Minhas Air Base (ATG)

Minhas Air Base (OPMS (ATG)), also known as PAF Base Minhas or Kamra Airbase, is a crucial Pakistan Air Force (PAF) airbase situated in Kamra, Attock District, Punjab, Pakistan.

Type of Facility and Operations: Minhas Air Base serves as a primary military airbase and a significant center for the Pakistan Air Force and the country's defense industry. It is home to various PAF squadrons, including No. 16 Squadron ("Black Panthers") operating JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, and No. 15 MR Squadron ("Cobras") which recently inducted J-10CE multirole fighters. The base also houses No. 3 AEW&C Squadron, operating Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control aircraft, and No. 87 Combat Support Squadron.

A key feature of the base is the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), a renowned aerospace and defense contractor located within the airbase. The PAC is involved in the design, development, production, and maintenance of various aviation and avionics systems, including the manufacturing of aircraft like the JF-17 Thunder, MFI-17 Mushshak, and Hongdu JL-8, as well as rebuilding Dassault Mirage and Chengdu F-7 aircraft.

Notable Features or History: The airbase was established in 1942 by the British Raj and underwent modernization by the Pakistan Air Force in 1984. It is named in honor of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas, a national hero who was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for valor during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Minhas Air Base has played a significant role in Pakistan's military operations, including during the Soviet–Afghan War, Operation Sentinel, the War on Terror, and Operation Swift Retort. The base has also faced security challenges, including militant attacks in 2007, 2008, and 2012, which led to enhanced security measures. One notable incident in 2012 involved an attack by Tehrik-e-Taliban militants, resulting in casualties and damage to an aircraft.

The base has two runways, one concrete and one asphalt. Additional facilities on the base include the Air University Kamra Campus and NASTP Kamra.

Current Status: Minhas Air Base is currently an active and operational military installation, controlled by the Pakistan Air Force under Northern Air Command. Due to its military significance, the airbase is not accessible to the public. In a reported 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, Pakistan stated it targeted several Indian military bases, and a unit from PAF Base Minhas operating J-10C fighters reportedly played a role in an intercept operation.