The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is facing a significant operational challenge as a large portion of its fighter jet fleet approaches retirement age. The PAF is under pressure to modernize its capabilities while facing the impending obsolescence of many of its aircraft, in order to maintain readiness against evolving regional threats.
A considerable number of the PAF's aircraft are reaching the end of their operational lifespan. The force currently operates over 150 French-made Mirage III/V fighter jets, originally introduced in the 1960s and 1970s. These aircraft are now over five decades old, and with Dassault, the manufacturer, having discontinued spare parts production years ago, maintenance and operational readiness have become increasingly difficult.
Similarly, the PAF's fleet of F-7PG aircraft, based on the Chinese J-7 (itself a derivative of the Soviet MiG-21), is slated for complete retirement by 2030. While some of these aircraft, inducted in 2002, still have some service life remaining, their older technology limits upgrade potential. They've increasingly been moved to secondary roles as more modern aircraft, like the JF-17 Thunder, have entered service.
The PAF also flies approximately 57 F-16BM Block 15 MLU Fighting Falcon jets. These American-made aircraft, crucial to the PAF's combat strength, are nearing 40 years of service. While there's no official retirement announcement, it's widely anticipated they will be phased out after 2030, as they approach the 50-year service mark. The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for continued F-16 fleet support, suggesting ongoing, albeit potentially limited, maintenance for the existing fleet.
To address the upcoming shortfall, the PAF is increasingly turning to China for its next generation of fighter aircraft. Plans include the introduction of 40J-35 stealth fighters, and an additional 26 J-10C multirole fighters. The PAF is reportedly also planning to procure close to 100 JF-17 Block-IV aircraft, a further development of the jointly produced JF-17 Thunder, under the PFX program. This procurement strategy highlights a strategic shift towards reliance on Chinese aerospace technology to strengthen Pakistan's air defenses.
The retirement of approximately 250 fighter jets, representing nearly 44% of the PAF's current inventory, after 2030 presents a complex operational and financial challenge. This, combined with the need for cost-effective modernization, puts considerable pressure on the PAF's budget and long-term planning.
