No. 2 Squadron, nicknamed the Minhasians, is a Multi-role, fighter squadron of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). It is named after Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas, the youngest & PAF's sole recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider Gallantry medal. [1][2][3][4][5]
| No. 2 Squadron Minhasians | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | Since 15 April 1956 |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan Armed Forces |
| Branch |  Pakistan Air Force |
| Type | Fighter squadron |
| Role | Multi-role |
| Part of | Southern Air Command |
| Airbase | PAF Base Masroor |
| Nickname(s) | Minhasians |
| Mascot(s) | Rashid Minhas |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Saeedullah Khan |
| Insignia | |
| Patch |  |
| Paris Air Show Patch |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | JF-17 |
History
editNo 2 Squadron was established on 15 April 1956 at PAF Station Mauripur as No 2 Fighter Conversion Unit, initially equipped with T-33 aircraft. In December 1979, it was designated as No 2 Composite Squadron and later, in September 1990, renamed No 2 Air Superiority Squadron.[6]
The squadron's original mission was to provide jet conversion training for new graduates from the PAF Academy and conduct check rides and instrument ratings for all jet pilots of the Pakistan Air Force. In May 1972, following the disbandment of No 20 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, No 2 Squadron acquired its RT-33 aircraft and photographic equipment, thus expanding its responsibilities.
With its new designation as a composite squadron in December 1979, No 2 Squadron took on additional tasks such as ground-controlled interceptions for training Air Defence Controllers and aerial target towing for all three services. In August 1982, after No 7 Squadron was temporarily disbanded, No 2 Squadron inherited its B-57 aircraft, adding night interdiction and special missions to its role.
In September 1990, the squadron was equipped with F-7P aircraft, and for two years it uniquely operated both vintage bombers and Mach 2 fighter jets. By 1992, the T-33 and B-57 aircraft were retired, and No 2 Squadron focused exclusively on its role as an Air Superiority Squadron with F-7P aircraft.
No 2 Squadron holds the unique honor of being associated with the only Nishan-e-Haider awarded to the PAF. On 20 August 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas died in an attempt by his instructor to hijack their aircraft to India during the 1971 War.
The squadron distinguished itself in both the 1965 and 1971 Wars, conducting day and night harassment attacks on Indian convoys and providing close air support missions.
Aircraft flown
edit| No. 2 Squadron Minhasians | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Operational | Aircraft | Notes |
| Jet trainer/Reconnaissance | 1954–1981 | T-33 Shooting Star | |
| Bomber Aircraft | 1956-1990 | B-57 Canberra | |
| Multi-role | 2015—Present | JF-17A Thunder | [7] |
Gallery
edit-
PAC JF-17 Thunder from the No. 2 Squadron with markings of the Squadron on its tail -
A JF-17A Thunder from the No. 2 Squadron on display at the Paris Airshow with its armament -
JF-17 from No. 2 Squadron at the Paris Airshow
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Pakistan's PAF Re-equip Squadron No 2 Minhas With JF-17". Archived from the original on 21 November 2015.
- ^ Pike, John. "Squadron". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 2016-12-29.
- ^ Dawn.com, APP (20 August 2015). "44 years ago today: Rashid Minhas takes his plane down for Pakistan". dawn.com. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018.
- ^ Herk, Hans van. "Pakistan JF-17 Thunder unit shuffles". www.scramble.nl. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
- ^ "Pakistan JF-17 Thunder unit shuffles".
- ^ Hussain, Syed Shabbir, History of Pakistan Air Force 1947–1982. Karachi: PAF Press Masroor, 1982 between pages 222 and 223.
- ^ "No. 2 Squadron ReEquipped with JF-17 Thunders (PAF Events)". Pakistan Air Force. 5 September 2015.
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