Islamabad (Khyber Mail): Pakistan is set to significantly enhance its air combat capabilities with the addition of advanced military equipment from China, reinforcing its defense posture by the end of the year.
The acquisition includes J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighters, JF-17 Thunder Block-3 jets, and the KJ-500 airborne early warning system, along with the PL-17 long-range air-to-air missile, ensuring superior stealth, firepower, and battlefield awareness.
- J-35A: The Assassin of the Skies
Pakistan is set to receive the J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. This aircraft boasts advanced stealth technology, superior data processing, and network integration, allowing it to detect and engage threats within a 1200+ km radius without being detected.
The J-35A is designed for multi-domain coordination, meaning it can lock onto targets, share their positions with other weapon systems, and even guide surface-to-air missiles to neutralize threats. It features low radar observability, making it difficult for adversaries to detect, and is expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s air defense strategy.
Reports indicate that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots have already begun training on the platform in China, with deliveries expected to commence by end of August this year.
- PL-17 AAM: The Kill Shot You Never See
The PL-17 air-to-air missile is designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, featuring an active radar-guided system and a dual-pulse rocket motor. With a top speed exceeding Mach 4 and a range of over 400 km, this missile ensures stealth compatibility by folding its fins and remaining hidden within the J-35A’s weapons bay, preserving the aircraft’s radar invisibility.
The PL-17 is one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles in the world, capable of targeting high-value airborne assets such as tankers and early warning aircraft. It uses inertial guidance, satellite navigation, and data-link tracking, switching to active radar and infrared homing in the final phase to ensure precision strikes.
- KJ-500: God’s Eye in the Sky
Pakistan is also integrating the KJ-500 airborne early warning system, one of the most advanced radar surveillance platforms globally. This system can track multiple airborne and surface targets at extended ranges of up to 5700 km, providing real-time intelligence and guiding friendly aircraft and missiles to execute complex kill chains.
The KJ-500 features three AESA radar arrays for 360-degree coverage, making it more efficient than previous airborne warning systems. It plays a crucial role in coordinating air operations, ensuring Pakistan’s fighter jets and missile systems operate with maximum efficiency.
- Hurricane 3000: The Drone Destroyer
The Hurricane 3000 High-Power Microwave (HPM) Weapon System is designed to neutralize drone swarms by emitting high-energy microwave pulses that disable their electronic components. With a range of 3 km, this system is expected to play a crucial role in defending air defense installations against unmanned aerial threats.
The Hurricane 3000 operates at near-light speed, instantly burning out the electronic components and control units of drones. It can detect targets up to 6 km away, optically track them within 4 km, and neutralize even micro-drones beyond 3 km. Unlike traditional missile-based systems, it does not require ammunition, making it a cost-effective and efficient air defense solution.
- Pakistan’s Existing Air Fleet
In addition to these upcoming platforms, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) currently operates a diverse fleet of combat aircraft, including:
- J-10C Vigorous Dragon
The J-10C is a fourth-generation, single-engine multirole fighter developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. It features advanced avionics, an AESA radar, and superior maneuverability, making it a key asset for air superiority and strike missions. The J-10C is equipped with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, allowing it to engage targets at extended distances.
The J-10C has proven its effectiveness in recent air battles, reportedly downing Indian several Rafale jets during engagements. Its cost-effectiveness and adaptability make it a strong competitor in modern aerial warfare.
- JF-17 Thunder (Block 1, 2, and 3)
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, serves as the backbone of the PAF. The latest Block 3 variant introduces an AESA radar, helmet-mounted display, and enhanced electronic warfare systems, significantly improving its beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.
The JF-17 has played a crucial role in Pakistan’s defense strategy, particularly in Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) deployed JF-17 Thunder jets armed with hypersonic missiles to neutralize India’s S-400 Triumf air defense system stationed at Adampur Airbase in Punjab, India. The S-400, considered one of the most advanced air defense systems globally, was designed to intercept fighter jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats at ranges of up to 400 km. Pakistan’s precision airstrike successfully destroyed the S-400 system, marking a significant setback for India’s air defense capabilities. The operation also targeted key Indian military installations, including Udhampur and Pathankot airbases, as well as Brahmos missile storage sites.
- F-16 Fighting Falcon (Various Blocks)
Pakistan operates F-16 Fighting Falcons, including Block 15, Block 52+, and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) variants. These aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and precision-guided munitions, making them highly effective in air-to-air and ground attack roles.
- Combat Achievements Against India
- Downing of Indian Rafale Jets (May 2025)
During a high-stakes aerial confrontation, PAF F-16s successfully downed three Indian Rafale jets in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The engagement showcased the superior maneuverability and combat skills of Pakistani pilots, reinforcing the effectiveness of the F-16 in modern warfare.
