No. 5 AJT Squadron

Insignia of No. 5 AJT Squadron "Griffins".

The No. 5 AJT Squadron, also known as the "Griffins", is a prestigious advance jet training squadron of Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala with the secondary task of intercepting unwanted intruders, based at the Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan, Chaklala, assigned to the No. 48 Tactical Interceptor Wing of the Pakistan Air Force's Central Air Command. Established in 1949 at Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala, it holds the distinction of being the oldest squadron in all the Pakistan Air Force Colleges. As the first operational flying squadron for combat training, the Griffins have been at the forefront of producing highly skilled combat pilots. Their rich history and legacy continue to inspire new generations of aviators. The squadron is considered the most elite and senior among all the fleets of the Pakistan Air Force College.

History

Karakoram-8 of No. 5 AJT Squadron "Griffins" of PAF College Chaklala.

No. 5 Squadron was initially raised on September 11, 1949, at the Royal Pakistan Air Force College in Chaklala, and later formally established on November 1, 1949. Under the command of the pioneering female Polish-origin flight instructor, Zofia Turowicz, the squadron began its journey with a humble fleet of six De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moths. During its early years from 1949 to 1957, the squadron was deployed in Risalpur, where it played a crucial role in training the Aviation Cadets of the Pakistan Air Force Academy. In recognition of its dedicated services, the squadron was honored with the prestigious service medal of the Academy.

In July 1957, Air Commodore Jamal Khan, Commandant of the Royal Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala, requested the squadron's return to Chaklala. The following month, Air Chief Marshal Asghar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, visited the college and officially renamed it the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala. This change was accompanied by the introduction of a new fleet of twelve North American T-6G Harvards, allocated to the squadron. Under the command of Squadron Leader Ibrahim Khan, the squadron was relocated to Chaklala.

Battle Honours

Pak - Indo War | 1965

The squadron played a pivotal role in the Pakistan-India War of 1965, operating from the strategically significant PAF Base Sargodha. With a modest fleet consisting of just four T-33s and two F-86s, the squadron faced formidable challenges due to a severe shortage of resources and capabilities. Despite these constraints, the pilots demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience, conducting a total of 876 reconnaissance missions, 120 air defense missions, and 11 combat missions throughout the conflict.

The squadron achieved its first air kill on September 5, 1965, when Aviation Officer Cadet Ali Asghar Randhawa skillfully shot down an Indian Mystère aircraft near the Mianwali sector. This remarkable feat not only showcased his exceptional flying skills but also fostered a deep sense of pride and camaraderie among his fellow squadron members. The Indian pilot managed to eject safely but was captured by Pakistani troops, adding to the squadron's sense of achievement.

Just two days later, on September 7, Cadet Assam Baig made history by downing two superior MiG-21s in a single sortie. His audacious attack shattered the confidence of the Indian Air Force, marking a turning point in the air battle. The successful engagement underscored the squadron’s determination and spirit, leaving a lasting impact on both nations. The Indian pilots, unable to evade Baig's skilled assault, were lost with their aircraft, an event that profoundly affected Indian morale and led to the MiG-21s being grounded for the remainder of the conflict.

In recognition of their extraordinary contributions and unwavering courage, the pilots of the squadron were honored with ten Sitara-e-Jurat, twenty-two Tamgha-e-Diffa, and five Tamgha-e-Jurat medals. These accolades reflected not just individual valor, but the collective spirit of a dedicated team who, against all odds, stood resolute in the face of adversity, embodying the very essence of bravery and patriotism. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations, reminding us of the power of resilience and camaraderie in the pursuit of peace and honor.

Pak - Indo War | 1971

The squadron played a crucial role in the Pakistan-India War of 1971, demonstrating unwavering dedication and resilience while operating outdated T-33 aircraft. Faced with significant resource shortages and challenging conditions, the squadron excelled in its mission to defend the nation, flying an impressive total of 984 reconnaissance missions, 230 air defense missions, and 39 combat missions. During this period, the squadron was stationed at both PAF Base Sargodha and PAF Base Masroor in Karachi, maintaining a fleet of just seven T-33s.

The squadron achieved its first air kill on December 9, 1971, when Aviation Officer Cadet Farooq Khan successfully shot down an Indian Bréguet 1050 Alizé aircraft over the Indian Ocean. This marked a significant moment in the conflict, as the Indian pilot was subsequently declared killed in action by the Indian Navy. Just two days later, on December 11, the squadron bravely entered Indian airspace for the first time on a mission to destroy the IAF Base Utterlai. During this daring operation, Aviation Officer Cadet Ali Ahmad and Arif Iqbal each claimed a kill, targeting HF-24 Marut aircraft as they prepared for takeoff. Arif executed a devastating strafing run on the flight leader, obliterating it in a fierce display of skill, while Ali used his fuel tanks to inflict catastrophic damage on the wingman, ensuring the aircraft's destruction.

