PAF remembers creation of JF-17-equipped No 28 MR Squadron

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Monday marked the creation of Number 28 Multirole Squadron, which is equipped with the latest JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, to strengthen the country’s defence.

In a series of tweets posted on its official Twitter handle, PAF said, “Today marks the date when elite ‘No 28 Multirole Squadron’ of Pakistan Air Force, equipped with Pakistan’s Pride JF-17 Thunder, was raised at PAF Base Samungli. The squadron was raised on 28 Feb, 2018 to strengthen Pakistan’s security along its western borders.”

It further said that the Number 28 Squadron was named “Phoenix”, which symbolised “Rebirth” as well as “Fire and Passion”. The motto of PAF No 28 Squadron is “Khudi Ko Jis Nay Falak Say Buland Ter Dekha”, based on Iqbal’s concept of self-reliance and integrity that is far higher than the skies.

The JF-17 fighter jets were equipped with modern avionics and armed with lethal weapons, including long range Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles capable of taking down enemy aircraft and drones from a stand-off distance, it added.

Furthermore, the PAF said, the JF-17 Thunder from the newly raised No. 28 Squadron “Phoenix” also had the honour to participate in the Anatolian Eagle 2019, a Turkish-led multi-national exercise.

“PAF commends the air and ground crew of 28 Multirole Squadron, that is highly motivated and professional in all the operational and non-operational matters and perform all its roles with honour and utmost safety,” it concluded.