PFX to Advance Pakistan Air Force Modernization

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan has unveiled its PFX (Pakistan Fighter Experimental) program as a significant upgrade to its JF-17 joint program with China. The new upgrade will have a number of stealth features ranging from the use of radar-absorbing composite materials and diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) to internal weapons bay (IWB) which will significantly reduce the aircraft's radar signature. It is targeted for completion by the end of this decade. In addition, the PFX's twin-engine design will improve maneuverability and allow greater payload capacity. 

Pakistan PFX Concept Fighter. Source: Raksha Anirveda

The program is part of Pakistan's broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthen the domestic defense industry. Currently, 58% of JF-17 components are manufactured locally by PAC, but Pakistan aims to increase this share to achieve full production autonomy for the PFX. It is not just about the PAF modernization but also about positioning Pakistan as an important player in the global military aviation market. 

The PFX is an evolution of a plan that Pakistan announced in 2017 to develop and produce 5th generation fighter planes. It is part of Pakistan Air Force's highly ambitious Project Azm that includes building Kamra Aviation City dedicated to education, research and development and manufacturing of advanced fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and weapon systems.

The PAF has already started replacing its aging fleet with the induction of the Chinese J10C fighter jets which are considered 4.5 Gen. The J10-C has stealth features like diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI).  Its BVR capability is supported by PL-15 missiles, with an engagement range of up to 200 kilometers, facilitating long-range target engagements. 

The PAF has also begun the process of acquiring 5th generation Chinese J35 fighter jets. The delivery of 40 J35 fighters to Pakistan is expected within two years, potentially altering regional dynamics, particularly concerning India. 

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[Riaz Haq]

Turkiye, Pakistan to establish joint factory for production of KAAN fighter jet – Middle East Monitor


https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250122-turkiye-pakistan-to-esta...

Turkiye and Pakistan are reportedly set to establish and operate a joint factory to produce the new Turkish KAAN fighter jet, in what would be a significant move between the two countries.

According to a number of Turkish and Pakistani news outlets, representatives from 32 institutions gathered at the 8th meeting of the Pak-Turkish Industrial Expo in Pakistan earlier this month and finalised plans for a partnership between Ankara and Islamabad for the production of Turkiye’s KAAN fighter jet.

At those talks, Turkish Defence Minister, Yasar Guler, reportedly confirmed that an agreement for Pakistan’s official participation in the KAAN jet project is almost reached, almost a year and half after the Minister initially revealed that the two countries would be cooperating in the aircraft’s development and production.

Pakistan’s participation, according to the reports, is set to come in the form of a factory jointly established and operated between the Turkish and Pakistani counterparts, intended to produce and manufacture the jet.

The fifth-generation aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is intended to replace Turkiye’s dated fleet of F-16 fighter jets in an effort to boost the country’s defence capabilities and keep up with the advancement of other newly-developed jets, particularly after the US cut Ankara out of the F-35 fighter jet program back in 2019.

The reported plans for the joint factory mark a significant milestone in the rising defence and military cooperation between Turkiye and Pakistan, providing Ankara with the opportunity to increase the production of the KAAN jet a low cost and to expand its export, while giving Islamabad the ability to boost its own aerial defence capabilities and to advance engineering skills within its own domestic industries.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan Air Force to Gain “12-14 Year” Edge Over India with J-35A Fighter Acquisition

https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistan-air-force-to-gain-12-14...

Retired Air Commodore Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, a former senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), asserts that the acquisition of the advanced J-35A will leave the Indian Air Force (IAF) lagging behind, giving Pakistan a technological upper hand for the next 12 to 14 years.

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Pakistan’s bold move to secure up to 40 J-35A fifth-generation fighter jets from China is set to reshape the regional air power equation, granting its air force a formidable edge over its long-standing rival, India.
Retired Air Commodore Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, a former senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), asserts that the acquisition of the advanced J-35A will leave the Indian Air Force (IAF) lagging behind, giving Pakistan a technological upper hand for the next 12 to 14 years.
“India is not expected to acquire fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities within that timeframe, which will provide Pakistan with a strategic edge,” he stated.

Last year, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) sent shockwaves through the region with strong indications of its intent to acquire the cutting-edge J-35A stealth fighter, a next-generation war machine developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu further fueled anticipation, declaring that the J-35A would soon take its place in the PAF’s arsenal, signaling a transformative leap in Pakistan’s aerial warfare capabilities.
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“Negotiations have been conducted for the acquisition of the J-35A, which will soon become part of the Pakistan Air Force,” he said during an event last year.

Recently, Pakistani media reported that the PAF has already sent a group of its pilots to China for training on the J-35A fighter jet, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to integrating fifth-generation fighter technology into its fleet.

The J-35A is China’s second stealth fighter after the J-20 “Mighty Dragon.”
While the J-20 remains exclusive to the Chinese Air Force, the J-35A has been developed with potential export customers in mind.
This latest acquisition will further expand the presence of Chinese-made fighter jets in Pakistan’s air force inventory, which already includes the J-10C and the jointly developed JF-17.
Reports that Pakistani pilots have begun training on the J-35A indicate that Islamabad is on a definitive path toward fielding fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

This move has raised concerns in neighboring India, which continues to rely on 4.5-generation fighters such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale jets.

India now faces the prospect of dealing with not just China—whose air force already operates the J-20—but also Pakistan, which appears set to introduce its own fifth-generation fighters.

