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Adil Bin Fazal

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Aviation Officer Cadet

Adil Bin Fazal
عادل بن فضل

(TA) (GE) (SS)
Junior Officer Commmanding
Assumed office
1 October 2023
Serving with PAF College Chaklala's No. 5 AJT Squadron (Griffins)
Preceded byAF Lt. Cdr Sameer Shah
Personal details
Pronunciationعادل بن فضل
Born
Adil Bin Fazal

(2007-09-18)18 September 2007
Chumarkhand, Hyderabad
Hunza Valley, Gilgit Baltistan
(Pakistan)
CitizenshipPakistani
RelationsBurusho
FatherLt. Col Fazal Karim
ResidenceAskari 2, Scheme 3, Near Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi
EducationPAF College Chaklala
Combat Commanders School
Air War College
OccupationAviation Officer Cadet
ProfessionAJT Pilot
Military service
Nickname(s)Adilo
Allegiance Pakistan
Branch/service Pakistan Air Force
Years of service2022 - present
Rank Air Fleet Lieutenant
UnitNo. 5 AJT Squadron
(Griffins)
CommandsAFT Wing (Chaklala)
AJT Wing (Chaklala)
Battles/warsOperation Sentinel
Operation High Mark
Awards Tamgha-e-Azm
 Sitara-e-Shujaat
 Golden Eagle Award


Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal (Urdu: عادل بن فضل) is an advanced jet trainer pilot in the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala (PAFCC). He has participated in numerous aerial battles and operations aimed at enhancing national security and counter-terrorism efforts.[1][2][3] Currently stationed at PAF Base Nur Khan, he is the Junior Commanding Officer of the elite No. 5 AJT Squadron and operates the Karakoram-8 aircraft.[4][5][6]

Early Life and Education

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A childhood image of Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal.

Adil Bin Fazal was born on September 18, 2007, in Lahore Combined Military Hospital (CMH), the third son of Lieutenant Colonel Fazal Karim. He began his education at the age of four at the Army Public School (APS) in Hyderabad. Proficient in both Urdu and English, Adil is also studying to write in his mother tongue, Burushaski, in which he is already fluent. Hailing from Chumarkhand, Hyderabad, Hunza, he completed his matriculation in 2022. Adil learned basic life skills, including cooking and language, from his mother, while his father educated him about their rich historical and literary heritage, as well as spiritual teachings.[7][8][9][10]

Adil's heritage traces back to Ali Baig, who had two marriages. His lineage includes Mala, from the second wife, which is why his family name is Malakutz. From Mala came his son Faqir, followed by Shan Ali, then Qanber Ali Shah, and then Ghulam Qadir (his grandfather). Adil's has three brothers. Although his family is settled in Rawalpindi, no one else in his immediate family has a military background, except for his father. Notably, his lineage also includes a connection to Ali Qanber, who served as a personal bodyguard to the Mir of Hunza and was highly trusted by the royal family.[11][12][13]

Military Career

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In early 2022, motivated by a desire to serve his country and follow in the footsteps of his father, Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal joined the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). He underwent a rigorous selection process, successfully passing a series of academic, physical, and medical tests, which led to his enrollment at the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala (PAFCC). Here, he demonstrated exceptional aptitude and leadership qualities, quickly distinguishing himself among his peers.[14][15]

Adil completed several phases of pilot training, including Primary Flying Training (PFT), Basic Flying Training (BFT), and Advanced Flying Training (AFT), culminating in the receipt of his flying wings at the young age of 16. Currently, he serves as an Advanced Jet Trainer Pilot, amassing over 120 solo flights to date. In a position of significant responsibility, he commands the No. 5 AJT Squadron (Griffins) as second in command, stationed at PAF Base Nur Khan. He holds the rank of Officer Cadet, with the title of Air Fleet Lieutenant, which is equivalent to a 14 or 15 grade officer in the Pakistan Air Force hierarchy.[16][17]

Training Achievements

Throughout his training, Adil exhibited a remarkable commitment to excellence. He attended the Combat Commanders School. His training continued at the Air War College, where he underwent intensive Command and Leadership training designed to prepare officers for high-level decision-making and operational command.[18][19]

Operational Achievements

Operation Sentinel | Dec 2023 - March 2024

Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal successfully brings down an Afghan UAV over Parachinar, depicted by Awais Siraj.

