TOP SECRET // PAF DOSSIER 2026
Threat Level:
HIGH
Total Aircraft:
~850-900
Active Bases:
35+
Global Rank:
7th-9th
Air Power Intelligence Assessment
Pakistan Air Force — Complete Order of Battle 2026
Aircraft Inventory • Air Bases • Commands • Space Assets
Report Period: Fiscal & Operational Year 2026
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) stands as one of the most capable aerial combat forces in South Asia and is widely regarded as the most capable air force in the Muslim world. With approximately 70,000 active personnel and a fleet of ~850–900 aircraft, the PAF maintains a global rank between 7th and 9th in air power. The force is organized under four regional air commands (Northern, Central, Southern, Western), operating from 35+ air bases across Pakistan including high-altitude forward operating bases in Gilgit-Baltistan. As of 2026, the PAF is undergoing a doctrinal transformation from a traditional platform-centric air force into a capability-centric aerospace force, integrating air, space, cyber, and electronic warfare domains under a unified operational framework.
01
PAF Overall Strength & Inventory Summary
Order of BattleActive Personnel
~70,000
Officers + Airmen
Reserve Personnel
~8,000
Reservists
Total Aircraft
~850-900
All Categories
Combat Jets
~400-450
Fighters / Attack
Helicopters
~350
Utility / SAR
Transports/Tankers
~60
Strategic Mobility
Trainers
~150
All Phases
UAVs
50+
ISR / Strike
Flying Squadrons
~25-30
Active Units
Global Standing
7th-9th
World Rank
02
Complete List of PAF Bases with Coordinates
35+ InstallationsNorthern Air Command (NAC)
HQ: PeshawarResponsible for the northern and western borders, including the Line of Control (LoC) and Afghanistan border. Key to high-altitude operations in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
| Base Name | Location | Coordinates (Lat, Long) | Primary Role / Hosted Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAF Base Peshawar | Peshawar, KP | 33.9944° N, 71.5278° E 33°59’40″N, 71°31’40″E | NAC HQ, No. 36 Tactical Attack Wing (F-7PG, JF-17) |
| PAF Base Minhas | Kamra, Attock | 33.8000° N, 72.4000° E 33°48’00″N, 72°24’00″E | No. 33 Tactical Wing (J-10C, JF-17 Block III), PAC Kamra |
| PAF Academy Asghar Khan | Risalpur, KP | 34.0811° N, 71.9725° E 34°04’52″N, 71°58’21″E | Premier pilot training (Mushshak, K-8, T-37, L-15) |
| PAF Base M.M. Alam | Mianwali, Punjab | 32.5631° N, 71.5719° E 32°33’47″N, 71°34’19″E | No. 37 Combat Training Wing, SAR (H125) |
| PAF Base Qadri | Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan | 35.3417° N, 75.5225° E 35°20’30″N, 75°31’21″E | Highest-altitude Forward Operating Base (Mi-17, light aircraft) |
Central Air Command (CAC)
HQ: SargodhaThe strategic core of the PAF, housing elite fighter squadrons, AEW&C assets, and the prestigious Combat Commanders’ School (CCS).
| Base Name | Location | Coordinates (Lat, Long) | Primary Role / Hosted Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAF Base Mushaf | Sargodha, Punjab | 32.0486° N, 72.6653° E 32°02’55″N, 72°39’55″E | CAC HQ, CCS, No. 38 MR Wing (F-16, JF-17, ZDK-03, Saab 2000) |
| PAF Base Nur Khan | Rawalpindi, Punjab | 33.6167° N, 73.0992° E 33°37’00″N, 73°05’57″E | No. 35 Composite Air Transport Wing (C-130, Il-78 Tanker) |
| PAF Base Rafiqui | Shorkot, Punjab | 30.7561° N, 72.2575° E 30°45’22″N, 72°15’27″E | No. 34 Tactical Attack Wing (Mirage III/V ROSE, JF-17) |
| PAF Base Multan | Multan, Punjab | 30.1989° N, 71.4169° E 30°11’56″N, 71°25’01″E | Forward operational support and training |
| PAF Base Murid | Chakwal, Punjab | 32.9333° N, 72.8333° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) for dispersal |
| PAF Base Risalewala | Faisalabad, Punjab | 31.4333° N, 72.6833° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Chandhar | Gujranwala, Punjab | 32.1667° N, 74.1833° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
Southern Air Command (SAC)
HQ: KarachiResponsible for the southern border, Arabian Sea maritime defense, and protection of critical economic zones including Gwadar Port and CPEC maritime corridors.
