The Sargodha Airfield Complex was a military complex belonging to the Pakistan Air Force located in Sargodha, Punjab Province in Pakistan. It comprised four permanent airfields: Sargodha Main, Chota Sargodha, Wagowal, and Bhagtanwala. It was initially established during World War II under the Defence of India Act, 1939, though partly abandoned when Pakistan gained independence in 1947. During the Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965, the complex was heavily defended by the PAF, facing aerial combat by the Indian Air Force. Currently, Sargodha Main and Bhagtanwala remained in use as Pakistan Air Force installations, while Chota Sargodha and Wagowal were abandoned.
History In 1942, four airfields were constructed in Sargodha for use during World War II, though seldom-used by the Royal Indian Air Force. Following the independence of Pakistan on 14 August 1947, many were left abandoned. Beginning in late August, a Harvard carrying an Indian Army engineer began conducting inspections of abandoned airfields between Delhi and Lahore for post-Partition emergency operations involving Douglas C-47 Skytrains. The Sargodha airfields were later brought to operational status by the Royal Pakistan Air Force, comparably to a pair of Second World War airstrips in Halwara similarly left disused. In a report from 1958, the United States Air Force (USAF) could potentially operate Douglas C-54 Skymaster, Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, North American F-100C Super Sabre, and the F100D if in an emergency, or necessary at the airstrips.
During the beginning of the India–Pakistan war in August 1965, concerns were raised that an aerial escalation would occur. Influenced by the April 1959 incursion of an IAF Canberra detected by a mobile radar at Wagowal, tensions remained moderate. At the time, the PAF had an inventory of 104 fighters and 26 bombers. Comparably, the IAF had a large inventory comprising 476 fighters and 60 bombers. Subsequently, the PAF began reactivating Bhagtanwala, Chota Sargodha, and Wagowal to disperse aircraft and increase operational effectiveness. The airfields were provided with night landing capabilities and other facilities.
1965 Indo-Pakistani Air War
On 6 September 1965, the first offensive against Sargodha Main, Bhagtanwala, and Chota Sargodha commenced at 23:45 IST, led by Canberras of the No. 5 Squadrons. Shortly thereafter, a major attack was orchestrated against the entire Sargodha Airfield Complex, having the No. 1 Squadron assigned to Sargodha Main, No. 8 Squadron to Bhagtanwala, and No. 7 and No. 27 Squadrons to Chota Sargodha. The first squadron, commanded by Wing Commander O. P. Tanejam originally planned an attack with a formation of 12 Mystères, divided into three waves of four and scheduled at 05:30 IST. However, as the plan unfolded, two Mystères developed engine problems, one wave lost direction, and a reserve Mystère flown by Squadron Leader A. B. Devayya was brought into the formation. The remaining seven Mystères reached Sargodha Main. For the No. 27 Squadron, a sortie of five Hunters commenced at 06:15, followed by the No. 7 Squadron. However, the No. 7 Squadron lost direction and unintentionally located Wagowal Airfield, attacking it instead. Between 09:45-10:00, another Mystère of the No. 1 Squadron came against Sargodha Main, followed by a second strike of two more Mystères around 15:15-40. At the time of attack, up to 80 aircraft were based across Sargodha Main's dispersal sites.
Following the major attack, another raid was scheduled for 16 September, commenced by the No. 16 Squadron "Rattlers" with five Canberras. The leading aircraft approached at approximately 500 ft AGL, dropping two 1,000-lb Target Indicating Bombs. Following the target marking, the other four aircraft then dropped six 1,000-lb bombs each. The last notable attack from the IAF occurred over 21 September at night, when a PAF F-104 was scrambled to intercept a Canberra of No. 5 Squadron. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant M. M. Lowe ejected and was captured, while the navigator, Flight Lieutenant K. K. Kapur was killed. Throughout the attacks, the Chota Sargodha, Bhagtanwala, and Wagowal airfields were able to divert much of the hostilities from the main airfield. Additionally, aircraft based at Sargodha Main could opt to divert to the three airfields in case of an emergency. On 22 September 1965, a ceasefire was signed, ending the aerial hostilities. Of the six IAF attacks against Sargodha Airfield Complex, only four were reported by stationed Mobile Observer Units.
This was considered one of the PAF’s most heavily guarded location, being dense in assets of the air force. The complex was located on a strategic location, allowing Pakistan to conduct air offensives in the Punjab region. During peak operations, the complex housed up to 80 F-86 Sabres, and 5 Lockheed F-104 Starfighters.
According to satellite imagery dated 2024, Chota Sargodha, Wagowal, and Bhagatanwala’s runways, revetments, and circular dispersals appear to remain intact but in a state of disrepair.
Airfields The Sargodha Airfield Complex comprised four airfields, which is detailed as follows:
Sargodha (Main) Location: Sargodha (Main) is located in the center of Sargodha at .
Sargodha (Main) operated as the principal airfield of the Sargodha Airfield Complex, housing the most operational squadrons. Following the Second World War, the disused airfield was occupied by a Care and Maintenance Party in July 1951. At the time, the airfield lacked any facilities and a control tower, nonetheless it served VIP flights including the Defence Secretary. On 1 March 1953, an RPAF Pre-Cadet School was established at Sargodha by Main Air Service Training Ltd, based in Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire. The school produced officers and technicians, and a Pre-Apprentices School was later relocated to the airfield when accommodation was adequate. In the summer of 1956, reconstruction of Sargodha Main commenced under the United States Army Trans-East District Construction Program. Contractor Oman-Farnsworth-Wright completed construction in June 1958, extending the runway over 3,000 yards. Afterwards, it was handed over to the PAF, allowing for jet operations. By 1959, it was officially commissioned as PAF Station Sargodha.
During the 1960s, the No. 33 Fighter Wing was based at Sargodha, composing three F-86 Sabre squadrons, one F104 Starfighter squadron and one reconnaissance squadron equipped with RT-33 aircraft. The eastern and western disposal areas and pens of the airfield were bombed during the primary 7 September attacks. Following the ceasefire, on 24 November 1965, an agreement for a delivery of 72 Shenyang F-6s was established. The first batch, 31 Shenyangs were flown into the airfield on 31 December of that year. They entered service with the local No. 11 Squadron. By April 1966, Sargodha Main was equipped with two blacktop runways, one measuring 9,250 feet long and 160 feet wide, and the other measuring 6,300 feet long and 150 feet wide. Supporting the runway was a parallel taxiway, two end-connecting and two cross-over links, an alert apron, parking apron, 32 revetted hardstands, and seven hangarettes. Facilities included two hangars, up to 50 support buildings, 12 barracks, a pol storage site, and an ammunition storage site. These comprehensive features allowed Sargodha to handle the deliveries of Shenyangs and further aircraft. This would come into play in October 1968, when the first ordered Dassault Mirage IIIs became operational under the No. 5 Squadron at Sargodha, led by Wing Commander M.M. Alam. Group Captain Zafar Chaudhary was appointed Base Commander for PAF Base Sargodha in 1969. Today, it is now PAF Base Mushaf.
Units The following units that were based at Sargodha (Main) Airfield: No. 11 Squadron PAF of 33 Fighter Wing between April 1960 and January 1971, returned on January 1983, equipped with 16 F-6A, commanded by Wing Commanded Sikander M. Khan No. 5 Squadron PAF of 33 Fighter Wing between 1961 and 1971, equipped with 17 Mirage IIIEP, three Mirage IIIRP, and three Mirage IIIDP, commanded by Wing Commander Hakimullah No. 9 Squadron PAF of 33 Fighter Wing between 15 September 1961 and 6 December 1971, equipped with five F-104A and two F-104B, commanded by Wing Commander Arif Iqbal No. 15 Squadron PAF of 33 Fighter Wing since 1961, equipped with F86s, commanded by Squadron Leader Arshad Chaudhry No. 20 Squadron PAF of 33 Fighter Wing since 1961, equipped with RT-33), commanded by Squadron Leader by M.M. Ahmad No. 25 Squadron PAF between January 1966 and 1971, equipped with 16 F-6A, commanded by Wing Commander Sa’ad A. Hatmi
Bhagtanwala Location: Bhagtanwala Airstrip is located 28 kilometres east of Sargodha at .
Bhagtanwala Airfield operated as an emergency recovery airstrip during the 1965 air war, having the second-most importance within the complex. Its existence began amidst the Second World War, when farmland at Chak No. 24 in Janubi were temporarily requisitioned for the construction of Bhagtanwala Airfield in 1942. Two hard-surfaced runways, taxi tracks, dispersals areas, roads, and hardstands were developed afterwards under Defence of India Rules. It was originally intended to operate as a light bomber base, however it was little used throughout the war. On 4 November 1946, the District Magistrate Shahpur issued the permanent acquisition of 243 acres of the airfield. Over the following years, the airfield was retained for use under multiple requisitioning extensions. The Requisitioned Land Act on 30 March 1947 continued control of the airfield, though it was to expire in 1955. As a result, on 30 March 1955, the Requisitioning Land Ordinance was enacted. By 1971, compensation was still being arbitrated, and petitions to free the land were filed in 1989. In 1991, the Supreme Court allowed the appeals.
By 1958, Bhagtanwala Airfield was equipped with two concrete runways that can only handle fair-weather operations: 6,270 x 150 ft runway orientated NNE/SSW and 5,000 x 150 ft runway orientated NNW/SSE. The longer runway had a pavement bearing load of 28,00 lb, and the shorter runway had a load of 26,000 lb. It had no support facilities, storage for fuel, or accommodation for personnel. The airfield would receive periodical inspections, and was considered abandoned by the PAF. It was noted that it would cost 50% of the original cost to put the airfield into operable conditions.
At the start of the Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965, Bhagtanwala Airfield was unoccupied, and cattle were normally grazing there. The airfield was equipped with an Operational Readiness Platform, and also lined with decoy and dummy aircraft. This successfully drew attention of the Indian No. 8 Squadron during an attack held on 7 September 1965. Due to these circumstances, Bhagtanwala was commonly mistaken as Sargodha Main. The 199 Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Battalion established a Forward Base at the airfield, commanded by Major Aftab and Major Burki. In 1985, Bhagtanwala Airfield began operating civilian flights for Sargodha, also known as Sargodha Domestic Airport. However, due to a lack of traffic, the Aviation Division discontinued a Pakistan International Airlines service between Bhagtanwala and Rawalpindi in 1987. Afterwards, passenger usage was terminated and Bhagtanwala Airport closed, remaining as an air force installation. The subject became a matter of concern in The National Assembly of Pakistan Debates. It remained classified as a domestic Feeder Service Airport. Rapid intervention vehicles were procured for the airport in the 1990-91 Annual Plan. In 1997, the Frontier Works Organisation led the development of a new runway measuring 1,920 metres by 46 metres, headed 07/25. The airfield did not have navigation or visual aids. Currently, Bhagtanwala Airfield operates as an advance attack base.
Units The following units that were based at Bhagtanwala Airfield: