07 November 2025 saw the graduation of No 61 Combat Commanders Course at the PAF Aerospacepower Centre of Excellence in Islamabad, marking the successful completion of an intensive and high‑tempo programme designed to prepare tomorrow’s combat leaders. Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Asim Rana, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command, attended as the chief guest and addressed the graduating officers.
In his remarks the chief guest commended the participants for their dedication, professionalism and perseverance and stressed that combat readiness remains the cornerstone of the Pakistan Air Force. He underlined that realistic, adaptable and technology‑driven training is essential to preserve the Force’s decisive edge, and he urged continued emphasis on operational realism throughout the Combat Commanders curriculum.
The PAF Aerospacepower Centre of Excellence was described as a cradle of tactical innovation where new air combat concepts are tested, refined and converted into doctrine. The chief guest noted that all schools within PAF ACE are working in close harmony to produce leaders capable of harnessing modern technologies and achieving integrated effects across multiple domains.
Reflecting on the direction set by 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 across air, cyber and space domains. These priorities were framed as central to the development of future Combat Commanders who can operate in complex, multi‑domain environments.
At the ceremony trophies and certificates were presented to officers who excelled during the demanding course. The Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for Best Overall Performance among combat pilots was awarded to Wing Commander Ikrash Munir Awan, while the Air Officer Commanding Air Defence Trophy for Best Overall Performance among combat controllers was presented to Squadron Leader Javed Iqbal.
Senior military officers, field commanders and instructors from various PAF formations attended the event, underlining its significance in the Force’s operational calendar. The graduation signals the culmination of rigorous training aimed at producing highly capable Combat Commanders ready to meet evolving security challenges and sustain PAF operational readiness.
