The Air Defense Branch of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) plays a vital role in protecting the country’s airspace from enemy threats. It is a highly technical and mission-critical unit responsible for operating advanced surveillance, tracking, and missile systems. If you want to serve your country and work with modern radar and missile technology, a career in PAF Air Defense could be your perfect path.
Joining the PAF as an Air Defense Officer means stepping into a world of national pride, strategic command, and high-tech warfare support systems.
🎯 What Does an Air Defense Officer Do?
Air Defense Officers are responsible for keeping Pakistan’s skies secure 24/7. They monitor airspace activity and respond to threats using radar and missile defense networks.
• 🔭 Operating and maintaining radar systems
• 🚀 Tracking aircraft and missile threats
• 🎯 Deploying surface-to-air missile systems
• ⚙️ Managing early warning systems
• 🛡️ Coordinating airspace security with fighter command
• 📡 Conducting real-time threat assessments and responses
They play a direct role in national defense and contribute to all major PAF operations, including joint military exercises and border surveillance.
📝 Commission Type
All Air Defense Officers are granted a Permanent Commission in the PAF. This allows for long-term service, promotions, leadership opportunities, and technical specialization within the Air Force.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Air Defense Branch, you must meet the following conditions:
• 📅 Age: 16 to 22 years
• 🇵🇰 Nationality: Male citizen of Pakistan
• 💍 Marital Status: Unmarried
• 📏 Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
• ⚖️ Weight: As per PAF medical standards
Educational Qualifications (Minimum 65% aggregate in one of the following):
• F.Sc (Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical, or Computer Science)
• A-Level with Physics, Mathematics & Computer Science/Biology
• F.Sc with Physics and any two of the following: Maths, Statistics, Computer Science, Biology
Students awaiting their final results may apply using their Part-I results with a hope certificate.
🛡️ Selection Procedure
Becoming an Air Defense Officer requires you to pass a series of evaluations designed to test your intelligence, fitness, discipline, and leadership potential.
1️⃣ Online Registration
• Apply through the official PAF website:
👉 www.joinpaf.gov.pk
• Fill out the application carefully and download your test slip for the initial phase.
2️⃣ Written and Intelligence Tests
All applicants must take an intelligence test and a subject-based academic test.
Intelligence Test:
• Verbal and Non-Verbal MCQs
• 100 questions in 40 minutes
Academic Test (based on education stream):
• Pre-Medical: English and Physics
• Pre-Engineering / ICS / DAE: English, Physics, and Mathematics
Test Format Overview:
• 📘 Intelligence – 100 MCQs – 40 minutes
• 📘 English – 100 MCQs – 40 minutes
• 📘 Mathematics – 75 MCQs – 35 minutes
• 📘 Physics – 75 MCQs – 35 minutes
All tests are multiple choice questions (MCQs), designed to evaluate knowledge, logic, and speed.
3️⃣ Physical Fitness Test
Only candidates who pass the written test proceed to the physical fitness test.
• 🏃♂️ Running: 1 Mile (1.6 km) in 8 minutes
• 💪 Push-ups: 15 in 2 minutes
• 💪 Sit-ups: 20 in 2 minutes
• 🧗 Chin-ups: 3 in 2 minutes
Physical fitness is essential for performing operational duties and completing training.
4️⃣ Initial Medical Examination & Interview
Those who qualify physically undergo a basic medical exam at the selection center, which includes:
• 🩺 Eye, ear, and dental checks
• 🩺 Height and weight verification
• 🩺 General health examination
A short interview is also conducted to evaluate:
• 🗣️ Confidence and communication
• 🎯 Mental alertness
• 🎯 Motivation and career goals
5️⃣ ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board)
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a 4-day ISSB evaluation, which includes:
• 🧠 Psychological tests
• 👥 Group discussions and tasks
• 🧑✈️ Leadership and command tasks
• 🎤 Panel interviews
• ⚙️ Problem-solving simulations
ISSB tests your character, leadership, adaptability, and emotional strength.
6️⃣ Final Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by ISSB go through a final, detailed medical examination at CMB (Central Medical Board), Lahore.
This includes:
• 🧪 Blood and urine tests
• 📸 X-rays and ECG
• 👁️ Detailed vision and hearing checks
• 💓 Internal organ screening
Only candidates meeting strict health standards move forward.
7️⃣ Final Selection by Air Headquarters
Final selection is based on merit and overall performance. Candidates are selected by Air Headquarters based on:
• ✅ Test scores
• ✅ Fitness test
• ✅ ISSB results
• ✅ Medical exam
If selected, you’ll receive official joining instructions and be enrolled as an Air Defense cadet.
🎓 Training Duration
Training lasts for 4 years and takes place at PAF Academy Risalpur or another designated institution. The curriculum blends academics with military and technical skills.
• 🔧 Aeronautical and air defense engineering courses
• 🛫 Practical radar and missile system training
• 🧑✈️ Leadership and discipline modules
• 💪 Physical and military conditioning
Upon graduation, you will be commissioned as a full-fledged Air Defense Officer.
🏆 Benefits of a Career in PAF Air Defense
Being part of the Pakistan Air Force offers a life of purpose, pride, and professional excellence.
• 💰 Competitive salary and allowances
• 🩺 Free medical care for self and family
• 🏘️ Subsidized housing and education
• 🎓 Scholarships for higher education
• 🚀 Opportunities for international training
• 🎖️ Rapid promotion and leadership growth
• 🛡️ Secure retirement and pension plans
💡 Career Growth and Opportunities
As an officer, you’ll have the chance to specialize, rise in rank, and take on leadership and strategic roles.
• 📈 Career progression
• 🎓 Technical specialization
• 🧑✈️ Leadership roles
You may also represent Pakistan in international defense forums, operations, or training programs abroad.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Air Defense Branch is ideal for those passionate about national defense, technology, and leadership. If you’re disciplined, intelligent, and ready to serve Pakistan with honor — the skies await you.
• 🧠 Prepare well
• 💪 Stay confident
• 🚀 Aim high — because your future is about to take flight!
👉 Apply now at: www.joinpaf.gov.pk