PAF Base Mushaf
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A backgrounder
OTHER NAME: PAF Base Sargodha
LOCATION: Sargodha, Punjab (172km NW Lahore)
SUBORDINATE TO: Pakistan Air Force, Ministry of Defense
SIZE: Two runways, aircraft dispersal area, and weapons storage area
FACILITY STATUS: Active
PAF Base Mushaf, formerly known as PAF Base Sargodha, is the headquarters of the Central Air Command of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The Federation of American Scientists believes that the F-16s would be logical options for delivering nuclear weapons. The Natural Resources Defense Council also believes that components or partially assembled air-deliverable nuclear devices might be stored at an ammunition depot at the Sargodha air base.
Pakistan's nuclear-capable, short-range, solid-fueled Hatf-3/Ghaznavi/M-11 (total number estimated at 34-80) ballistic missiles are also believed to be stored at facilities near the Central Ammunition Depot at Sargodha. The evidence captured on U.S. satellite imagery includes missile crates, storage sheds for transporter-erector launch vehicles, missile maintenance facilities, and housing. The Pakistani military has also been sighted conducting simulated launches with assistance from visiting Chinese experts. Indian intelligence sources believe that in an attack scenario, the missiles would be dispersed and re-deployed at Gujranwala, Okara, Multan, Jhang, and Dera Nawab Shah, where defense communication terminals have been constructed.
