New Delhi: As per Pakistani media reports, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reiterated its commitment to the challenging development of its fighter aircraft, with the aim of modernising and hoping to maintain its position of technological superiority vs. its regional rival, the Indian Air Force (IAF). Pakistan is prioritising the procurement and development of 5th generation fighter aircraft to strengthen its air power over the next decade, after the retirement of Air Commodore Zahid Ul Hassan said.
Partnership with China to expand air power
Considering the potential future evolution of the PAF, the service has been in close cooperation with China to acquire and develop next-generation fighter jets, particularly on models such as the Shenyang FC-31 (J-31 or J-35). They are stealthy jets that will give competition to American F-35 jets. Pakistan aims to induct these advanced fighter jets on a fleet basis within two years, meaning the country is getting into a whole new level of airpower.
Difficulties for IAF
The Indian Air Force has a larger size of 2,229 aircraft and ships compared to 1,399 in Pakistan but is struggling for fleet modernisation. Excluding the high cost of acquisition, what has given pause to strategists about India’s air power has been the slow modernisation of the IAF — particularly indigenous aircraft production and foreign acquisitions.
Pakistan’s long-term vision for air power
Pakistan plans to acquire 50 J-35 fighter jets by 2030, and this may well act as a force multiplier for Islamabad. On top of that, the PAF is already flying the JF-17 Thunder Block III, a Chinese JV fighter jet that continues to bolster the air power of Pakistan.
An ionosphere gap: A Strategic Warning for the IAF
But why would that be a concern for India now? According to experts, Pakistan’s advancements might become a strategic challenge for India if the Indian Air Force is unable to accelerate its modernisation process rapidly. The development indicates an escalating tech competition between the two nations and can have implications for regional security.
Over the coming years, as both countries continue to advance their air forces, the Indian Air Force needs to be prepared for the challenge Pakistan now faces with increased zeal.
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