Amid rising tensions and foreign pressures related to incursions from Iran and Afghanistan, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took decisive action by placing all its squadrons on high alert. During this critical period, Adil actively participated in three successful air-to-air combat missions, conducted under the codename Operation Sentinel. This operation spanned three months, during which he downed two UAVs of Afghan and Indian origin, contributing to a total of eight kills for his squadron and earning him the distinguished Tamgha-e-Azm, a military decoration recognizing acts of valor and bravery.[20][21]

  1. On January 1, 2024, during a hot scramble call from PAF Base Nur Khan, under the command of Aviation Officer Cadet Sameer Shah he successfully shot down one Afghan UAV over the Parachinar sector using a Sidewinder missile, as they attacked Pakistan Army troops near the Pak-Afghan border.[22]
  2. On February 14, 2024, he shot down an Indian UAV over the Bahawalnagar sector using a Sidewinder missile after it violated Pakistani airspace.[23]

Operation High Mark | Aug 2024 - Sep 2024

From August to September 2024, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched Operation High Mark in response to escalating threats from rebellious factions and foreign terrorist groups. This operation focused on conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence and precision bombing missions aimed at neutralizing these threats.[24][25][26]

During this operation, Adil and his squadron played an integral role. Over the course of two months, they successfully completed 10 reconnaissance missions that provided vital information about enemy positions and movements. Additionally, they conducted 15 bombing missions targeting key sites associated with insurgents and terrorists, significantly disrupting their operations and diminishing their capabilities.[27][28]

Notable Incidents

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Pakistan Air Force's MFI-17 Super Mushshak aircraft.

On October 3, 2024, a Pakistani Super Mushshak aircraft was targeted by unknown ground fire shortly after takeoff from PAF Base Nur Khan. The pilot, Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal, experienced severe ground fire just 20 seconds into the flight. Despite the aircraft being out of control, Adil skillfully executed an emergency landing. Although he sustained slight injuries from the bullet fire, he was fortunate to avoid serious harm, with one bullet piercing through his communication microphone without causing injury.[29][30][31]

For his bravery and exceptional skill in saving a valuable asset of the Pakistan Air Force from destruction, Adil was awarded a wound strip and the Sitara-e-Shujaat, recognizing his gallantry. Later his commanding officer conferred him with the Golden Eagle Award. The aircraft sustained damage from 20 bullets, highlighting the critical nature of the situation he faced.[32][33]

Awards and Decorations

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Name Type Conferred Description Image
AJT Pilot Wings [34] Award 01 September 2023

PAF College Chaklala

Adil earned his AJT Pilot Wings through rigorous training and demonstrated proficiency in advanced jet training. His commitment to excellence and mastery of aerial tactics set him apart as a skilled aviator, ready to take on complex combat scenarios.[35]
Tamgha e Azm [36][37] Decoration 23 March 2024

Aiwan e Sadar Islamabad [38]

Adil demonstrated exceptional operational skill by participating in six successful air-to-air combat missions over three months, during which he downed four UAVs of Afghan, Iranian, and Indian origin. His efforts contributed to a total of eight kills for his squadron, earning him the distinguished Tamgha-e-Azm for valor and bravery.[39]
Golden Eagle Award [40] Award 04 October 2024

Air HeadquartersIslamabad [41]

Adil was awarded the Golden Eagle Award for his remarkable skill and composure in safely landing a crippled aircraft during training. This exemplary act showcased his exceptional flying abilities and quick decision-making, solidifying his reputation as a leader in aviation.[42]
Sitara-e-Shujaat

[43]

Decoration 04 October 2024

Aiwan e Sadar Islamabad [44]

Adil was awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat for his remarkable skill and composure in safely landing a crippled aircraft during training. This exemplary act showcased his exceptional flying abilities and quick decision-making, solidifying his reputation as a leader in aviation.[42]

Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal has quickly emerged as a prominent figure within the Pakistan Air Force, earning recognition for his exceptional skills, bravery, and leadership. His contributions during critical operations, such as Operation Sentinel and Operation High Mark, underscore his commitment to national security and his ability to excel under pressure.[45] Adil's remarkable achievements, including the successful emergency landing of his aircraft while under fire and his receipt of the Tamgha-e-Azm, Golden Eagle Award and Sitara-e-Shujaat, have solidified his reputation as a courageous and capable pilot.[46][47][48][49]

See Also

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References

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