Combat Commanders' School

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CCS staff pay annual visits to all PAF fighter squadrons to evaluate and enhance combat capabilities and ensure standards. In June 1990, the Squadron Combat Upgradation Programme (SCUP) was initiated and four-month-long cycles were conducted by October 1990, each involving two fighter squadrons, F-16

402:(DACT) at the CCS is renowned "throughout the world" for giving complete freedom and responsibility to participating pilots for forming and executing their mission plans. Combat missions are regularly flown at tree-top height and pilots are also responsible for their own post-flight learning. Foreign 391:

Pilots are normally selected to undergo rigorous training at the CCS after around 9 to 12 years of service with the PAF. Once selected by Air Headquarters, they undergo three courses: a 4–5 month Combat Commanders' Course (CCC), a 3 month Weapons Course (WC), and a 4–5 week Fighter Integration Course

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The CCS conducts Combat Commanders' Courses (CCCs) for combat pilots and combat controllers. Previously, Fighter Weapon Instructors' Courses (FWICs) were also conducted for junior leaders. Subsequently, however, FWICs were discontinued to accommodate the more urgent need for imparting training to

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In February 2023, No. 23 Air Superiority (AS) Squadron 'Talons', equipped with the newer and more advanced F-7PGs/FT-7PGs, was transferred to CCS from 31 AS Wing (Western Air Command), PAF Base Samungli (Quetta) to serve as the new CCS F-7PG Squadron.

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CCS is geared primarily towards the mid-career advanced air combat training of PAF fighter squadron commanders, air defence controllers, and instructors and for the development of advanced air combat tactics.

292:(later Air Commodore) as the FLS's first commanding officer. After the 1965 India-Pakistan War, the FLS underwent periodic closures due to various constraints and faded from the scene in the early 1970s. 1162: 1290: 1071: 1099: 907: 1280: 958: 1201: 1152:

Pakistan Air Force, The Story of the Pakistan Air Force 1988-1998: A Battle Against Odds, Islamabad: Shaheen Foundation, 2000 (p. 290)

1113: 1244: 392:(FIC). The courses are reputed to be very tough and not all CCS students pass. Successful graduates can go on to attain the rank of 1285: 403: 493: 319: 1032: 884: 256:. Operationally, PAF ACE has the status of a Wing under the CAC, with four fighter squadrons of the CCS under its command. 1176: 406:

visiting the base have been "most impressed" and "showed surprise at the freedom allotted to the student DACT pilots."

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16 March 1961 (transferred to CCS from 31 AS Wing (Western Air Command), PAF Base Samungli (Quetta) in February 2023)

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Raised as "CCS F-6 Squadron" on 5 May 1976. Re-equipped with F-7Ps in 1993 and name changed to "CCS F-7 Squadron".

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Training of fighter squadron commanders, air defence controllers, and instructors on advanced air combat tactics

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In 2021, the CCS F-7P Squadron was decommissioned after the retirement of all F-7Ps/FT-7Ps from PAF service.

306:(later Air Chief Marshal) as its first commanding officer. It was inaugurated officially by Air Chief Marshal 295:

In late 1974, the PAF decided to establish an institution that would not only revive the FLS but surpass it.

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on 15 August 1977. At its inception, the CCS was equipped with two fighter squadrons comprising

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Prescribing minimum standards for fighter squadron training and operational readiness

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Squadron decommissioned in 2021 after retirement of all PAF F-7Ps/FT-7Ps in 2020.

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The CCS has its origins in the PAF's Flight Leaders' School (FLS) established at

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in April 1958 under the PAF's first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief, Air Marshal

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commanding officers, who would, in turn, impart training to junior officers.

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pilots and ground controllers. In 1992, SCUP was replaced with the regular

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is the advanced air combat tactics development and training school of the

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In 2016, CCS was made a part of the newly-formed PAF ACE under the CAC.

1033:"JF-17 Thunder inducted in PAF Combat Commanders School | SAMAA" 1222: 821:

The Story of the Pakistan Air Force 1988-1998: A Battle Against Odds

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squadron was added. In 1993, the F-6 squadron was re-equipped with

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A CCS Mirage Squadron instructor pilot with his Mirage 5PA fighter

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The Story of the Pakistan Air Force: A Saga of Courage and Honour

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The Story of the Pakistan Air Force: A Saga of Courage and Honour

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The CCS has three active fighter squadrons under its command:

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Advanced Air Combat Tactics Development and Training School

1141: 830:, Islamabad: Shaheen Foundation, 1988 (pp. 534, 589-590) 1177:"Pride of Pakistan JF-17 Thunder inducted into PAF CCS" 837:, 2009, Chapter 3 (“Training for Combat”), (p. 48) 662: