Saiful Azam – an outstanding pilot and officer
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News of the demise of Group Captain Saiful Azam, the iconic Bengali pilot, has shaken many in South Asia and the Middle East.
Azam was no ordinary fighter pilot. He had served in several countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan and Iraq, and in each of them he earned laurels for his courage, professional excellence and passion for contributing to the larger cause of defending freedom and countering injustice against Muslims. It was no surprise then that rich tributes poured in from several countries including the US, all recalling his achievements as a legendary fighter pilot.
Azam has several accomplishments to his credit during active combat in different countries that are comprehensively documented and part of a proud legacy. From the very beginning of his career, Azam showed promise as an outstanding pilot and professional. After his initial training with the Cessana T-37, he was sent to the US Luke Air Force Base to fly F-86 Sabres.
His professional skills and dedication were fully demonstrated in the 1965 war between Pakistan and India.
Azam took part in several ground attacks and during one of these missions, encountered Indian Folland Gnat interceptors.
He shot down the Indian plane and flight officer Mayadev, who had ejected, was subsequently captured. For his bravery and professionalism, Azam was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat by the Pakistan government.
But perhaps Azam’s most outstanding achievement was the downing of three Israeli Air Force aircrafts, including a Dassault Mystere, Vautour 11A and Dassault Mirage 111.
Considering that the Israel Air Defence System and its air force is highly reputed for its professional competence, this was no mean achievement.
In 1966 he was sent to Jordan on deputation as an advisor to the Royal Jordanian Air Force where he earned the respect of foreign colleagues for his valor and expertise as a flyer and instructor.
There are several other episodes of his gallantry and professional skills that his colleagues and superiors recall.
The most striking feature of Azam’s personality was his unflinching support for the cause of Muslims. It was this passion that was the driving force behind his volunteering to fight for other Muslim nations. Geographical boundaries were no barriers for him, not when it was a question of defending the territorial integrity of Muslim countries.
The credit for Azam’s professional competence and dedication has a great deal to do with his personal abilities and dedication. But the role of his mother organization in fostering these attributes is equally critical.
It is not surprising that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has produced some of the world’s most professionally competent pilots-- those who have gone on to serve not only their own country but other nations as well.
The most striking feature of Azam’s personality was his unflinching support for the cause of Muslims. It was this passion that was the driving force behind his volunteering to fight for other Muslim nations. Geographical boundaries were no barriers for him, not when it was a question of defending the territorial integrity of Muslim countries.
Talat Masood
PAF was very fortunate to have at the time of its inception, a highly competent and able leadership that set the tone and standards for successors to follow.
Air Marshal Asghar Khan was Pakistan’s first Air Chief, followed by the legendary Air Marshal Nur Khan.
Their focus on training, discipline, maintenance and above all fostering leadership qualities and high standards of professionalism have continued to remain the hallmark of PAF.
Both in the 1965 and 1971 wars with India, the air force performed commendably despite the disadvantage of fewer aircrafts and lesser ground support resources. Even now, when Indian hostility is at its peak, PAF acts as a vanguard ready to defend the nation in the best traditions set by outstanding professionals like Saiful Azam.
Azam’s contribution in the newly raised Bangladesh Air Force was no less. He served in important command and staff appointments, first as Director Flight Safety and later as Director Flight operations. His last assignment was command of the Dhaka Air Base.
After his retirement, the Bangladesh government continued to utilize his services in different capacities-- the most notable being that of chairman for the Civil Aviation Authority.
Azam’s death also brought back unfortunate memories of the separation of East Pakistan. It was badly mishandled, and India was allowed to take advantage of the situation. Separated by a thousand miles with a hostile India in between resulted in the tragic outcome of losing East Pakistan.
A far smoother transition could have taken place if there was better realization of the genuine difficulties in keeping the two parts together. This obviously required deft handling that only a mature and farsighted leadership could have navigated.
What is most notable here, is that despite the unfortunate ill will and bloodshed that flowed as a consequence of the separation of East Pakistan, Saiful Azam always retained his dignified posture, free of malice or animosity.
The very fact that his death is mourned across several Muslim countries and his achievements recalled with such passion is a living tribute to his greatness-- both as a pilot and as a person.
– Talat Masood is a retired Lieutenant General from Pakistan Army and an eminent scholar on national security and political issues.
E-mail: talatmasood186@gmail.com
