07 November, 2025 saw the graduation of the No 61 Combat Commanders Course at the PAF Aerospacepower Centre of Excellence, where PAF ACE hosted officers and instructors from across the Force for the culmination of an intensive training cycle.
The Chief Guest, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Asim Rana, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command, commended the participants for their dedication, professionalism and perseverance, stressing that combat readiness remains the cornerstone of PAF doctrine. He underlined the need for realistic, adaptable and technology-driven training to preserve the Force’s decisive edge and urged continued emphasis on high-fidelity preparation.
The Chief Guest described PAF ACE as a cradle of tactical innovation where cutting-edge air combat concepts are tested and refined into operational doctrine. He noted that all schools within PAF ACE are working in close coordination to prepare combat leaders capable of harnessing modern technologies and integrating capabilities across air, cyber and space domains.
Reflecting on the wider transformation under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, the address highlighted a comprehensive modernisation drive focused on indigenisation, network-centric operations, artificial intelligence integration and enhanced jointness. These priorities, he said, are central to shaping future PAF operations and ensuring interoperability across multiple domains.
At the conclusion of the ceremony trophies and certificates were presented to the highest achievers. The Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for Best Overall Performance among Combat Pilots was awarded to Wing Commander Ikrash Munir Awan, and the Air Officer Commanding Air Defence Trophy for Best Overall Performance among Combat Controllers was awarded to Squadron Leader Javed Iqbal.
The graduation marked the end of a high-tempo course designed to forge the next generation of combat leaders for the Pakistan Air Force. Senior military officers, field commanders and instructors from various PAF formations attended the event, underscoring its significance for operational readiness and the ongoing evolution of PAF ACE training programmes.
