Pakistan Air Force Honours the Birth Anniversary of Legendary Fighter Pilot Group Captain Masood Ahmad Sikandar, SJ

On this day in 1931, a true son of the skies was born – Group Captain Masood Ahmad Sikandar, Sitara-e-Jurat – one of the Pakistan Air Force’s most revered pioneers, master instructor, and dauntless combat leader.

Commissioned in 1951, he swiftly earned a reputation as an exceptional aviator. Selected for advanced jet training in Germany and later completing the prestigious Flying Instructors’ Course at Risalpur, he moulded an entire generation of PAF fighter pilots with uncompromising standards and inspirational leadership.

During the 1965 Rann of Kutch crisis, then Wing Commander Masood Sikandar commanded No 32 Flying Wing at Mauripur with iron resolve, flying relentless combat air patrols, daring reconnaissance missions, and close air support strikes in perfect harmony with Pakistan Army ground forces.

When full-scale war erupted in September 1965, his Wing relocated to Sargodha and unleashed 325 high-intensity operational sorties. On one historic mission, he personally led a four-ship F-86 Sabre formation deep into enemy territory, delivering devastating strikes against advancing Indian armour. Despite sustaining serious wounds and critical aircraft damage from intense ground fire, he brought his formation home safely – a feat of raw courage that earned him the gallantry award Sitara-e-Jurat.

Across a glorious 23-year career, Gp Capt Masood Ahmad Sikandar logged over 3,800 flying hours on nearly twenty different aircraft types and held pivotal command and staff appointments that shaped PAF’s combat doctrine.

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His life remains a beacon of courage, aerial mastery, selfless devotion, and unbreakable spirit – continuing to inspire every air warrior who defends Pakistan’s skies.

Salute to a Legend – Forever in Our Hearts Pakistan Air Force – Second to None Pakistan Zindabad