PAF Plans to Acquire J-10C, JF-17 Block IV, and J-35 to Maintain Strength against IAF Amid an Aging Fleet

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is facing a critical juncture as it grapples with an aging fleet of fighter jets while striving to maintain a credible deterrent against the Indian Air Force (IAF).

While the IAF is dealing with its own challenges of dwindling squadron numbers and upcoming retirements, the PAF is under pressure to modernize its force and ensure its operational readiness for future conflicts.

The PAF has traditionally maintained a fleet of around 450 fighter jets to balance the IAF's strength. However, the aging of its frontline aircraft, particularly the Mirage III and Mirage 5 fleet, poses a significant challenge.

These aircraft, which once formed the backbone of the PAF, are now over 50 years old. With France no longer supplying spare parts or used airframes, their reliability is declining, as evidenced by a rise in crashes in recent years.

To address this, the PAF is pursuing a multi-pronged modernization strategy:

• JF-17 Thunder Block IV: The PAF plans to replace its aging Mirage fleet with 100 JF-17 Thunder Block IV jets under the PFX program. This advanced variant is expected to feature improved stealth capabilities and upgraded avionics, ensuring its relevance in modern combat.
• J-10C Vigorous Dragon: To further bolster its fleet, the PAF intends to acquire an additional 20-30 J-10C Vigorous Dragon jets from China. These 4.5-generation fighters will enhance the PAF's air superiority capabilities.
• J-35A Stealth Fighter: Looking to the future, the PAF is also eyeing the J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, with plans to acquire approximately 50 units. The J-35A will replace older platforms and provide the PAF with advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and next-generation combat capabilities.

These acquisitions are crucial for the PAF to maintain a credible deterrent against the IAF. The JF-17 Thunder, developed in collaboration with China, will continue to form the backbone of the PAF's modern fleet, while the addition of J-10C and J-35A fighters will significantly enhance its capabilities.

The PAF also plans to phase out its aging F-7 and F-16 fighter jets in the coming decades. The F-7, based on the Mig-21 design, is nearing the end of its operational life, while the F-16s, though still capable, are approaching 40 years of service.

By pursuing this modernization strategy, the PAF aims to address the challenges posed by its aging fleet and ensure it remains a potent force capable of meeting future operational requirements.

The acquisition of advanced fighter jets like the J-10C and J-35A will be crucial in maintaining a balance of power in the region and safeguarding Pakistan's airspace.

 

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[sanket]

So how 450 jets for PAF? JF-17: 156, Mirage-III & Mirage-V: 150, F-16: 57 = 363 + 25 J-10C = 388.

 

[tipoo2]

Bennies of being an army with a country instead of the usual other way around. It has its advantages, but you don't want to live there!

 

[Vineet Sharma]

This is a major mistake of the IAF. They are not flying junk, and they are retiring it. They should learn from the PAF how to keep junk with them so that everybody counts it. "Waise," F-86 "ka kuch kabaad bacha hai to woh bhi gin lete." 40-50 planes more would be added.

 

[Kira]

The IAF has far greater resources and access to superior technology but is rather inefficient, and its sole domestic supplier, HAL, is hardly productive.

Meanwhile, the PAF has a dearth of both resources and technology, but due to Pakistani military dominance in politics, they can rather quickly access funds and make decisions faster, all while benefiting from PRC donations.

 

[swatkats_razor]

This is a major mistake of the IAF. They are not flying junk, and they are retiring it.

We are still flying Mig-21s.
So.