No. 50 Squadron PAF

No. 50 Squadron
Active	Since December 2021 (3 years, 5 months)
Country	Pakistan
Allegiance	Pakistan Air Force
Branch	GD(P)/Flying
Type	Squadron
Role	Tactical Attack
Airbase	PAF Base Minhas
Nickname(s)	Saf Shikan
Anniversaries	1 December (Foundation day)
Aircraft flown
Attack	Dassault Mirage-VEF Rose-III

The No. 50 Tactical Attack Squadron nicknamed Saf Shikan is a flying unit of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) which operates ROSE-III upgraded Dassault Mirage-VEF strike fighters from PAF Base Minhas. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Etymology

The 50 Squadron was nicknamed Saf shikan which means Column penetrator in Persian/Urdu. The horse riding warrior on the insignia symbolizes the squadron's resolve to spearhead PAF's tactical operations and its ability to penetrate deep into enemy territory with stand-off weapons. ^[1]

History

When the PAF decided to acquire the Chengdu J-10CEs, the 15 Squadron was chosen to be equipped with it. The 15 squadron's previous fleet of PAC upgraded Mirage-VEF ROSE-IIIs were still capable enough in modern warfare and since the PAF high command wasn't in the favor of retiring them, the No. 50 Squadron was raised on 1 December 2021 to inherit all of the No. 15 Squadron's Mirages and related assets. ^{[1] [4]}

See also

• List of Pakistan Air Force squadrons

References

1. Khan, Farhat; Hashmi, Qadeer (2024). History of the Pakistan Air Force (2014-2023): The Next Generation Air Force (1st ed.). p. 288. ISBN   978-969-7518-01-2.
2. "Pakistan Air Force has raised a new No. 50 Tactical Squadron 'Saf Shikan". 16 December 2021.
3. "Exploring the Squadrons of Pakistan Air Force". 29 August 2023.
4. "Orbats".