| Base Name | Location | Coordinates (Lat, Long) | Primary Role / Hosted Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAF Base Faisal | Karachi, Sindh | 24.8933° N, 67.0467° E 24°53’36″N, 67°02’48″E | SAC HQ, PAF Air War College, Transport/Utility |
| PAF Base Masroor | Karachi (Mauripur), Sindh | 24.8936° N, 66.9389° E 24°53’37″N, 66°56’20″E | Largest PAF base. No. 32/39 Wings (JF-17, Mirage, AW139) |
| PAF Base Shahbaz | Jacobabad, Sindh | 28.2842° N, 68.4497° E 28°17’03″N, 68°26’58″E | No. 39 Tactical Wing (F-16 Block 52+, JF-17) |
| PAF Base Bholari | Jamshoro, Sindh | 25.3000° N, 68.3000° E (approx) | No. 41 Tactical Wing (Newer hub augmenting Masroor) |
| PAF Base Farid | Rajanpur, Punjab | 29.0167° N, 70.3167° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Vehari | Vehari, Punjab | 30.0417° N, 72.3500° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Rahimyar Khan | Rahimyar Khan, Punjab | 28.4167° N, 70.3000° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Lahore | Lahore, Punjab | 31.5204° N, 74.4044° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base / Civil-military shared |
| PAF Base Bahawalpur | Bahawalpur, Punjab | 29.3467° N, 71.7167° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Sukkur | Sukkur, Sindh | 27.7000° N, 68.8500° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Talhar | Badin, Sindh | 24.8833° N, 69.0167° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Sindhri | Mirpur Khas, Sindh | 25.5167° N, 69.0500° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
| PAF Base Nawabshah | Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh | 26.2500° N, 68.4000° E (approx) | Forward Operating Base (FOB) |
Western Air Command & Coastal Bases
Balochistan / Makran CoastFocused on Balochistan, the Makran Coast, and strategic depth. Critical for CPEC maritime corridor security, western border defense, and UAV/ISR operations.
| Base Name | Location | Coordinates (Lat, Long) | Primary Role / Hosted Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAF Base Samungli | Quetta, Balochistan | 30.1990° N, 67.0097° E (approx) | No. 31 Air Superiority Wing (JF-17), guards western airspace |
| PAF Base Pasni | Pasni, Balochistan | 25.2906° N, 63.3492° E 25°17’26″N, 63°20’57″E | Coastal radar, maritime patrol, naval coordination |
| PAF Base Gwadar (Old) | Gwadar, Balochistan | 25.1267° N, 62.3233° E (approx) | Strategic coastal support and surveillance |
| Shamsi Airfield | Washuk, Balochistan | 27.8465° N, 65.1600° E 27°50’60″N, 65°09’60″E | Remote forward airstrip (historically used for UAV ops) |
| PAF Ormara | Ormara, Balochistan | 25.2000° N, 64.6333° E (approx) | Coastal support facility |
Non-Flying Bases & Support Facilities
NationwideUsed for radar, logistics, training, or recreation (no permanent flying squadrons). Includes high-altitude radar stations and administrative hubs.
| Base Name | Location | Coordinates (Lat, Long) | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAF Camp Badaber | Peshawar, KP | 33.9500° N, 71.4500° E (approx) | Logistics and administrative support |
| PAF Base Lower Topa | Murree, Punjab | 33.9000° N, 73.3833° E (approx) | Rest, recreation, preparatory college |
| PAF Base Kohat | Kohat, KP | 33.5833° N, 71.4333° E (approx) | Regional support and logistics |
| PAF Base Kalabagh | Nathia Gali, KP | 33.9167° N, 73.4000° E (approx) | High-altitude radar and communication relay |
| PAF Base Kallar Kahar | Kallar Kahar, Punjab | 32.7833° N, 72.6833° E (approx) | Training and logistical support |
| PAF Base Sakesar | Sakesar, Punjab | 32.2667° N, 71.9167° E (approx) | Historic high-altitude early-warning radar station |
| PAF Base Korangi Creek | Karachi, Sindh | 24.7822° N, 67.1364° E | Coastal logistics and naval coordination |
| PAF Base Malir | Karachi, Sindh | 24.8833° N, 67.1833° E (approx) | Administrative and logistics hub |
| Chilas Airfield | Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan | 35.4167° N, 74.1000° E (approx) | Emergency high-altitude landing strip |
| Miranshah Airfield | N. Waziristan, KP | 32.9833° N, 70.1167° E (approx) | Forward tactical support in tribal regions |
03
Key Operational Synergies — Base-to-Aircraft Mapping
Strategic HubsTHE BRAIN
PAF Base Minhas (Kamra)
📍 33.80° N, 72.40° E
Houses the J-10C fleet, JF-17 Block III squadrons, and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), where JF-17s and Super Mushshaks are manufactured and overhauled. The modernization engine of the PAF.