One of the squadron's most notable achievements came when they successfully executed a mission to completely destroy an Indian railway station that was pivotal for supplying ammunition to the Indian Army. This operation was meticulously planned and led by Aviation Officer Cadet Sheraz Ali, alongside his brave pilots Faqar, Imad, and Saqlain. The successful strike on the railway station was heralded as the squadron's most accomplished operation in its history, showcasing their tactical prowess and teamwork.

In recognition of their extraordinary valor and contributions during the conflict, the Government of Pakistan awarded the squadron's pilots fifteen Sitara-e-Jurat, nine Tamgha-e-Jurat medals and thirt three Imtiazi Sanad Awards. This commendation reflected not only individual bravery but also the collective spirit of a squadron that, despite facing overwhelming odds, stood resolute in defense of their homeland. Their legacy remains a source of inspiration, embodying the courage, sacrifice, and determination that define the spirit of the Pakistan Air Force.

Soviet Afghan War | 1979 - 1989

During the Soviet-Afghan War, the squadron did not directly engage in combat operations but played a crucial role in intercepting aircraft of Afghan or Soviet origin that violated Pakistani airspace. A notable incident occurred on March 30, 1987, when a Soviet An-26 transport aircraft entered Pakistani airspace under suspicious circumstances. Aviation Officer Cadet Haroon Khan was on a routine patrol mission in his Shenyang FT-5 over Parachinar when he received orders to intercept the intruder.

Upon approaching the An-26, Aviation Officer Cadet Khan observed erratic behavior from the aircraft, which raised concerns about its intentions. Despite attempts to communicate and compel the crew to land in Pakistan, they disobeyed the orders. Faced with the potential threat, Cadet Khan was authorized to engage the aircraft. In a decisive and courageous move, he opened fire, bringing the An-26 down with a barrage of gunfire, resulting in the tragic loss of all 39 crew members on board. For his exemplary bravery and quick decision-making in this critical situation, Aviation Officer Cadet Haroon Khan was awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat.

Kargil War | 1999

During the Kargil War of 1999, the squadron operated the Mushak aircraft for its patrol missions, flying a total of 67 sorties while skillfully avoiding direct combat. Their primary focus was on reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, providing essential support to ground forces without engaging in aerial confrontations.

The pilots showcased remarkable professionalism and dedication, utilizing the Mushak’s capabilities to monitor enemy movements and relay vital information back to command. Their commitment to their mission was evident as they navigated challenging conditions and maintained a vigilant presence in the region.

In recognition of their exemplary service during this critical period, the squadron was awarded four Tamgha-e-Diffa medals. This honor reflects not only the individual bravery of the pilots but also the collective effort of the squadron in contributing to national security and operational effectiveness during the Kargil conflict. Their actions serve as a testament to the importance of reconnaissance in modern warfare and the unwavering spirit of the Pakistan Air Force.

Operation Sentinel | 2023 - 2024

Amid rising tensions due to incursions from Iran and Afghanistan, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) placed all squadrons on high alert, readying for potential combat. During this critical period, Griffins took part in forty-five air-to-air combat missions under Operation Sentinel, which lasted from mid-December 2023 to early March 2024. The squadron successfully downed four Afghan UAVs, two Iranian UAVs, and two Indian UAVs, contributing to a total of eight kills for the squadron. Five pilots of the squadron were awarded the Tamgha-e-Azm, a military decoration recognizing acts of bravery.

Kills Achieving Pilot	Date	Kills Achieved	Intruder	Origin	Description of the event
Aviation Officer Cadet Sameer Shah Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal	01 January 2024 (Parachinar Sector)	3	Afghan UAV (MQ-9 Reaper)	Afghanistan
Aviation Officer Cadet Hakim Ejaz	02 January 2024 (Parachinar Sector)	1	Afghan UAV (MQ-9 Reaper)	Afghanistan
Aviation Officer Cadet Sameer Shah	06 February 2024 (Panjgur Sector)	1	Iranian UAV (Shahed-129)	Iran
Aviation Officer Cadet Murtaza Ali		1
		1
		1

List of Commanding Officers

No.	Commander	From	To	Status

List of Aircrafts Operated

Aircraft	Fleet Strength	From	To	Status
De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth	14	1947	1957	Retired
North American Harvard	8			Retired
Auster	5			Retired

See Also

• PAF College Chaklala
• PAF Base Nur Khan
• Pakistan Air Force