Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions

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hyperbolic figures on some platforms.

Block-2s are getting the minor upgrade rebuilds which will likely be AESA and some EW updates. block-Is are to be left as they are other than the usual minor updates. It is possible that some Block-Is might be retired due to airframe hours or rebuilt based upon funds.

What 2 squadrons of F-16s?
There are current 4 squadrons of which 1 is the C, two are AM/BM and then the ADF based OCU.
It is likely based on airframe life the F-16s will continue to operate the OCU in no.19 sq so it will be three squadrons likely.

L-15s may not be into COIN at all - that is likely being pushed more and more to UCAVs.

The FC-31 is a remote possibility by 2035
 

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Many of these programs were defined in the existing ASR but Pakistanis in general have the want for their Plaques here and there.

That being said the Chief for all his alleged “faults” delivered on a lot of programs so he does deserve applaud for at least making some progress even though rumors have it there were many he picked who did put some hurdles on good programs.

Lets see who comes next -
 

Asia-Pacific​

Pakistan has announced it will integrate the FC-31 Gyrfalcon fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation into its air force “in the near future.” The framework agreement was announced by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu during an induction ceremony of new military capabilities on January 2. Articles presented during the event included Beijing-made J-10C firebird jets and business-class planes.
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My information is that 3-4 will be inducted in the fleet and the rest will be used for spares.

PAF signed the agreement for all 12 aircraft from Belgium, 4 out of the 7 were recently integrated into the fleet and would all be on active service. The remaining 5 will be used as spares.


"Seven of these remaining aircraft were sold with spare parts, propellers, engines and ground support equipment to a consortium consisting of SABENA Aerospace and Blue Aerospace".

Below is the list ...

BAF serial CH-04, PAF-4467
CH-01 (4455)
CH-05 (4470)
CH-07 (4476)
CH-09 (4479)
CH-11 (4482)
CH-12 (4483)
 
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There are few contradictions - all 03 sqds of F16 (MLUed) will remain active till 2040 while F16 (BLK 52) sqd will remain active at least 2045. Further, there isn't any indication that JF17C (BLK-3) will end up on 50 units in particular when WS13E engine coming online. Also, L-15B will be end around 4-5 sqds considering the way PAF planning to use this bird.

So the best possible outlook of PAF by 2032-35

  • 4 Sqd of F16 (Block52 & MLUed)
  • 7 Sqd of JF17 Block I & II (Upgraded to B-3, Reengined)
  • 2 Sqd of JF17B Block II (Upgraded to B-3, Reengined)
  • 4-5 Sqd of JF17C (Block-3 with WS13E or WS19 engines)
  • 5-6 Sqd of J10CP
  • 4-5 Sqd of L15B (Lift , Coin & BVR)
  • 2 Sqd of FC31 (J31)
  • 2 Sqd of KAAN (with Indigenous engine)
  • Number of UAVs (MALE & HALE versions)
 
There are few contradictions - all 03 sqds of F16 (MLUed) will remain active till 2040 while F16 (BLK 52) sqd will remain active at least 2045. Further, there isn't any indication that JF17C (BLK-3) will end up on 50 units in particular when WS13E engine coming online. Also, L-15B will be end around 4-5 sqds considering the way PAF planning to use this bird.

So the best possible outlook of PAF by 2032-35

  • 4 Sqd of F16 (Block52 & MLUed)
  • 7 Sqd of JF17 Block I & II (Upgraded to B-3, Reengined)
  • 2 Sqd of JF17B Block II (Upgraded to B-3, Reengined)
  • 4-5 Sqd of JF17C (Block-3 with WS13E or WS19 engines)
  • 5-6 Sqd of J10CP
  • 4-5 Sqd of L15B (Lift , Coin & BVR)
  • 2 Sqd of FC31 (J31)
  • 2 Sqd of KAAN (with Indigenous engine)
  • Number of UAVs (MALE & HALE versions)
30 squadrons whilst the budget is 20-26
 
Unless we get V upgrades unsure how relevant F-16s will be in 2040...
 
30 squadrons whilst the budget is 20-26

The current budget strength is 26 sqds, however a more plausible suggested strength is between 2032 - 2035.
 
There are few contradictions - all 03 sqds of F16 (MLUed) will remain active till 2040 while F16 (BLK 52) sqd will remain active at least 2045. Further, there isn't any indication that JF17C (BLK-3) will end up on 50 units in particular when WS13E engine coming online. Also, L-15B will be end around 4-5 sqds considering the way PAF planning to use this bird.

So the best possible outlook of PAF by 2032-35

  • 4 Sqd of F16 (Block52 & MLUed)
  • 7 Sqd of JF17 Block I & II (Upgraded to B-3, Reengined)
  • 2 Sqd of JF17B Block II (Upgraded to B-3, Reengined)
  • 4-5 Sqd of JF17C (Block-3 with WS13E or WS19 engines)
  • 5-6 Sqd of J10CP
  • 4-5 Sqd of L15B (Lift , Coin & BVR)
  • 2 Sqd of FC31 (J31)
  • 2 Sqd of KAAN (with Indigenous engine)
  • Number of UAVs (MALE & HALE versions)
That is 30 Squadrons at least.

Even the IAF is currently operating around 33 to 34 squadrons. Are we planning to operate around 500 fighters?

Given the beating our economy has taken over the last year and a half and the somewhat bleak forecast (at least) for the near future, I am sorry but I do not feel too hopeful of this happening.
 
A ceremony was held at the Murid Air Base, on 2nd January, 2024, to mark the induction and operationalization of various combat drones into the operational fleet of the Pakistan Air Force. the ceremony was attended by General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, and senior officials from the Pakistan Armed Forces as well as military officials from China and Türkiye.

The new drones being inducted and operationalized by the Pakistan Air Force include Baykar’s Akinci, Bayraktar TB2, GIDS Shahpar-II, Wing Loong II, and a new type of loitering munitions. Although some of These drones are already in service with the Pakistan Air Force, this ceremony marked the official induction and operationalization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) along with other systems including radars and air mobility platforms.

During his speech Chief of the Air Staff, highlighted the latest inductions in the PAF’s arsenal comprising of J-10C fighter jets, air mobility platforms, modern Radars, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Loitering munition capabilities and Long-Range Vectors which have significantly bolstered the aerial defence capabilities of the country.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in his speech lauded the operational preparedness of Pakistan Air Force in incorporating state-of-the-art weapon systems, substantially contributing in ensuring the balance of power in the region. While emphasizing the significance of indigenization and human resource development, COAS wholeheartedly endorsed PAF’s dedication to technological advancements and operational excellence, reassuring that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to thwart any aggression. COAS also appreciated PAF’s efforts for transportation of Relief Goods for the victims of Gaza conflict.

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