SOURCE: AFI
The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), located in Kamra, Pakistan, is a pivotal institution in the country’s defense ecosystem, operating under the full ownership and sponsorship of the Ministry of Defence Production. Unlike India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which functions as a civilian public-sector undertaking, PAC is a military-owned entity with its corporate leadership directly appointed by the Air Headquarters of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). This structural distinction underscores PAC’s deep integration into Pakistan’s military framework, serving as a cornerstone for its aerospace capabilities.
PAC’s strategic significance has made it a focal point in regional military dynamics. Notably, it was reportedly marked as a potential target for strikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF) before Pakistan requested a ceasefire, highlighting its critical role in Pakistan’s defense infrastructure. The complex is not merely a maintenance hub but a key facility for the assembly and sustainment of PAF’s combat aircraft.
One of PAC’s primary roles is the local assembly of the JF-17 Thunder, a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighter jet developed in collaboration with China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. The JF-17s are shipped from China in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form, and PAC undertakes their assembly, integrating critical systems to make them operational for the PAF. This arrangement allows Pakistan to bolster its air force with a modern, cost-effective fighter while maintaining a degree of self-reliance in production.
Beyond assembly, PAC plays a vital role in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the PAF’s ageing fleet of Mirage-III and Mirage-V fighter jets. These aircraft, acquired decades ago, remain a significant component of Pakistan’s air combat capabilities. PAC’s advanced facilities enable deep repairs and overhauls, extending the operational life of these jets through upgrades and refurbishments. This MRO capability is crucial for sustaining the PAF’s readiness, given the challenges of maintaining older platforms in active service.
Unlike HAL, which operates under civilian oversight and caters to both military and civilian aerospace needs, PAC’s military-centric structure aligns its operations exclusively with the PAF’s strategic objectives. This direct control ensures rapid decision-making and alignment with military priorities but limits its scope compared to HAL’s broader commercial and export-oriented activities.
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