The No. 50 Tactical Attack Squadron nicknamed Saf Shikan is a flying unit of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) which operates ROSE-III upgraded Dassault Mirage-VEF strike fighters from PAF Base Minhas.[1][2][3]
| No. 50 Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | Since December 2021 (2 years, 11 months) |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan Air Force |
| Branch | GD(P)/Flying |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Tactical Attack |
| Airbase | PAF Base Minhas |
| Nickname(s) | Saf Shikan |
| Anniversaries | 1 December (Foundation day) |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | Dassault Mirage-VEF Rose-III |
Etymology
editThe 50 Squadron was nicknamed Saf shikan which means Column penetrator in Persian/Urdu. The horse riding warrior on the insignia symbolizes the squadron's resolve to spearhead PAF's tactical operations and its ability to penetrate deep into enemy territory with stand-off weapons.[1]
History
editWhen the PAF decided to acquire the Chengdu J-10CEs, the 15 Squadron was chosen to be equipped with it. The 15 squadron's previous fleet of PAC upgraded Mirage-VEF ROSE-IIIs were still capable enough in modern warfare and since the PAF high command wasn't in the favor of retiring them, the No. 50 Squadron was raised on 1st December 2021 to inherit all of the No. 15 Squadron's Mirages and related assets.[1][4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Khan, Farhat; Hashmi, Qadeer (2024). History of the Pakistan Air Force (2014-2023): The Next Generation Air Force (1st ed.). p. 288. ISBN 978-969-7518-01-2.
- ^ "Pakistan Air Force has raised a new No. 50 Tactical Squadron 'Saf Shikan". 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Exploring the Squadrons of Pakistan Air Force". 29 August 2023.
- ^ "Orbats".
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