SOURCE: AFI
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly planning to relocate the surviving elements of its No. 53 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Squadron, known as the ‘Hawks,’ to PAF Base Samungli in Quetta. This decision follows a significant attack on PAF Base Bholari on May 10, 2025, which targeted the squadron’s assets and infrastructure.
PAF Base Bholari, located in Sindh, has served as the primary hub for the No. 53 AEW Squadron, which operates the PAF’s critical airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, including the Saab 2000 Erieye and ZDK-03 Karakorum Eagle platforms. These assets are vital for providing real-time situational awareness, command, and control during air operations. The May 10 attack, reportedly carried out by a militant group, caused damage to the base, raising concerns about the security of high-value assets stationed there.
Sources indicate that the PAF has decided to move the surviving elements of the squadron to PAF Base Samungli, located in Balochistan’s capital, Quetta. This relocation is seen as a strategic move to enhance the security of the AEW&C fleet and ensure operational continuity. PAF Base Samungli, a well-established facility, is equipped to support advanced aircraft operations and is considered a more secure location due to its proximity to military installations and its strategic positioning away from volatile border regions.
The attack on Bholari highlighted vulnerabilities in the PAF’s basing strategy, particularly for high-value assets like the AEW&C platforms, which are critical for Pakistan’s air defense network. While the extent of the damage to the No. 53 Squadron’s aircraft remains undisclosed, the decision to relocate suggests that the PAF is prioritizing the protection of these assets to maintain its early warning and surveillance capabilities.
PAF Base Samungli has previously hosted a variety of PAF units and is equipped with modern infrastructure, including hardened shelters and advanced air defense systems, making it a suitable choice for the Hawks’ relocation. The move is also expected to streamline logistics and maintenance operations for the squadron’s specialized aircraft, which require secure and well-equipped facilities.
The PAF has not officially confirmed the relocation, and details regarding the timeline and operational impact remain limited. However, the decision underscores the PAF’s commitment to safeguarding its critical assets and adapting to emerging security challenges. The No. 53 AEW Squadron remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s air defense strategy, and ensuring its operational readiness is a priority for the PAF.
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