Inside Pakistan Air Force's Flying Bases: Locations, Roles, And Capabilities

Only 13 of Pakistan's 21 operational airbases are classified as flying bases, meaning that planes can take off at any time, in both peace and conflict. Compared to India's extensive aerial infrastructure, this is a much modest number. With 47 wings and 19 Forward Base Support Units (FBSUs) spread across about 66 air stations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has far more aerial defence capabilities than Pakistan.

Three geographic commands make up the Pakistan Air Force (PAF): Southern Air Command (SAC), situated in Karachi; Central Air Command (CAC), based in Lahore; and Northern Air Command (NAC), headquartered in Peshawar.

Furthermore, there are two operational commands: the Air Defence Command (ADC) in Rawalpindi and the Air Force Strategic Command (AFSC) in Islamabad.

India has a significant strategic advantage because to its larger number of air bases, even if the PAF only has 13 active flying bases.

Indian Retaliatory Attacks on Airbases in Pakistan

India launched a massive response about midnight after Pakistan carried out a series of drone strikes on more than 20 Indian towns, allegedly using UAVs made in Turkey. Three important operational Pakistani airbases-Murid, Rafiqui, and Nur Khan-were the targets of this retaliatory missile strike. There will likely be significant damage at all three sites.

Overview of Pakistan's Flying Operational Airbases

1. Murid Airbase (Punjab)

This base is part of the Northern Air Command and is located in the Chakwal area. It lacks any permanent squadrons and has a 9,000-foot asphalt runway. However, because of its closeness to India, it is strategically significant and can accommodate both fighter jets and UAV operations. Its ability to handle drones has improved due to recent infrastructure improvements.

2. Rafiqui Airbase, Shorkot (Punjab)

Located in Jhang district, about 337 km south of Islamabad, this base has a 10,000-foot runway and a parallel taxiway suitable for emergency operations. Named after 1965 war hero Sqn Ldr Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui, it hosts several tactical attack and operational units, making it a Mirage III hub under Central Air Command.

3. Nur Khan Airbase (Chaklala) (Rawalpindi)

Formerly RAF Station Chaklala, this base has historical significance dating back to WWII. It currently operates as a transport base and hosts the No. 10 MRTT Squadron with Il-78 aerial refueling tankers. It also has a history of cooperation with the U.S. military during the Afghanistan war and disaster relief operations.

4. Masroor Airbase, Karachi (Sindh)

The largest airbase in Pakistan and one of the largest in Asia by area, PAF Base Masroor houses the No. 32 Tactical Attack Wing. It operates a wide range of aircraft including JF-17s, Mirage variants, and AEW&C systems. This base is vital for defending Pakistan's southern and coastal regions.

5. Faisal Airbase, Karachi (Sindh)

Initially known as RAF Drigh Road, this is the oldest air station in Pakistan and houses the Southern Air Command HQ. It supports C-130 transport operations and features the 102 Air Engineering Depot, which overhauls turbojet engines for the F-7 fleet. The base is also home to the Air War College.

6. Shahbaz Airbase, Jacobabad (Sindh)

Hosting the No. 5 and No. 11 Squadrons (both operating F-16s), this base also facilitates Lockheed Martin maintenance teams. It falls under Southern Air Command and includes the No. 39 Tactical Wing and SAR units equipped with AW139 helicopters.

7. Samungli Airbase, Quetta (Balochistan)

Originally used as a forward base, Samungli became a major operational site in the 1970s. Now part of Southern Command, it hosts the No. 23 and 17 Squadrons under the No. 31 Wing and is strategically important in western Pakistan.

8. Mushaf Airbase, Sargodha (Punjab)

Once called PAF Base Sargodha, it now serves as Central Air Command HQ and is named after ACM Mushaf Ali Mir. It is the site of the elite Combat Commanders School (CCS), which houses squadrons flying Mirage III/5, F-7P, and JF-17. Several key units including No. 9 MR and No. 24 EW also operate here.

9. Peshawar Airbase (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Located adjacent to Peshawar International Airport, this dual-use base operates under Northern Air Command. It houses No. 26 MR (JF-17), No. 17 AS (F-7PG), and No. 81 SAR. In 2012, it was targeted in a deadly TTP terrorist attack.

10. MM Alam Airbase, Mianwali (Punjab)

Named after the famous PAF ace MM Alam, this base focuses on fighter pilot training. It includes units such as No. 1 FCU (K-8P), No. 18 and 20 OCUs (F-7 variants), and No. 86 SAR. In November 2023, it was attacked by suicide bombers; Pakistan claimed to have neutralized nine attackers.

11. Minhas Airbase, Kamra (Punjab)

Located in Attock and named after Nishan-e-Haider recipient Rashid Minhas, this base houses No. 14 AS and 16 OCU (JF-17), No. 3 EW (Saab 2000), and No. 87 SAR. It also hosts the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, responsible for manufacturing and overhauling several aircraft. In 2012, TTP terrorists attacked the base and destroyed a Saab 2000.

12. Sukkur Airbase / PAF Base Bholari (Sindh)

Located in Jamshoro district, this is one of the newest operational bases. It houses the 19 Squadron (OCU) and operates F-16A/B Block 15 ADF aircraft under Southern Air Command.

Compared to India, which has 66 air stations, Pakistan only has 13 flying airbases. India has a significant advantage in any prospective aerial battle due to its greater numbers and infrastructure, even though the PAF has dispersed its assets throughout the nation for strategic balance. Three Pakistani airbases-Murid, Rafiqui, and Nur Khan-were reportedly struck by Indian missiles after recent tensions and drone strikes, highlighting the high stakes in further military escalations.