Pilots: Wing Commander Abdul Razzak (Leader), Squadron Leader Sikandar Hayat (No. 2)
Controller: Squadron Leader Pervaiz Ali Khan
Date: March 30, 1987
Aircraft Shot: An-26
Area: Near Miranshah
Wing Commander Abdul Razzaq and his No. 2, Squadron Leader Sikandar Hayat were vectored towards two slow speed intruders that the controller visualized to be Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) aircraft heading towards a radar position at Parachinar. He had no hesitation in the existing wartime conditions, to permit the F-16's to shoot down the military transport aircraft, which though unarmed, was violating Pakistan air space. Wing Commander recalls the encounter in the following words:
The vector given by the controller started the flow of adrenaline. All the preparatory actions were over in less than 30 seconds. The bandits (two of them) were reported close to Parachinar; another 30-40 miles had to be covered. Soon the controller reported that now only one bandit was violating the border. The second had turned away. When I brought the target into the TD box at 3-4 NM, I realized that it was a slow moving, larger aircraft. I asked for permission to shoot, which was quickly given. With an overtake rate of well over 200 knots and a low IR signature; the minimum range cue was lying close to 4,000 feet. Effectively, I had no more than a 1.5 second firing window available. Everything worked as conceived and with the press of the button, the missile was on its way. As I was breaking off, I saw the missile impact the target. No. 2 also released his missile, which also impacted the target. The enemy aircraft crashed on the snow-clad mountains below
Controller: Squadron Leader Pervaiz Ali Khan
Date: March 30, 1987
Aircraft Shot: An-26
Area: Near Miranshah
Wing Commander Abdul Razzaq and his No. 2, Squadron Leader Sikandar Hayat were vectored towards two slow speed intruders that the controller visualized to be Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) aircraft heading towards a radar position at Parachinar. He had no hesitation in the existing wartime conditions, to permit the F-16's to shoot down the military transport aircraft, which though unarmed, was violating Pakistan air space. Wing Commander recalls the encounter in the following words:
The vector given by the controller started the flow of adrenaline. All the preparatory actions were over in less than 30 seconds. The bandits (two of them) were reported close to Parachinar; another 30-40 miles had to be covered. Soon the controller reported that now only one bandit was violating the border. The second had turned away. When I brought the target into the TD box at 3-4 NM, I realized that it was a slow moving, larger aircraft. I asked for permission to shoot, which was quickly given. With an overtake rate of well over 200 knots and a low IR signature; the minimum range cue was lying close to 4,000 feet. Effectively, I had no more than a 1.5 second firing window available. Everything worked as conceived and with the press of the button, the missile was on its way. As I was breaking off, I saw the missile impact the target. No. 2 also released his missile, which also impacted the target. The enemy aircraft crashed on the snow-clad mountains below