Have you ever wondered how interesting the Pakistan Air Force's fighter jet procurement strategy is?
Recently, they seem to be betting on China-made fighter jets, not only because of the good performance of Chinese-made fighter jets, but also because of the deep friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries. We'll have to talk about it.
First of all, let's talk about the history of fighter jet procurement in the Pakistan Air Force. Did you know that the Pakistan Air Force has always been ahead of India?
Since 1954, they have bought 102 American-made F-86F Sabre fighters, and India was still using French Dassault MD450 "Hurricane" fighters at that time.
By 1961, Pakistan had acquired F-104 fighter jets from the United States, while the Indian Air Force had bought Soviet MiG-21s. It's like two neighbors, one always getting the latest toy first.
Now, the Pakistan Air Force has a new movement. They have already ordered 36 J-10CE "Raptor" multirole fighters, and it is possible that another 14 will be ordered, bringing the total to 50.
This J-10CE is not simple, it is equipped with advanced Active Electronic Scan Array (AESA) radar, as well as PL-10E close-range combat and SD-10A and PL-15E over-the-horizon air-to-air missiles, which can be said to be quite a powerful fighter.
Speaking of which, you may ask, how does this J-10CE compare to the Rafale fighter of the Indian Air Force? Well, both of these are actually 4.5 generation multi-role fighters, and there are a lot of similarities in performance and functionality.
However, the Rafale fighter was significantly superior in terms of technology, weapons, aero engines and combat experience. The Rafale fighter has 20% more thrust, while only 11% more weight, so the thrust-to-weight ratio is better.
Moreover, the Rafale fighter has already been used in combat operations in several countries and has more experience.
However, the Pakistani Air Force also has its own advantages. They already have nearly 150 domestically produced JF-17 fighters, and the first batch of JF-17 Block 3 fighters has entered service in March 2023.
This JF-17 fighter is also made in China, and its performance is also quite good.
Next, the Pakistan Air Force has bigger plans. They intend to have a Chinese J-31 fifth-generation stealth fighter by 2029.
This J-31 is a big guy, if the Pakistan Air Force can really be equipped, then their combat effectiveness will have to reach a new level.
Moreover, the Pakistani Air Force is also considering the purchase of L-15 light fighters. The L-15 Falcon is a twin-engine, supersonic advanced jet trainer and light fighter that is already in service with the PLA Air Force.
The Pakistan Air Force is interested in its light attack type, which is cheap and has good performance, so it can be said that it is a cost-effective choice.
There are also regular exercises between the Pakistan Air Force and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, which further deepens interoperability between the two countries. This interoperability plays a non-negligible role in enhancing the combat effectiveness of the Pakistan Air Force.
Of course, these moves are not good news for India. The Indian Air Force is currently facing a shortage of fighter squadrons, needs to increase the production of Tejas fighters, and may need to purchase more new fighters.
Moreover, India must also accelerate the development of the fifth-generation fighter project AMCA so as not to be forced to buy fifth-generation fighters from abroad.
What do you have to say about this? Speak freely in the comment area, and we'll see you next time