THE SWORD ARM
PAF Base Mushaf (Sargodha)
📍 32.05° N, 72.67° E
Headquarters of the Central Air Command, hosting elite F-16 squadrons, AEW&C assets (ZDK-03, Saab 2000), and the prestigious Combat Commanders’ School (CCS).
LOGISTICS HUB
PAF Base Nur Khan (Rawalpindi)
📍 33.62° N, 73.10° E
Home to Il-78 refueling tankers, C-130 transports, and VIP flights, enabling strategic mobility across the entire operational theater and supporting extended-range fighter operations.
HIGH-ALTITUDE HUB
PAF Base Qadri (Skardu)
📍 35.34° N, 75.52° E
Specialized high-altitude forward base operating Mi-17 helicopters and light aircraft to support border operations in the Karakoram region, including Siachen logistics support.
04
Complete Aircraft Inventory by Category
~850-900 PlatformsCombat Aircraft (Fighters & Multirole)
Core Strike & Air Defense| Aircraft | Origin | Role | Primary Base Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JF-17 ThunderBlock I, II, III | 🇵🇰🇨🇳 | Multirole Fighter | Minhas (Kamra), Mushaf (Sargodha), Masroor (Karachi), Shahbaz (Jacobabad), Samungli (Quetta) | Backbone of the PAF. Jointly developed by PAC and Chengdu. Block III features AESA radar and PL-15E missiles. |
| F-16 Fighting FalconA/B/C/D | 🇺🇸 | Air Superiority / Multirole | Mushaf (Sargodha), M.M. Alam (Mianwali) | Premier high-end fighter. Operated by elite squadrons like the “Griffins” and “Panthers”. |
| Chengdu J-10CVigorous Dragon | 🇨🇳 | 4.5-Gen Multirole Fighter | Minhas (Kamra) | Inducted in 2022 to counter advanced regional threats. Features AESA radar and long-range BVR capabilities. |
| Dassault Mirage III / V | 🇫🇷 | Strike / Interceptor | Masroor (Karachi), Mushaf (Sargodha) | Legacy fleet undergoing life-extension programs; gradually being replaced by JF-17s. |
| Chengdu F-7PG | 🇨🇳 | Point-Defense Interceptor | Various (being phased out) | Being actively retired and replaced by JF-17 Block III and J-10C. |
Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C)
Net-Centric Warfare| Aircraft | Origin | Role | Primary Base Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saab 2000 Erieye | 🇸🇪 | AEW&C | Mushaf (Sargodha) | Provides 360-degree radar coverage and command-and-control capabilities. |
| ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle | 🇨🇳 | AEW&C | Mushaf (Sargodha) | Based on Shaanxi Y-8 transport platform; features an AESA radar. |
Transport & Aerial Refueling
Strategic Mobility| Aircraft | Origin | Role | Primary Base Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Il-78 Midas | 🇷🇺🇺🇿 | Aerial Refueling / Heavy Transport | Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) | Enables mid-air refueling for F-16s and JF-17s, extending their combat radius. |
| C-130B/E Hercules | 🇺🇸 | Tactical Transport | Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) | The workhorse for troop deployment, disaster relief, and heavy cargo. |
| CASA CN-235 / Harbin Y-12 | 🇪🇸🇨🇳 | Light Transport / Utility | Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Risalpur | Used for regional logistics, paratrooper drops, and maritime patrol support. |
| Dassault Falcon 20 | 🇫🇷 | VIP / Calibration | Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) | Used for VIP transport and electronic calibration missions. |
Trainer Aircraft
Ab-Initio to Advanced Conversion| Aircraft | Origin | Role | Primary Base Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFI-17 Super Mushshak | 🇵🇰 | Primary Trainer | Asghar Khan (Risalpur) | Indigenously manufactured at PAC Kamra; the first aircraft flown by PAF cadets. |
| K-8 Karakorum | 🇨🇳🇵🇰 | Intermediate Jet Trainer | Asghar Khan (Risalpur) | Bridges the gap between basic propeller trainers and high-performance jets. |
| T-37 Tweet | 🇺🇸 | Basic Jet Trainer | Asghar Khan (Risalpur) | Being progressively phased out in favor of more modern platforms. |
| Hongdu L-15 | 🇨🇳 | Advanced Jet Trainer | Asghar Khan (Risalpur) | Recently inducted to prepare pilots for 4.5-gen fighters like the J-10C and JF-17 Block III. |
Helicopters
CSAR, Utility, VIP| Aircraft | Origin | Role | Primary Base Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi-17 / Mi-171Sh | 🇷🇺 | Medium Utility / CSAR | Various (including Qadri, Skardu) | Backbone of PAF helicopter operations, especially in high-altitude regions. |
