PAF Appoints Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed as AFSC Commander

ISLAMABAD: In a key leadership development, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday appointed Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed as the new Commander of the Air Force Strategic Command (AFSC). The announcement was made from Air Headquarters (AHQ) in Islamabad, the force’s principal command centre responsible for overseeing major strategic and operational planning.

The appointment represents a significant leadership shift within the PAF’s strategic structure, underscoring Islamabad’s continued focus on strengthening its aerial strategic capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, a seasoned officer of the PAF commissioned in December 1992 in the General Duty (Pilot) branch, brings over three decades of operational and strategic expertise to his new role.

He has previously commanded a fighter squadron and an operational air base, and has served in key staff positions, including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operational Requirements and Development) at Air Headquarters.

He also served as Director General Public Relations (DGPR) and Director General Warfare & Strategy, highlighting his strong background in both strategic planning and defence communication.

AVM Aurangzeb’s public visibility soared during the May 2025 India‑Pakistan aerial tensions, when he delivered a high‑profile press briefing detailing the PAF’s response to Indian air operations.

'Pakistan Air Force scores a decisive “6‑0” victory'

In that briefing, he stated that the Pakistan Air Force scored a decisive “6‑0” victory, claiming all Indian aircraft and drones were intercepted and neutralised without losses to Pakistan

That 6‑0 remark, widely shared on social platforms and video channels, rapidly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism online. Clips of his confident delivery circulated widely, making Aurangzeb one of the most discussed military figures across Pakistani social media.

Aurangzeb holds master’s degrees in Military Arts from China and National Security & War Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad — credentials that align with the demands of overseeing strategic assets and future‑oriented defence mechanisms.

He was commissioned in the General Duty (GD) pilot branch of the Pakistan Air Force in 1992. During his career, he has commanded a fighter squadron as well as an operational air base. He also served in Saudi Arabia as Contingent Commander of a Pakistan Aeronautical Complex team.

He is a decorated officer, having been awarded Sitara‑e‑Imtiaz (Military), Tamgha‑e‑Imtiaz (Military), and Sitara‑e‑Basalat among other honours throughout his distinguished career.