According to analysts, Pakistan’s acquisition of the J-35A, as reported by its media, is likely intended to replace its aging fleet of American-made F-16s and French-built Mirage 5 aircraft.
If confirmed, this procurement could significantly alter the balance of air power in the region and pose a new strategic challenge for India.
The J-35A is expected to enhance Pakistan’s tactical flexibility, allowing its air force to conduct deeper penetration missions into enemy airspace.
China has been actively promoting the J-35A for export, even establishing a dedicated office to attract potential foreign buyers.

Unlike the J-20, which Beijing has restricted from export—similar to how the U.S. limits sales of the F-22 Raptor—the J-35A is being positioned as a viable alternative for international customers.

The J-35A stands as a formidable force in modern aerial warfare—a single-seat, twin-engine, medium-sized stealth fighter engineered for dominance.
Boasting cutting-edge low-observability technology and cost-effective operational efficiency, it is poised to challenge the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan Air Force to Gain “12-14 Year” Edge Over India with J-35A Fighter Acquisition

https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistan-air-force-to-gain-12-14...

Reports indicate that China is gearing up for the J-35A’s integration into carrier-based operations, positioning it as a direct rival to the U.S. Navy’s F-35B and F-35C variants developed by Lockheed Martin.
Though its full technical specifications remain shrouded in secrecy, the aircraft’s Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) has reportedly surged from 25,000 kg to 28,000 kg, hinting at increased firepower and endurance.
Powering this stealth marvel are WS-19 engines, each delivering a staggering 12 tons of thrust—an upgrade that solidifies its place as a next-generation powerhouse in the skies.
The fighter jet is equipped with two internal weapons bays, each capable of carrying two medium-range air-to-air missiles.
Additionally, it features external hardpoints for various bombs and missiles, enhancing its multirole combat capabilities.
Pakistan’s decision to procure the J-35A is poised to reshape the regional air power equation, compelling India to accelerate its own efforts to develop or acquire fifth-generation fighter jets.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan and Türkiye Sign Agreements on EW and Other Projects - Quwa

https://quwa.org/pakistan-defence-industry/pakistan-and-turkiye-sig...

In terms of defence, the most notable agreements included an MoU for cooperating on air force-related electronic warfare (EW) as well as an MoU between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and Pakistan’s Naval Research and Development Institute (NRDI).

Overall, it is unclear how much deal-making progress – if any – the MoUs represent, but these two deals could be a reflection of several ongoing Pakistani defence programs.



MoU on Air Force EW Technology

Through its official calendar and unofficial publication – Second to None – the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had confirmed it was seeking a new airborne stand-off range jamming (ASOJ) aircraft. The PAF also heavily implied that its recently acquired business jet, a single Bombardier Global Express 6000, would be the platform for this ASOJ aircraft.

It is possible that the recently signed MoU involved a commitment to either advance a deal centered on the Aselsan HAVASOJ suite, which could be integrated onto the PAF’s Global Express 6000, or to develop a bespoke solution.

Alternatively, the MoU could also speak to the PAF’s wider EW efforts, which involve a number of different homegrown programs. These programs include a communications EW (C-EW) for communications intelligence (COMINT) and multi-band jamming roles, GPS denial systems, passive electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors, and many other systems for potential use by both the PAF and the Pakistan Army (PA).

While Pakistan is currently prioritizing domestic EW projects, the likes of the National Aerospace and Science Technology Park (NASTP), Defence Science and Technology Organization (DESTO), or National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) could be interested in drawing on Turkish technology inputs and expertise.

Interest in Turkish inputs would not conflict with Pakistan’s original EW project goals–it would be complementary. Pakistan lacks the industrial capacity to fully source each of the necessary inputs of its defence electronic programs, be it the EW projects or even the up and coming radar projects. Turkish vendors like Aselsan, Havelsan, Meteksan, and others could provide critical inputs, such as transmit/receive modules (TRMs), for example. Likewise, Turkish and Pakistani vendors could collaborate and jointly design and develop original solutions for the Pakistani military.

For example, instead of acquiring the Aselsan HAVASOJ, the PAF’s NASTP could tap Aselsan’s assistance to develop a custom ASOJ for the PAF. In this scenario, the PAF ASOJ would combine Pakistani-designed inputs with Turkish subsystems.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan, Türkiye to boost R&D collaboration | Daily Sabah


https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/pakistan-turkiye-to-boo...

Pakistan's commerce minister said Wednesday that Türkiye and Pakistan are dedicated to strengthening cooperation in advanced research and development sectors.

Jam Kamal Khan made the remarks during his visit to the Turkish Aerospace Pakistan office at the National Science and Technology Park in Islamabad, a statement by his ministry said.

The visit aimed to highlight the growing collaboration between the two countries, as well as to explore the innovative initiatives being undertaken within Pakistan’s advanced research and development sectors.

Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu, who received the minister, underscored the strong bilateral relations and Türkiye’s commitment to fostering technological and economic cooperation with Pakistan.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is a leading player in the aerospace and defense industry, known for its advanced technological capabilities and cutting-edge defense solutions.

Turkish Aerospace Pakistan focuses on strengthening collaboration in the aerospace and defense sectors while providing opportunities for technology transfer, research and development, knowledge exchange, and innovation.

Khan expressed support for the ongoing efforts at Turkish Aerospace Pakistan and emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships between the government, academia, and the private sector.

"The visit further strengthened Pakistan’s commitment to building a robust aerospace and technology ecosystem that can contribute to the country’s economic and technological growth,’ the statement said.

Last week, Pakistan and Türkiye signed 24 cooperation agreements during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Islamabad. The deals included a memorandum between TAI and the Pakistan Maritime Research and Development Institute.