PAF Base Shahbaz
Major Operational Base
Location Details
Wing
Squadrons Based Here
Aircraft
Runways
History
1942: Built by British Raj during World War II for Royal Air Force
1947: After Pakistan independence, airfield inherited by Civil Aviation Department
1967: Civil Aviation granted PAF operational and administrative control
Post-1967: Functioned as Forward Operating Base, satellite of PAF Base Masroor and later Samungli
1999: Activated during Kargil War with F-16s of 11 Squadron "Arrows" for air alert duties
2001: Activated after US invasion of Afghanistan
2001-November 2004: Hub of logistic support operations for NATO forces in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom
2005: Hosted first Exercise Falcon Talon series
2005 & 2010: Hosted Exercise High Mark
2005-2009: Hosted many national and multi-nation military exercises
2007: Air Headquarters chose Jacobabad to host No. 5 Squadron PAF, elite squadron receiving F-16C/D Fighting Falcons
2007-2010: Project Shahbaz launched - extensive construction and infrastructure upgrades
2010: Jacobabad transformed from Forward Operating Base to Main Operating Base and renamed PAF Base Shahbaz
26 June 2010: First 5 F-16s landed at base
13 December 2010: Second batch of F-16s arrived
Post-2010: No. 11 Squadron permanently deployed after receiving F-16A/B MLUs
June 2017: No. 88 Search and Rescue Squadron established with Leonardo AW-139 helicopters
Facilities constructed: Sports Complex, Churches for Christian community, water filtration plants
Lockheed Martin contract personnel currently present
Important Events
Airfield built by British Raj during World War II for Royal Air Force use
Pakistan independence; airfield inherited by Civil Aviation Department
PAF granted operational and administrative control, became Forward Operating Base
Activated during Kargil War; F-16 Fighting Falcons of 11 Squadron "Arrows" deployed for air alert duties
Heavily used by NATO for Operation Enduring Freedom; remained hub of logistic support for NATO forces in Afghanistan until November 2004
Selected to host No. 5 Squadron PAF with advanced F-16C/D Fighting Falcons; Project Shahbaz launched for major infrastructure upgrades
First 5 F-16s landed at newly upgraded base, followed by second batch on 13 December 2010
Transformed from Forward Operating Base to Main Operating Base; renamed PAF Base Shahbaz. Monsoon floods disrupted operations, halted construction, airmen involved in relief operations
Heavy monsoon floods inundated runway, suspending flying operations until water pumped out
No. 88 Search and Rescue Squadron established with Leonardo AW-139 helicopters
Base attacked during 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. Satellite imagery showed severe damage to aircraft hangars with hole over 100 ft wide, damage to air traffic control tower. CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah reported 9 PAF personnel injured. Satellite imagery from 4 June showed partial roof coverings and repair work in progress
Location on Map
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