- Balakot Air Battle (February 2019)
In response to India’s airstrikes in Balakot, PAF F-16s engaged Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, leading to the downing of an Indian MiG-21 Bison. The incident resulted in the capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, marking a significant moment in South Asian aerial warfare.
- Defensive Operations Against Indian Air Raids
PAF F-16s have been instrumental in intercepting and neutralizing Indian air incursions, ensuring Pakistan’s airspace remains secure. Their advanced radar systems and missile capabilities have allowed them to counter Indian aerial threats effectively.
The F-16 continues to be a vital asset for Pakistan, proving its combat effectiveness and strategic importance in maintaining regional air superiority.
- Mirage III & Mirage 5
The Mirage III and Mirage 5 have been a part of the PAF since the 1960s, undergoing extensive upgrades under Project ROSE to enhance their avionics and strike capabilities. These aircraft remain operational in specialized tactical attack roles, equipped with modern radar systems and precision-guided weapons.
- Combat Achievements Against India
- 1971 Indo-Pak War
During the 1971 war, PAF Mirage III jets were deployed for air superiority and strike missions. These aircraft successfully engaged Indian fighter jets, including MiG-21s, and conducted precision strikes on Indian airbases. Mirage III pilots demonstrated exceptional maneuverability, allowing them to evade enemy radar and execute high-speed attacks.
- Operation Swift Retort (February 2019)
In response to India’s Balakot airstrikes, PAF Mirage jets played a key role in Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes. Mirage 5 aircraft, equipped with precision-guided munitions, targeted Indian military installations, including Brigade Headquarters in Rajouri. The operation showcased the Mirage’s effectiveness in deep-strike missions, reinforcing Pakistan’s air defense capabilities.
- Recent Engagements (May 2025)
During the latest aerial confrontations, Mirage 5 jets were deployed for ground attack missions, targeting Indian military positions in response to cross-border aggression. Reports indicate that Mirage 5 aircraft engaged Indian air defense systems, including S-400 installations, disrupting their operational effectiveness.
- Chengdu F-7P/PG
The F-7P/PG, derived from the Chinese J-7, serves as a lightweight interceptor in the PAF. While older in design, these aircraft have been modernized with improved avionics, radar systems, and weapons integration, ensuring their continued effectiveness in air defense missions.
- Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C
The Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C is a high-performance airborne early warning and control system, providing real-time battlefield intelligence. It features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, capable of detecting and tracking multiple airborne and surface threats over vast distances. With an endurance of over nine hours and a surveillance range exceeding 450 km, it plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s air defense network.
The Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C has played a critical role in Pakistan’s air operations, particularly during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. As an airborne early warning and control system, it provided real-time intelligence, allowing the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to effectively counter Indian air strikes and coordinate retaliatory operations.
- Role in the 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict
During the four-day conflict in May 2025, Pakistan deployed its Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft to monitor Indian air movements, detect incoming threats, and guide PAF fighter jets in precision strikes. The aircraft was instrumental in:
- Tracking Indian fighter jets and missile launches in real time.
- Providing early warning of incoming air raids, allowing PAF to intercept threats.
- Coordinating Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes, including the successful targeting of Indian airbases and military installations.
- Countering India’s Air Strikes
India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting alleged militant camps in Pakistan. In response, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, using the Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C to coordinate air defenses and offensive operations. The aircraft played a key role in guiding JF-17 Thunder and F-16 jets to engage and neutralize Indian air assets2.
- Strategic Superiority Over India’s AWACS Fleet
Pakistan’s Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C fleet outnumbers India’s AWACS capability, giving PAF a significant advantage in aerial surveillance and battle coordination. While India operates three IL-76 Phalcon AWACS and two Embraer Netra AEW&C aircraft, Pakistan has nine Erieye AEW&C aircraft, along with Chinese ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle AWACS.
- Impact on Air Superiority
The Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C was crucial in Pakistan’s successful air operations, ensuring real-time battlefield awareness and effective countermeasures against Indian air strikes. Its ability to track enemy movements, guide fighter jets, and coordinate missile strikes reinforced Pakistan’s air dominance during the conflict
These aircraft continue to play a vital role in Pakistan’s air defense and strike capabilities, ensuring combat readiness and strategic superiority.
Pakistan’s strategic air modernization comes amid rising regional tensions. The country has already demonstrated resilience and capability in aerial combat, securing a historic victory in the largest Beyond Visual Range air battle. With these new platforms, Pakistan is set to become even deadlier by next summer, reinforcing its deterrence posture and ensuring air dominance in the region.