Let me share my viewpoint.
We have a saying here: fifth-generation fighters only exist within a system. The basic fifth-generation fighter combat system includes fifth-generation aircraft, unmanned wingman for fifth-generation aircraft (two-seat version), early warning aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, encrypted data links, satellite encrypted frequencies, long-range early warning radars, ground radars (with stealth detection capability), mobile radars (with stealth detection capability), air defense systems, counter-UAV systems, and ground long-range firepower. Within this system, different combat units are commanded using a unified data link. Currently, Pakistan's control and command centers are built based on fourth-generation aircraft, and Pakistan has basically completed the construction of a fourth-generation aircraft system. There are differences between the definition of fifth-generation and fourth-generation aircraft. If Pakistan does not build command centers capable of using fifth-generation aircraft, it would need to adjust personnel and update equipment in the existing command centers. All combat units within the system need synchronized encrypted data links and satellite encrypted frequencies.
View attachment 193121
This photo is a publicly released image of Pakistan's Air Force joint operations command room. If Pakistan temporarily chooses to use the original Air Force joint operations command room to establish a basic fifth-generation fighter combat system, these devices need to be updated, the command structure needs to be adjusted, and air defense, radar, and counter-UAV combat units need to be added. If Pakistan's procurement is genuine, the issue of air defense, radar, and counter-UAV combat units has already been solved, and the HQ-19 along with Pakistan's existing air defense equipment can meet the tasks of a fifth-generation aircraft combat system. Pakistan only needs to update equipment and adjust the command structure.
What he might mean is to establish a joint combat system. Currently, Pakistan needs to build a combat system that includes fifth-generation aircraft. The fifth-generation aircraft combat system is part of the Air Force combat system, and the Air Force combat system is part of a joint combat system.
China has basically built the largest-scale modern joint combat system.