JUNE 12 - A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage aircraft has crashed near Uthal, according to local news channels.

At the moment it's unclear whether pilot managed to eject from the aircraft safely or not. Search operation has begun for the pilot.

Information about exact type/variant of Mirage also not given by news channels. PAF operates Mirage III and Mirage V aircraft.

The aircraft had departed from PAF Base Masroor for a routine training flight.

Following map shows distance between Uthal and Mauripur area of Karachi. PAF Base Masroor is located in Mauripur. Sonmiani can also be seen in this map. Sonmiani test and training range is often used by PAF for live ammunition tests/demonstration/exercises.



Abbas

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It's a Mirage V supersonic attack aircraft that crashed into an area called Dhoraji near Uthal/Hub.

Rescue/recovery teams have been dispatched to crash site.

Abbas

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Nothing's gonna change my love for you.

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According to latest reports, pilot Muhammad Iqbal is safe. The Mirage V was on a routine training flight.

The aircraft crashed into a mountainous area between Dureji and Uthal in Lasbela District.

Dureji can be seen in following map.



Abbas

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Nothing's gonna change my love for you.

See you at:

The oldest Mirages in the PAF fleet around around 45 years old.

PAF first recieved Mirages IIIs in 1967, and later bought 1966 built ex RAAF Mirages.

I think the last new batch of Mirage-5s entered PAF service in 1981-82, making the youngest aircraft 30 years old.

Does the re-built factory in Kamara also upgrade avionics and systems of these planes?

Any idea when the French planes will be phased out of PAF inventory?

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P.I.A

God's International Airline

Mirage remains my most favourite aircraft type in PAF inventory.

PAF became Mirage operator in 1968 when it began induction of brand new Mirage III fighter bombers purchased from France. These Mirage IIIs also took part in 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Then in 1973 PAF began induction of brand new Mirage V attack aircraft purchased from France.

In 1990s, PAF added used ex-RAAF Mirage III aircraft purchased from Australia and ex-French Air Force Mirage V purchased from France. Maybe these used machines had low airframe hours.

PAF also purchased some used Lebanese Mirage airframes, probably as spares source.

In 1990s PAF initiated Mirage avionics/weapons system upgradation programme, according to information in PAF history book. The upgradation work was done at Mirage Re-build Factory at PAF Base Kamra.

Details of PAF Mirage upgradation project 'Project ROSE' can be found on following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_ROSE

JF-17 Thunder aircraft are expected to replace ageing Mirages in coming years.

Abbas

_________________
Nothing's gonna change my love for you.

See you at: