“Mirage IIICJ Hunted by Shahbaz 8”

The painting depicts Syrian Air force Mig-21F, piloted by PAF pilot F/L Sattar Alvi shooting down Israel Air Force’s Mirage IIICJ over Golan Height.

The encounter took place on April 26th 1974, when 8 Mig-21Fs, flown by all PAF pilots were on CAP mission. These pilots had volunteered to participate in the defense of Syria during 1973 Yom Kippur War. During the last leg of their mission, two IAF’s F-4Es made a head on pass not willing to engage them. While the formation was turning, F/L Sattar Alvi, No 8 of Shahbaz formation saw two Mirage IIICJ, coming from below, he engaged them single handedly and shot down one of Mirage IIICJ.
He was awarded Wisam-al-Shuja’a from Syria and also Sitara-e-Jurat from Pakisani government.

PAF pilots have participated in the wars of Middle East and flew only defensive missions in Jordan, Iraq (1967 war), Saudi Arabia (1969 operation against Yemen attacks) and in Syria (1973 war). Israelis at many times were surprised to see the different behavior and bolder tactics from Arab aircrafts and too date, are unable to shot down the aircrafts flown by PAF pilots. PAF pilots have scored at least 4 confirmed kills (1 Mystere IV A, I Mirage IIICJ, 1 Vautour) in 1967 war and 1 Mirage III CJ on April 26th, 1974.