SOURCE: AFI
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is at a critical juncture, dealing with what could be described as a ticking time bomb regarding its aging fleet of fighter jets. With significant portions of its combat aircraft nearing or exceeding their operational life expectancy, the PAF is under immense pressure to phase out these aging assets while simultaneously modernizing its air capabilities to keep pace with regional threats and technological advancements.
Mirage III/V Dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, the PAF still operates over 150 Mirage-III/5 jets. These French-origin aircraft, now over 50 years old, are rapidly approaching the end of their airframe service life. The manufacturer, Dassault, ceased production of spare parts decades ago, severely limiting maintenance and operational capabilities.
F-7PG that are Based on the Chinese J-7, which itself is derived from the Soviet MiG-21, the PAF planned to retire its entire fleet by 2030. These jets, inducted in 2002, have been relegated to secondary roles due to the introduction of more advanced aircraft like the JF-17 Thunder, yet they remain in service, with some models still having 10-15 years of life left. However, further upgrades are limited, reflecting their ageing technology.
F-16 Fighting Falcon that PAF operates around 57 F-16BM Block 15 MLU jets, which are now approaching 40 years of service. While these aircraft remain critical to PAF’s combat capabilities, no official retirement plans have been announced, but they are expected to be phased out after 2030 when they near the 50-year mark.
The PAF is looking towards China for replacements, with plans to introduce the 40 J-35A stealth fighter and 26 more J-10C jets. PAF also has a Plan to work and procure nearly 100 Block-IV under the PFX program based on the JF-17. This shift signifies a broader strategic realignment towards Chinese technology to bolster its air defence capabilities against regional rivals.
The Pakistan Air Force faces a complex challenge in the next decade. The necessity to retire nearly 250 fighter jets after 2030, which is nearly 44% of its current fleet coupled with the need for cost-effective modernization, places significant pressure on the PAF’s strategic planning and budget. With a fleet composed of aircraft from the 1960s to the 2000s, the PAF’s ability to navigate these challenges will not only determine its future combat effectiveness but also its role in regional security dynamics.
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