SOURCE: AFI
In a move that appears to signal a strategic shift in its maritime defense posture, the Pakistani Navy (PN) is reportedly planning to procure the Chengdu J-10CE fighter jet from China. This development comes as a potential counter to India’s acquisition of the Dassault Rafale M, a naval variant of the advanced French fighter jet tailored for carrier operations.
The J-10CE, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, is being considered as Pakistan phases out its aging fleet of Mirage-III fighters, currently operated by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) but assigned to the PN for maritime protection roles. However, ambiguity surrounds whether the PN will directly operate these new jets or if the PAF will bolster its own J-10CE fleet to take over maritime surveillance and defense duties over the Arabian Sea.
India’s decision to procure 26 Rafale M fighters for its naval aviation arm, announced as part of a broader modernization push, has evidently rattled Pakistan’s defense planners. The Rafale M, designed for operations from aircraft carriers like the INS Vikrant, brings advanced sensors, long-range weaponry such as the Meteor missile, and superior maneuverability to the Indian Navy’s arsenal. This acquisition enhances India’s ability to project power across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including the Arabian Sea—a critical maritime zone for Pakistan’s security and trade routes.
In response, the Pakistani Navy seems intent on upgrading its own capabilities. The J-10CE, an export variant of China’s J-10C, offers a potent mix of agility, modern avionics, and compatibility with advanced munitions like the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile. Its potential deployment in a maritime role could allow Pakistan to challenge India’s growing aerial dominance over the sea, particularly in anti-ship and air defense missions. The move aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy of leaning on its “all-weather ally,” China, to offset India’s military advancements.
The Mirage-III, a French-built fighter first introduced in the 1960s, has been a workhorse for the PAF for decades. While the PAF operates the bulk of Pakistan’s Mirage-III and Mirage-V fleet, a subset has been assigned to the PN for maritime protection tasks, such as patrolling the Arabian Sea and defending against aerial and naval threats. These aircraft, though upgraded under the Retrofit of Strike Element (ROSE) program to enhance their strike capabilities, are now well past their prime. Maintenance challenges, dwindling spare parts, and obsolescence have made their retirement inevitable.
The PN’s apparent interest in the J-10CE suggests a desire to replace these aging jets with a modern platform capable of fulfilling the same maritime roles. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar—specifically the Italian Grifo-E in Pakistan’s case—and the ability to carry anti-ship missiles, the J-10CE could provide a significant upgrade. Its versatility as a multirole fighter also makes it suitable for both air superiority and strike missions, key requirements for safeguarding Pakistan’s coastline and exclusive economic zone.
A key question remains unresolved: will the Pakistani Navy operate the J-10CE directly, or will the PAF acquire additional units to replace the Mirage-III and assume the maritime protection mantle? Historically, the PN has relied on the PAF for fixed-wing air support, lacking its own combat jet squadrons. The Mirage-III aircraft assigned to maritime roles, for instance, are flown and maintained by PAF personnel under PN command. This arrangement could persist with the J-10CE, with the PAF expanding its existing J-10CE fleet—first inducted in March 2022 with the No. 15 “Cobras” Squadron—to take on these duties.
Alternatively, the PN could be exploring a bold shift toward operating its own fighter jets, a move that would mark a significant departure from tradition. The J-10CE’s relatively low operational costs and China’s willingness to provide training and support could make this feasible, especially as the PN seeks to assert greater control over its maritime domain amid rising tensions with India. However, such a transition would require substantial investment in infrastructure, pilot training, and logistics—challenges that Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy might struggle to meet.
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