Remembering the sacrifices of our martyrs

Fighters of Cobra 15 squadron continue serving as protectors of nation

LAHORE:

Pakistan, on September 6, commemorates the sacrifices made by its armed forces during the 1965 war.

To this day, Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s Cobra 15 squadron is ensuring the security of the country's borders.

In 2019, the PAF pilots of Cobra 15 squadron successfully shot down the aircraft of Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

The air force squadron, formed for technical attack, is the fourth oldest fighter squadron in the history of PAF Cobra.

The squadron was founded on June 15, 1956 in Maripur. It was named ‘Tactical Attack’ squadron and the squadron's symbol is the ‘King Cobra.’

By mid-June 1956, the Cobras had been assigned its first aircraft, a T-33, for instrumentation.

The Cobra 15 squadron has the honour of having the first F-86 aircraft flying in Pakistan's skies.

Flight Lieutenant Younis of Cobra 15 squadron had made history by becoming the first Pakistani pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft. Even today at PAF's Rafiqui air base, fighters are always ready to face the enemy and while engaging in their routine training, they are demonstrating their expertise in their respective sections.

Squadron 15's fighter pilots Danial and Arsalan said that the squadron’s Cobra 15 fighters were on standby 24 hours a day to hit their target. "We do our usual exercises and each fighter keeps training in their own section.”

“The passion we have in our squadron was why we have achieved success,” they stated.

“The Cobra 15 squadron continues to serve as guardians of the nation and a beacon of hope for the future. The squadron actively participates in all exercises and performs impressively in times of peace as well as during times of war.”

Squadron Commander S M Ahmed became the first pilot to exceed the sound barrier in Pakistani airspace.

In 1958, Cobra squadron moved to Peshawar.

On April 10, 1959, Squadron 15’s Flight Lieutenant Younis made history by becoming the first Pakistani pilot to shoot down an enemy plane. In September 1965, the squadron flew from Sargodha to defend the country during the war.

Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Ahmed Bhatti shot down two enemy planes.

He was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery, dedication and service.

During the 1971 war, Squadron 15’s Flight Lieutenant Mujahid Salik, intending to kill the enemy, successfully shot down an Indian Air Force aircraft.

The squadron was re-equipped with F-6 aircraft in July 1973 and shifted to Peshawar. The role of the squadron was also changed to an aerial superiority squadron.

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The air force squadron was transferred to Minhas base in June 1989.

The squadron was re-equipped with F-7P fighter interceptor aircraft in June 1993.

The squadron was numbered on August 31, 1997, due to the PAF's restructuring programme and F-7Ps were distributed on its inventory.

In 2000, the Cobra squadron was revived with changed uniform and a new location.

This time the squadron was equipped with Mirage 5 aircraft.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2021.