History of Pakistan Army Aviation 1947-2007

613 Pages·2008·50.4 MB·English

Major General Mohammad Azam
I-5, Karakoram Enclave
F-11/1, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: [phone]
Cell: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Colonel (Retired) Mushtaq Madni (Late)
Major Aamir Mushtaq Cheema
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E-mail: [email protected]
ISBN 978-969-9246-00-5
First Edition 2008, 2000 Copies
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted without the prior permission
of the copyright owner.
Copyright © Historical Section, Army Aviation Directorate
General Headquarters, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
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Office # 11, Block 15, I&T Centre
G-10/4, Islamabad.
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HISTORY OF
PAKISTAN ARMY AVIATION
1947 - 2007
This work is a tribute
to the hardwork, selfessness and indomitable spirit of
Army Aviators
which includes the pilots, technicians and all other personnel
who worked devotedly over the years
to build this Corps

FOREWORD
FROM THE SENIOR MOST LIVING AVIATOR
Brigadier Gholam Jabbar was born in 1926 and was commisioned in the Army in 1943. He
was the first Army Officer from the newly born Pakistan to undergo flying training in 1947 in UK. He
later commanded thr first Aviation Squadron in 1956 and led the sole Army Aviation Base in 1965
and 1971 Wars. He retired in 1973 as the first director of Army Aviation and lives a retired life in his
home in Islamabad. He is active and can be seen in all Aviation Gatherings.
Army Aviation Started its journey as Number 1 Air
Observation post (OP) Flight, Royal Pakistan Air
Force (RPAF) in 1947 with four fabric covered Auster
aircraft. These were left at Lahore Airport as Pakistan’s
share by the British 659 Air OP Squadron. Pakistan
Army did not have any pilot or technician to handle
these machines, as such help was sought from the
RPAF. I recall with gratitude the help and assistance
provided by the RPAF in those formative years. The
two Air Marshals, Asghar Khan and Nur Khan, deserve
a special mention in this regard. Pakistan Army was
very fortunate to receive its first Pakistani pilot in
shape of Captain Azmat Baksh Awan, who was the
“Pioneer Aviatior” of Pakistan Army in the true sense
and who played a significant role in the grooming and
development of Army Aviation for a long time.
Late fifties saw the induction of L-19 aircraft while
Brigadier Jabbar in 2007
OH-13 helicopters arrived in the early sixties. This
new equipment brought about new units and new roles. We were lucky to have such energetic
and zealous unit commanders like Babar and Mahmud at this time. Similarly, Karim was busy in
GHQ to bring about awareness with regard to the operational role of these flying machines.
1965 war was the first serious challenge for Pakistan Army and it was so satisfying to
observe excellent performance by Army Aviators. Gallantry awards won by Army pilots speak of
their commitment, devotion and bravery. Army Aviatiors once again gave an excellent account
of their mettle in 1971. In the next two decades. this dynamic Arm not only gained the status of a
“Corps” but also absorbed bigger helicopters and lethal machines to match the changing face of
the modern battle.
It is amazing to see the professional robustness and versatility of its pilots, engineers and
the Commanders in exterme demanding conditions of weather and terrain - may it be peace or
war, within the country or abroad. It is heartening for me to see such an impressive growth from
a modest beginning into a formidable Arm.
It will be unfair on my part if I do not make a very special mention of Lt Gen F S K
Lodhi, who patronized the Corps and proved to be an exellent Colonel Commandant. Let me
also commend various tiers of Army Aviators. who over the years zealously played their part to
make Army Aviation what it is today.
In the end. I would like to appreciate the efforts of Maj Gen Muhammad Azam, Lt Col
Mushtaq Madni and Maj Aamir Cheema on behalf of all Army Aviators for under - taking this
colossal task and turning the dream of Aviation History into reality.
Keep up this excellent performance, Fly safe and may God be with you.
iii
General Ashfaq Parvez, Kayani, NI(M), HI
MESSAGE OF THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF
I am pleased to note that the History of Army Aviation is a comprehensive account of the
development of the Army Aviation Corps since 1947 and covers all facets of its growth. The book
will not only be beneficial to all Aviators but to the entire Army.
Army Aviation has grown exponentially not only in size but also in its role as a force
multiplier of significance towards all commitments of Pakistan Army, Army Aviation in post
1971 emerged as a prominent and flexible arm, Raising of Aviation Corps in 1978 and induction
of Gunship Helicopters in 1985 validates its significance. Army Aviation played a key role in the
Siachen Conflict and later in Operation Lifeline in 2005. The present War Against Terror is an
