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StatusRetired
In Service Since1954
Total Units120

F-86 Sabre

F-86F

Air Superiority FighterUnited States

Overview

The legendary F-86 Sabre was PAF's premier fighter during the 1965 war. In the hands of skilled Pakistani pilots, it achieved an impressive kill ratio against numerically superior Indian forces, earning its place in aviation history.

Manufacturer

North American Aviation

Origin

United States

Capabilities

✓Air-to-air combat
✓Ground attack
✓Reconnaissance
✓High-speed interception

Specifications

Maximum Speed
1,106 km/h
Combat Range
1,525 km
Service Ceiling
14,800 m
Engine
General Electric J47 turbojet
Armament
6x .50 cal machine guns, missiles
Crew
1

Combat Record

Indo-Pakistani War 1965

1965

  • •Superior kill ratio against Indian Hunters and Gnats
  • •Air Commodore MM Alam's 5 kills in under a minute
  • •Established PAF air superiority
  • •Multiple ace pilots created

Notable Features

  • ★Iconic fighter of the 1965 war
  • ★Piloted by legendary PAF aces
  • ★Superior performance in dogfights
  • ★Created multiple fighter aces
  • ★Symbol of PAF's fighting spirit

Related Aircraft

F-16 Fighting Falcon

F-16A/B/C/D

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly maneuverable, multirole fighter that has been the mainstay of PAF's advanced fighter fleet for decades. Known for its agility and versatility, it has proven its worth in multiple conflicts.

Heroes Who Flew This Aircraft

M.M. Alam

Air Commodore

5 Indian aircraft shot down in less than a minute

Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui

Squadron Leader

Led his squadron into battle despite aircraft damage, shot down enemy aircraft before making ultimate sacrifice

Squadrons Operating This Aircraft

Falcons

PAF Falcons

Historic PAF aerobatic team that operated from 1956 to 1966. Flew F-86 Sabre fighters, representing PAF's early aerobatic excellence.