The government of Pakistan appointed Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan Pakistan Air Force (PAF) vice chief of the air staff. Khan was commissioned in the PAF General Duties (Pilot) Branch on March 6, 1977. He served as a fighter pilot in various fighter squadrons and has flown almost all the modern weapon systems of the PAF.

 He has commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing and an operational PAF airbase. Khan has qualified Combat Commanders’ Course and PAF Air War Course. He is also a graduate of the National Defence University (NDU) and holds a masters degree in defence and strategic studies.

 During his service in the PAF, he has remained on various important command and staff appointments and served as air attaché in India. Khan has also served as JF-17 chief project director and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board (PACB) chairman at Kamra. He has received Hilal-e-Imtiaz (military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz (military) and Sitara-e-Basalat.