| AgustaWestland AW139 | 🇮🇹 | Search and Rescue (SAR) | Faisal (Karachi), Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) | Modern SAR platform replacing the aging Alouette III fleet. |
| Aérospatiale Alouette III | 🇫🇷 | Light Utility | Various | Legacy light helicopter, being retired from active SAR duties. |
| Airbus H125 | 🇫🇷 | Light Utility / SAR | Various | Recently inducted for high-altitude performance and training. |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
ISR / Strike Platforms| Aircraft | Origin | Role | Primary Base Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahpar / Shahpar-II | 🇵🇰 | Reconnaissance / Strike | Various (incl. Shahbaz, Jacobabad) | Indigenous MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) UAVs. |
| Burraq | 🇵🇰 | Armed UAV (UCAV) | Various | Capable of carrying laser-guided Barq missiles. |
| Wing Loong II | 🇨🇳 | MALE UCAV | Various | Chinese-made armed drone for persistent surveillance and precision strikes. |
| Jasoos-II / Falco | 🇵🇰🇮🇹 | Tactical Reconnaissance | Various | Smaller, short-range UAVs for battlefield awareness. |
05
PAF Space Command — Orbital Operations
Est. 2021PAF Space Command
Established 2021 • SUPARCO Partnership
In 2021, the Pakistan Air Force officially established a Space Command — a strategic move to integrate space-based assets into the military’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and target-management frameworks. The command is designed to leverage Pakistan’s growing inventory of orbiting satellites to support net-centric, multi-domain operations. The PAF works in close coordination with Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, to utilize and develop orbital assets.
06
Orbital Assets — Satellites
Sovereign AssetsPRSC-EO1
Launched: January 2025 • Long March Rocket
Pakistan’s first domestically produced Earth observation satellite. Provides sovereign EO capabilities for military ISR and civilian resource management.
PRSS-1
Launched: 2018 • First Sovereign RS Satellite
Pakistan’s first sovereign-controlled remote-sensing satellite equipped with electro-optical (EO) system. Used for resource management, disaster monitoring, urban planning, and enhanced military ISR capabilities.
Future Constellations
EO-2 / EO-3 • Under Development
Pakistan is actively developing follow-up satellites (EO-2 and EO-3) to improve orbital revisit rates and ensure continuous surveillance coverage, addressing the limitations of older satellites with multi-day revisit delays.
07
Strategic & Doctrinal Shift
Transformation
The PAF is actively transitioning from a traditional, platform-centric air force into a capability-centric “aerospace force”. This doctrine integrates air, space, cyber, and electronic warfare into a single operational framework. The PAF’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) plays a key role in this transition by fostering indigenous research and development in aerospace and space technologies.
Air Domain
Space Domain
Cyber Domain
Electronic Warfare
08
Conceptual Future Projects
R&D StageAir-Launched Space Launch Vehicles (SLVs)
Conceptual PhaseDefense analysts and aerospace experts have discussed conceptual ideas to give Pakistan independent, rapid-response access to space. One proposed concept involves modifying legacy PAF aircraft (like the Mirage III) to serve as air-launched space launch vehicles (SLVs) for small satellite orbital insertion, though this remains in the conceptual or early developmental stage.
09
Terminology Clarification
Acronym “PAF”
DisambiguationIn the context of this report, PAF stands for Pakistan Air Force. In general aerospace engineering, “PAF” is also a common acronym for Payload Attach Fitting — the structural interface used to attach a satellite to a launch vehicle before orbital deployment.
Intel Verified
Sources Cross-Checked
Report Encrypted
24/7 Monitoring
Related Intelligence Assessment:
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Intelligence Assessment 2026
Official Source:
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) – Official Website