Pakistan Air Force | News & Discussions

[Fatman17]

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

 

[Yasser76]

Unless we get V upgrades unsure how relevant F-16s will be in 2040...

 

[Qureshi]

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.

 

[Ali Yusuf]

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.

 

[ghazi52]

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.

 

[GriffinsRule]

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)

Nice wishlist but unrealistic. Make that 3 sqds of F-16, 1 lift sqd with L-15, maybe 2 additional sqds of JF-17s, no need for 2 JF-17B sqds (one OCU will suffice), and maybe 3-4 J-10 sqds and no NGF. Those will replace the F-16s sqds.

 

[Fatman17]

Pakistan Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force are all geared up to participate in joint aerial Exercise Zilzal-II, commencing in Qatar. First held in the year 2020, Zilzal-II air exercise is the 2nd in the series of these exercises, hosted by State of Qatar.

 

[air marshal]

PAK-QATAR JOINT AERIAL EXERCISE "ZILZAL-II" KICKS OFF IN QATAR

10 January, 2024: Pakistan Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force are all geared up to participate in joint aerial Exercise Zilzal-II, commencing in Qatar. First held in the year 2020, Zilzal-II air exercise is the 2nd in the series of these exercises, hosted by State of Qatar.

The exercise is one of the most complex joint air force exercises, which aims at promoting interoperability between the two allied nations while providing an opportunity for shared learning. The exercise will mimic a near realistic aerial warfare scenario coupled with real-time opportunity for the participating Air Forces to test their operational readiness. Exercise Zilzal-II, aimed at improving joint planning mechanism, is considered as a historical benchmark to further solidify the existing defence partnership between the two brotherly countries.

During the exercise, PAF's newly inducted state-of-the-art J-10C fighter aircraft will flex its muscles against Eurofighter jets of Qatar Emiri Air Force in their first ever face-off in an aerial exercise.The successful induction and operationalization of the J-10C fighter jets in PAF's fighter fleet and their participation in yet another international exercise in an unprecedented short span of time is a remarkable achievement.

The feat has been achieved in lines with modernization plan of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, premised on smart inductions and focused indegenization. The participation of these fighter jets in the aerial exercise marks a significant milestone in PAF's journey towards a technologically advanced and formidable air force.

The rapid acquisition and operationalization of these advanced fighter aircraft showcases PAF's dedication to maintaining a cutting-edge force, capable of meeting evolving challenges and defending Pakistan's airspace with utmost proficiency.

Exercise Zilzal-II serves as a platform to foster greater understanding, cooperation and friendship between Pakistan Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force, contributing to regional stability and security.

Pakistan Air Force remains committed to its mission of safeguarding the skies, strengthening international alliances and promoting peace through mutual cooperation.

 

[Yasser76]

Excellent, and imagine our J-10s will get plenty of time in with the Rafales and Meteor. PAF should try and make these interactions as regular as possible. Also Indian military not very welcome in Qatar these days

 

[Fatman17]

This is interesting … allegedly an anti-radiation guided munition.

Courtesy: deino

 

[Corax]

The J-10C exercising in Qatar will be very keenly followed by a lot of people. Very interesting to see the results.

 

[Fatman17]

IDEF 2023: GIDS reveals details of prototype air-launched missiles​

by Rahul Udoshi & Raghuraman C S

GIDS Taimur air-launched cruise missile prototype at the IDEF 2023 show. (Janes/Raghuraman CS)
Pakistan's state-owned Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) unveiled a range of air-launched weapons at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul from 25 to 28 July.
Prototypes of the Taimur air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) and FAAZ air-to-air missiles (AAM) were displayed for the first time.
Optimised as a fast jet-launched missile for air-to-surface missions, the Taimur (also known as Taimoor) is designed as a stand-off anti-ship and land attack cruise missile. The modular missile has an aerodynamic box-shaped fuselage equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker in the front, mid-body foldable wings on the lower surface, and tail control surfaces and a turbojet engine at the rear. The air inlet for the turbojet motor is located under the missile body between the wings and fins. It also carries a fragmentation, armour-piercing warhead.
According to GIDS the turbojet-powered missile has an operational range of 290 km and weighs less than 1,200 kg. It has terrain-hugging and sea-skimming capabilities; is capable of cruise flight at an altitude of between 152 m (500 ft) and 6,096 m (20,000 ft) at a subsonic speed; and has launch altitude of between 610 m (2,000 ft) and 7,620 m (25,000 ft).
The missile can be carried on external underwing pylons of the JF-17 aircraft and other compatible fast-jet platforms. JF-17 can carry two Taimur missiles (one on each side).
Currently in the development phase, the FAAZ is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) AAM. The FAAZ family has two variants, baseline FAAZ (also referred to as FAAZ-1) and extended-range FAAZ-2.

 

[ghazi52]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1745427913703653681

 

[ghazi52]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1743159628744024563

The CCS Mirage Squadron, established in May 1975, marks the end of an era. Number Plating is a process in the Air Force, in which all aircraft are grounded, and all personnel (including Pilots, Crew, and Technicians) are posted out to other squadrons. (2/2)

 

[Fatman17]

Qatari Eurofighters Flying Against Pakistani J-10s In Exercise | Aviation Week Network

Qatari Eurofighter Typhoons are operating with Pakistani Chengdu J-10Cs in the first military drills bringing the two canard fighter types together.

aviationweek.com