From inception PAF was in the thick of things supporting ground troops in Kashmir, and later, two major wars ensued against India. This book covers the early years of Royal Pakistan Air Force, led by seconded Royal Air Force personnel, through to being led by Pakistani officers and based on the American approach to air operations.To say that the Pakistan Air Force has an eventful history would not be an overstatement. Right from inception it was in the thick of things supporting ground troops in Kashmir, while trying to stand on its own feet. Two major wars ensued in which it performed well against a numerically superior force. Eagles of Destiny covers the early years of Royal Pakistan Air Force, while still being led by seconded Royal Air Force personnel and operating under a British model, through to being led by Pakistani officers and its transformation into a first-rate tactical force based on the American approach to air operations. The acquisition of assets under British leadership and later via the American Mutual Defence Assistance Program are covered in detail as are the resulting changes in operational concepts. The major wars with India during 1965 and 1971 are also covered in detail, including the intervening period, where an American arms embargo brought in drastic changes and a flare for improvisation. Eagles of Destiny is based on extensive research conducted over more than 20 years, including interviewing large number of officers, many of whom shaped the events along with access to numerous British, American and Pakistani archives. Eagles of Destiny is illustrated by hundreds of unique photographs, some never published before, giving a visual treat and insight into those days. AUTHORS: Usman Shabbir was born in Pakistan in 1978 and after his early schooling at Lawrence College, completed his engineering education from IT University of Denmark. He is an avid aviation enthusiast with his primary focus on Asian air forces. He has contributed to numerous aviation publications over the years. Currently, he resides in Copenhagen, working for Deloitte as Manager. Yawar Mazhar was born in Pakistan and has worked in the corporate sector for all of his professional life. Military aviation and especially the history of the Pakistan Air Force has been a passion for him all through his life. Over years he has collected information on PAF’s history and developments and in the process has met and interviewed dozens of PAF officers, most of whom were a key part of important developments of PAF. A fortunate introduction to Usman allowed both of them to start collaborating actively which led to earlier articles on PAF. His other interests include philosophy, history and Urdu poetry. 10 colour and 80 b/w photographs, 12 colour profiles
