F-16 Reference

5th squadron ( PAF)

" Falcons"  
F-16 Units main menu | Pakistan Air Force units overview
5 sqn " Falcons" ( PAF)
Status:
Active
Version: F-16C/D block 52
Role: Multirole
Tailband: N/A
Motto: N/A
Badge: A diving falcon with a bomb in its claws.

Sideways profile for 5 sqn in 2023.

F-16 History

In 2010 deliveries of the brand-new block 52 F-16s to the Pakistani Air Force started. As part of the Peace Drive program a total of 18 airframes was delivered. The squadron was moved to the newly constructed Shahbaz AB and started training on the new type immediately. The squadron was equipped with the venerable Mirage aircraft of which a number of different types were flown including some single seat fighter, fighter-bombers and also dedicated reconnaissance aircraft. With the introduction of the F-16 the squadron becomes fully multirole.

Although the PAF has experience operating the F-16 (block 15 versions have been flown by the force since 1983), the introduction of these block 52 airframes means a serious change in performance and possibilities. Most probably these airframes will be equipped to perform a wide variety of tasks since it's the most modern aircraft type in service with the PAF. It will rely heavily on the type to cope with the 'Indian' thread.


PAF F-16C block 52 #10901 returns to base after a test flight on December 1st, 2010. [Photo by Keith Robinson]

Aircraft Markings History

2010 - present

A full colored (or sometimes toned-down) Pakistani flag adorned the tail in the center with the serial number on the tail base. In front of the flag is the unit's diving falcon with a gray tailband with 'Falcons' titles included.


Unit History

  • 1947: Activation of the squadron in Peshawar
  • 1947: Hawker ‘Tempest’ Mk. II (Miranshah AB)
  • 1951: Hawker ‘Fury’ FB-60
  • 1957: F-86E/F ‘Sabre’
  • 1967: Mirage IIIE/RP (Rafiqui AB)
  • 2010: F-16C/D ‘Fighting Falcon’ (Shahbaz AB)


F-16 Airframe Inventory

Photos


Sources

http://paffalcons.com/squadrons/index.php

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