Pakistan, therefore these aircraft were cancelled.[1]. In 1951, the squadron was reviewed with its first commanding officer Squadron Leader (Major) A.R. Khan.[1] The Arrows are privileged being the first jet squadron of the PAF. The squadron is distinguished for his highly professional and daring aerobatics displays, and became a legendary figure at same time as it is commanded by world renowned fighter pilots of Pakistan Air Force.[1]

During the 1965 war, the squadron became distinguished and claimed numerous air victories during the conflict. Arrows were credited with shooting down 10 Hunters and 3 Gnats and damaging 3 Hunters, together forming a significant proportion of total PAF air victories.[1]

During the 1971 war, the squadron was re-located Sargodha Air Force Base, and took participation in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.[1] On 18th November of 1974, Prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto presented Arrows with its first colours. The battle honour inscribed on one of the scrolls of the banner reads: 'Sargodha 65'.[1] In 1976, Arrows were tasked with protect the nuclear test sites and facilities from intruders, as Air Intelligence had learned that a foreign power may attacked the facilities. During the Operation Brasstacks, Arrows were put on high-alert and remained active throughout the episode.

Arrows played a significant role in Soviet war in Afghanistan as it had shot down several Soviet and Afghan Air Force fighter jets.[2] During 1990s, Arrows gained expertise in Toss bombing methods, air-to-air kills, and several aerial bombing and maneuvers during the PAF held fighter competition.[2].

Modern history

In May 1998, following the Pokhran-II —a codename of series of nuclear tests conducted by India— PAF was out on higher alert and the squadron was moved to its wartime location on 24 May 1998.[2] In spite of the very hot weather and the degraded facilities at the satellite, the squadron measured up to the task, and successfully and satisfactorily performed the day and night ADA duties till Pakistan's tests were completed on 28 May 1998.[2]

Arrows provided an intense escort to Globe Trotters.[3]. Globe Trotters had flown 5-6 nuclear devices in a CKD sub assembly form, from Rawalpindi to Chagai Hills.[3] The mission was carried out in an extreme secrecy, and Arrows were instructed to turn off all the radio communications equipment, and ignore any direct orders to the contrary that got through to them during the duration of the flight even if such orders originated from Air Headquarters.[3] Arrows were given standing orders that in an unlikely event of the C-130 aircraft of Globe Trotters being hijacked or flown outside of Pakistani airspace, they were to shoot down the aircraft before it left Pakistan’s airspace.[3]

At present, Arrows took participation in special operations led by the PAF during the War in North-West Pakistan.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f "No. 11 Squadron Arrows (1949-1988)". Pakistan Military Consortium. Pakistan Military Consortium. 1998. Retrieved 2011. ((cite web)): Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d "No. 11 Squadron Arrows (1988-1998)". Pakistan Military Consortium (PMC). Pakistan Military Consortium. 1998. Retrieved 2011. ((cite web)): Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ a b c d Azam, Rai Muhammad Saleh (2000). "When Mountains Move – The Story of Chagai: The Road to Chagai". The Nation. The Nation and Pakistan Defence Journal. Retrieved 2011. ((cite web)): Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
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