The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) (Urdu: پاک فِضائیہ, romanized: Pāk Fìzāʾiyah; pronounced [pɑːk fɪzɑːɪjəɦ])[Note 1] is the aerial warfare branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces, tasked primarily with the aerial defence of Pakistan, with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy when required, and a tertiary role of providing strategic airlift capability to Pakistan. As of 2024[update], as per the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the PAF has more than 35,000 active-duty personnel.[6] PAF stands as the eight largest Air Force in the world.[7] PAF is the largest Air Force of the Muslim world in terms of aircraft fleet.[8] Its primary mandate and mission is "to provide, in synergy with other inter-services, the most efficient, assured and cost effective aerial defence of Pakistan." Since its establishment in 1947, the PAF has been involved in various combat operations, providing aerial support to the operations and relief efforts of the Pakistani military.[9] Under Article 243, the Constitution of Pakistan appoints the President of Pakistan as the civilian Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Armed Forces. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), by statute a four-star air officer, is appointed by the President with the consultation and confirmation needed from the Prime Minister of Pakistan.[10]
- ^ Barvarz, Fartash (2012). Islamic Atomic Bomb (google books) (1st ed.). Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.: AuthorHouse. p. 116. ISBN 9781426923661. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
- ^ a b International Institute for Strategic Studies (February 2024). The Military Balance 2024. London: Routledge. ISBN 9781032780047.
- ^ "Pakistan Air Force – A Symbol of Pride for the Nation." Archived 4 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine Pakistan Air Force, 17 May 2020, Retrieved: 17 May 2020.
- ^ "A Hostile Middle East". 7 December 2020. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Saudi-Pak relations are unique". Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (February 2024). The Military Balance 2024. London: Routledge. ISBN 9781032780047.
- ^ "Largest Air Forces in the World 2023". Wisevoter. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "2023 Pakistan Military Strength". www.globalfirepower.com. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ PAF. "History of PAF". AIr Force ISPR. Archived from the original on 15 December 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ "Article 243". Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
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