in Pakistan AF markings
by Ahson Aftab
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Of all the fighters that PAF has operated, the most popular,by far, has been the F-86. This superb airplane remained in the inventory of PAF for twenty three years from 1956 to 1979. During that period, all told, PAF inducted some 240 F-86s. Despite eighteen years passed since PAF the last Sabres were taken off flying status, PAF senior pilots still speak fondly of the F-86, its agility, handling qualities and exploits in peace and war.
During the mid-1960's, PAF managed to bolster its dwindling Sabre force by purchasing ninety ex-Luftwaffe F-86Es. These used machines had the more powerful Canadian Orenda 14 engines that could take the plane to well over 50,000ft. The F-86E too became a favourite, one of them even shooting down a Mig-21 that tried to turn with it.
The Official History of the PAF pays this tribute to the Sabre: It was perhaps the finest of the generation of jet fighters which still permitted classic dogfights between the advesaries, where the skill and determination of the fighter pilot was the sole deciding factor."
Ahson
