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PAF Base Lahore

Non-Flying Base

Location Details

Location
Lahore
Province
Punjab
Air Command
Central Air Command
ICAO Code
OPLA
Latitude
31.5497°
Longitude
74.3436°

History

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Originally functioned as maintenance depot for Royal Indian Air Force during British Raj

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After 1947 independence: remained small base for aircraft maintenance

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1949-1959: Air Force Central Medical Board present for PAF aircrew medical certification

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1950: Transport squadron with Dakotas and Bristol Freighters moved from Peshawar

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Transport squadron relocated to Chaklala in 1960

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Early 1950s: University Air Squadron and Shaheen Air Training Corps established activities

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Served as regional control centre for aviation

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1960: Number of observer units shifted to base for air defence purposes

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1961: First PIA Super Constellation landing at airport

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PAF loaned northern hangar to PIA for conversion to civilian terminal

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Runway extended and improved for larger aircraft

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1978: Became training center for radar technology as equipment arrived in Pakistan

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1978: Air Defence Modernization School (now Air Defence System School - ADSS) established

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ADSS trained PAF technicians, operators, engineers, controllers on radars and systems

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1987: ADSS shifted to Walton Airport

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ADSS later moved to PAF Base Mushaf where it currently operates

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Operations wing provides year-round air defence coverage

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Frequently used for receiving foreign air force dignitaries

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Annual Air Force Day celebrations held at base

Important Events

British Raj

Established as Royal Indian Air Force maintenance depot

1947

Post-independence: continued as PAF aircraft maintenance base

1949-1959

Hosted Air Force Central Medical Board for aircrew medical certification

1950

Transport squadron (Dakotas, Bristol Freighters) relocated from Peshawar

Early 1950s

University Air Squadron and Shaheen Air Training Corps established for pilot recruitment and aviation education

1960

Observer units shifted to base, transport squadron moved to Chaklala

1961

First PIA Super Constellation landing, northern hangar loaned for civilian terminal, runway extended

1978

Became radar training center, Air Defence System School (ADSS) established

1987

ADSS relocated to Walton Airport (later to PAF Base Mushaf)

Present

Operations wing provides air defence coverage, hosts foreign dignitaries and annual Air Force Day celebrations

Location on Map

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BASE CATEGORY
Non-Flying Base
NOTES
One of oldest PAF bases. Non-flying base with operations wing. Fazaia Inter College located adjacent to base. Hosts annual Air Force Day celebrations. Located near Allama Iqbal International Airport. Former home of Air Defence System School

Quick Facts

Established:British Raj era (Royal Indian Air Force maintenance depot)
Status:Operational