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PAF Base Sakesar

Non-Flying Base

Location Details

Location
Soon Valley, 72 km from Mianwali
Province
Punjab
Air Command
Central Air Command
ICAO Code
OPSK
Latitude
32.5428°
Longitude
71.9286°

Squadrons Based Here

No. 410 Squadron

History

Site selected in 1954 and granted by Punjab Government in 1957

Marconi Type-21 radar installed in 1958

Became operational in 1960 with AN/FPS-20 Early Warning Radar

Officially established on 1 July 1961

Operated by No. 410 Squadron under Central Air Command

Played crucial role in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani Wars

Underwent PADS-77 modernization program in late 1970s

YLC-2 radar installed in 2001-2002

Radome installed in 2007

Currently serves as Main Operating Base with radar and communications operations

Important Events

1954

Site selection for radar station at Sakesar peak

1958

Marconi Type-21 radar installed, marking operational beginnings

1960

Became operational with AN/FPS-20 Early Warning Radar system

1 July 1961

Officially established as PAF Base Sakesar

1965

During Indo-Pakistani War, commanded by Wing Commander M. Zackaria Butt, provided critical early warning of IAF attacks

1971

Sustained damage during Indo-Pakistani War from IAF attacks but defended by F-6 fighters from PAF Base Sargodha

Late 1970s

PADS-77 modernization program implemented to upgrade radar and communications systems

2001-2002

YLC-2 radar system installed, replacing older equipment

2007

Modern radome installed to protect radar equipment from environmental elements

Location on Map

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BASE CATEGORY
Non-Flying Base
NOTES
Main Operating Base for radar and communications operations. Located on Sakesar peak, the highest point in Soon Valley at 4,992 feet elevation. Strategic location provides excellent radar coverage for air defense. The base has been continuously modernized since its establishment and remains a vital part of Pakistan's air defense network

Quick Facts

Established:1954 (site selection), 1960 (operational), 1961 (officially established)
Elevation:4,992 ft
Squadrons:1
Status:Operational