Pakistan Air Force to modernize its fleets
In a promotional video unveiled in January 2024, the PAF announced
Air Headquarters' decision to phase out legacy systems, showcasing footage of
aircraft including the Dassault Mirage III and 5, Chengdu FT-7P, Karakoram
Eagle (KE) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and CN-235
light transport aircraft. The PAF is undertaking efforts to replace older
aircraft and consolidate its fleets, particularly among special mission
aircraft.
Fighter Aircraft The PAF's initiative to replace aging aircraft
such as the F-7P, FT-7P, F-7PG, and Mirage III/5 aligns with previous plans. In
2016, the PAF aimed to replace 190 legacy fighters by 2020, maintaining a
400-strong fighter fleet to sustain a favorable ratio against the Indian Air Force
(IAF). The recent promotional video indicates progress in replacing legacy
fighters, potentially achieving a complete transition away from the F-7 and
Mirage III/5-series by 2030. The PAF plans to adopt a mix of J-10CE and JF-17C
(Block-III) fighters to replace these aging platforms, with expectations of
acquiring additional airframes of both types in the coming years.
Pakistani
JF-17 Thunder Block 3 and Super Mushshak aircraft participate in Dubai Airshow
In November 2023, reports surfaced of discussions between the PAF
and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) for the acquisition of
Hongdu L-15Bs for lead-in-fighter-trainer (LIFT) roles. This move underscores
the PAF's commitment to preparing its pilots for modern jets like the J-10CE,
JF-17, and F-16. The L-15B, equipped with afterburning engines, multimode
radar, and tactical datalink (TDL), aligns with the PAF's requirements for a
fully functional LIFT platform.
Special Mission Aircraft The decision to retire the KE AEW&C
comes as a surprise, considering its key role in maritime operations and
interoperability with Pakistan Navy assets. The PAF appears to be standardizing
on the Saab 2000-based Erieye AEW&C, originally planned for exclusive use
in the early 2000s. The loss of Erieye AEW&C assets in a terrorist attack
in 2012 prompted the PAF to acquire KE AEW&C systems from China. However,
subsequent acquisitions and orders of Erieye AEW&C aircraft indicate a
shift back to the original plan, with the PAF currently operating nine Erieye
AEW&Cs.
Pakistan,
Bahrain discuss cooperation in drone, cyber technologies
Logistics Aircraft The PAF's decision to phase out its CN-235
light transport aircraft, acquired in 2005, suggests a move towards optimizing
its logistics fleet. Since the initial procurement, the PAF has not expanded
its CN-235 fleet with additional units.
Source: https://quwa.org/