The Inter-Squadron Armament Competition (ISAC) is a military sports event hosted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). It is an event designed to assess and celebrate the skill and operational readiness of its squadrons. This competition evaluates the training of aircrews and ground teams, focusing on their ability to perform under warlike conditions.
History
Following the independence of Pakistan and establishment of the Royal Pakistan Air Force, the RPAF had two primary combat squadrons, namely the 5 Squadron "Falcons" and 9 Squadron "Griffins". There was a sense of rivalry between these two pioneering units. Airmen and officers would face each other during military exercises trying to gain the advantage over the other.
Eventually, this rivalry led to the first ever inter-squadron drill in May 1949 being organized under the leadership of RPAF's then British commander AVM Allan Perry-Keene. 9 Squadron later won the competition and bagged the Perry-Keene trophy for themselves.
Evolution into ISAC By the early 1960s, significant changes were introduced to the operational structure and traditions under Air Marshal Asghar Khan's major modernization program. As part of this revamping project he introduced the concept of a large-scale gunnery competition involving all of the PAF's combat aircraft squadrons.
Competition Whenever ISAC takes place (normally every four years), a team composed of the four best pilots along with maintenance staff from every PAF combat aircraft squadron is selected to compete against other squadrons in live weapons firing involving strafing runs, precision bombing and dropping dumb bombs via CCIP.
Awards Name Introduced Awarded to Notes Sher Afgan Trophy 1949 Top-performing pilot of the competition Formerly known as Perry-Keene Trophy. Armament Competition Trophy Unknown Squadron with highest score in the competition Maintenance Trophy Unknown Squadron with the most well maintained equipment. Best Armament Trophy 2019 Shared by 2 & 8 Squadrons in ISAC-2019.
Known events Inter Squadron Armament Competition Year Venue Champion Notes 1949 Unknown 9 Squadron First competition between RPAF's sole two fighter squadrons. 1952 Unknown 5 Squadron 1960 Unknown 16 Squadron 1966 Mauripur 19 Squadron 1974 Thal desert Unknown 1997 Unknown 9 Squadron 2007 Sonmiani 9 Squadron 2015 Karachi 11 Squadron 2019 Sonmiani 11 Squadron
See also International Military Sports Council International Army Games Tank biathlon
References