all arms team effort but for its success: Army Aviation is the key. Aviators have a very heavy
responsibility on their shoulders as their role on the modern battle field will continue to grow and
therefore, they have to focus on achieving professional excellence with requisite flight safety.
I appreciate the team work that has gone in the compilation of this book and hope that
useful lessons will be drawn from the past to make future more secure and peaceful.
I wish all Aviators safe flying.
iv
Major General Waqar Ahmed Kingravi
FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT
Army Aviation has developed into a potent component of the Pakistan Armed Forces during the past
six decades. Large scale induction of helicopters, coupled with raising of new units, especially during the
last three decades has transformed this fledgling Corps into a lethal, hard hitting war machine. In addition
to providing a strategic punch to the land forces, tremendous flexibility of employment during peace as well
as in war is now available to the field commanders.
Army Aviation has always responded to the clarion call with alacrity in the past and will Inshah
Allah continue to do so in future also. May it be the external threat, Internal Security Duties, or providing
succour during natural calamities, Aviators have always placed duty before self and played a vital role
for the succesful completion of arduous tasks. Its annals are replete with stories of courage and sacrifice
of its officers and men. We, the Aviators, are proud of our predecessors, who set such high standards of
excellence and sacrifice.
This History of Army Aviation is deeply intertwined with the saga of Pakistan and its Armed Forces.
The present book is a result of sweat and toil of numerous individuals, spread over more than ten years.
The most conspicuous thread which provided continuity and momentum to the successful fruitation of this
mammoth project remains to be Major General Muhammad Azam. He was ably assisted by Major Aamir
Cheema, whose passionate involvement provided vivid colour and details to the book. There were many,
many more, who made significant contributions, but it would not be possible to name them all over here.
I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to all serving as well as retired Aviators, who spared
their valuable time to provide precious input for an accurate compilation of the History of Army Aviation
covering its first six decades of existence
Wishing Pakistna Army Aviation continued success.
May Allah be our Guide and Protector.
v
PREFACE
History in the Making
Work on the history project of Army
Aviation took a start in mid-nineties when the
GOC, Maj Gen Rahmat Ullah tasked Aviation
School to undertake the project. Maj Gen Arif
Nazir (then serving as Lt Col in Tac Wing of
Aviation School) produced what would be the
first draft. Maj Gen Abdul Razzaq, the third
GOC of the Corps, however, gave a boost to
the whole effort in 1996 by incorporating a vet-
eran Aviator, Lt Col (R) Mushtaq Madni to ex-
pand the work. Col Madni worked diligently for
a number of years and a much expanded draft
emerged from this effort. This second draft how-
Major General Muhammad Azam HI(M)
ever could not be printed and the whole project
stayed shelved for the next three years.
It was in early 2002, when having taken over as the GOC, I decided to pursue the project. Existing
draft was circulated among old Aviatiors and three meetings with the retired Aviatiors took place in Pindi,
Lahore and Karachi. Based on observations of the veterans, a number of boards were formed to work on
areas / aspects which needed more attention. At the same time, a dedicated History Office was formed in
Aviation Command with Major Aamir Cheema deputed as the Project Officer. This officer worked with
missionary zeal and commitment. Enormous help / participation was also visible especially form retired
Aviators. Three ardent supporters of the Project left for their celestial abode while the work was still on;
they were Brig Saleem Ullah, Brig HR Abbassy and Maj Manzoor Kamal Bajwa. I am deeply indebted
to Brig Jabbar, Brig Mahmud and Wing Commander Nazir Siddiqui for their support / contribution. Brig
Mahmud made remarkable addition to the entire work with his excellent recollection of the 65 war. I must
express my gratitude to Mrs. A B Awan for having given us access to her late husband’s pictures and
documents. Group Capt Hussaini’s credit is also acknolwedged for reproducing a number of his paintings.
Incidentally, the proverbial last push was rendered by Maj Gen Waqar Kingravi and Maj Gen Taqi Naseer
Rizvi.
In the end I would make two points - one that I wish to thank a host of other serving and retired
Aviators who contributed immensely but could not be named due to space. Second, I must admit that his-
tories are never final; some events and some narratives may not have been covered adequately in spite of
our best efforts, please do send your observations to the Editorial Team or Aviation Directorate / Command
for incorporation in the next edition.
Wishing you Happy Reading.
vi
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