The Pakistan Air Force conducts attacks on targets within Iranian territory amid tensions between the two countries

Pakistan Air Force carried out on Jan. 18, an air ofensive, involving the launch of precision airstrikes within Iranian borders just before dawn, "In response to alleged attacks launched from Iran on camps of Sunni militants, who oppose the regime of Iranian ayatollahs, and are located in Pakistan. Pakistan's fighters, including JF-17 Thunder jets, originated from the Masroor airbase and conducted pre-emptive strikes using long-range stand-off missiles. The strikes targeted seven locations within Iranian territory, over 80 kilometers from the border, and were reportedly aimed at high-value terrorist targets linked to the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) used precision-guided munitions, specifically the GIDS B-REK (Boosted Range Extension Kit), a rocket-boosted glide bomb with a range of 170 kilometers. The JF-17 jets were armed with this range-extension kit, enhancing their off-range-to-surface capabilities. Additionally, Pakistani J-10C jets provided coverage and defensive electronic warfare support.

The operations, named 'Marg Bar Sarmachar,' resulted in multiple terrorist casualties, as confirmed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan. Pakistan emphasized its ongoing concerns about terrorist groups allegedly finding safe havens on Iranian territory, providing evidence of their presence and activities.

The longstanding tensions between Iran and Pakistan regarding militant activities on their respective territories are highlighted. Both nations have accused each other of harboring militant groups, including the Jaish al-Adl Sunni separatist group. These groups share the common goal of establishing an independent Baluchistan for ethnic Baluch communities across Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.

Baluch nationalists have been involved in low-level insurgency in both Pakistan's Baluchistan region and neighboring Iranian provinces, Sistan, and Baluchistan, over the last two decades. The airstrike's reported casualties included three women and four children, none of whom were Iranian citizens, according to Ali Reza Marhamati, a deputy governor of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Pakistan announces its intention to acquire the J-31/FC-31 “Gyrfalcon,” China’s upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

The Chief of the Pakistan Air Force has disclosed the force's intention to acquire the Chinese fifth-generation fighter jet J-31/FC-31 "Gyrfalcon" in the near future.

During a ceremony at an airbase, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu, head of the Pakistan Air Force, provided an overview of the latest additions to the PAF's arsenal, including Chinese 4.5-generation J-10C fighters, C-130H military transport aircraft, as well as Airbus-319, Boeing 737, Piper M-600 transport planes, and Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft. The Air Chief also highlighted recent additions of modern radars, unmanned aerial systems such as Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci (of Turkish origin), and indigenous Shahpar-II drones, along with loitering munitions, swarm drones, and long-range vectors, significantly bolstering the country's air defense capabilities.

The Pakistan Air Force became the first export customer for the J-10C "Vigorous Dragon" and now seeks to become the first foreign operator of the FC-31 "Gyrfalcon" (export designation for the J-35 for the Chinese Navy), a fifth-generation stealth fighter aiming to compete in capabilities with the American F-35.

As per the PAF chief's statements, "the groundwork has already been laid for the acquisition of the stealth combat aircraft J-31."

Similar to how the induction of the J-10C was Pakistan's response to the arrival of the Dassault Rafale in the Indian Air Force (IAF), the PAF aims to continue maintaining technological balance with its adversary, which is developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet program, by adopting the Chinese FC-31.

The recent announcement comes as somewhat surprising, considering that in August 2023, it was announced that Pakistan was close to finalizing an agreement to participate in the development of the Turkish fifth-generation fighter KAAN, which was expected to make its maiden flight on December 27 but was ultimately postponed to an undefined date.

While the longstanding strategic partnership between Beijing and Islamabad is robust, enabling Pakistan to access the latest Chinese military export technology ahead of others, it remains challenging to believe that the FC-31 will bear the PAF insignia in the "near future," given that the aircraft is not yet in production, nor is the J-35, a crucial future component of the air wing for the conventional take-off and landing aircraft carrier 'Fujian'.

NEWS 2022 March, 12

 Pakistan inducts J-10 'The Dragon from the East' into service

Pakistan on Friday formally inducted the multirole J-10C fighter jets, acquired from China, into its air force to improve the country's combat capabilities

Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed a ceremony held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Minhas Kamra in Attock district of Punjab to induct the new jets.

At the induction ceremony, the Pakistan Air Force described the J-10C as the ‘Dragon from the East’. The Pakistan Air Force signed an agreement with China to buy the J-10C in June last year. It claimed the aircraft was “omni-role” and had “matchless manoeuvrability” and advanced electronics and weapons.

While claims of Pakistan buying the J-10 or a variant of the fighter have circulated for over a decade, an acquisition was only confirmed late last year. In late December, Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed had announced the PAF would be inducting 25 J-10C fighters as a response to India's induction of the Rafale jets.

theweek

Aircraft additions to US Navy and Marines with new federal bill spending package

The new spending bill includes $900 million for a dozen Super Hornets. It also nixes $10 million the Navy had requested to shut down the production line.

The bill includes $570 million for two CH-53K King Stallion and four MV-22 Ospreys for the Marines.

The bill also has $40 million for two additional MQ-9A Reaper to provide the Marines with greater intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability while spread across greater distances.

The Navy would get $323 million for two additional MQ-4 Triton UAVs, $117.8 million for four F-35B Joint Strike Fighter engines, as well as $50 million to accelerate setup of a maintenance depot for F-35Bs.

defensenews

US Clears Sale of F-16 to Pakistan

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of six F-16Ds and two F-16C Block 52 fighters to Pakistan. The deal, inclusive of associative equipment and logistic support, is estimated to cost $699.04 million.
dsca

Lawmaker Blocks Deal to Sell F-16s to Pakistan

A senior Republican senator is blocking the Obama administration’s subsidized sale of as many as eight new F-16 jet fighters to Pakistan because of Islamabad’s relationship with a militant group known for targeting U.S.-trained security forces in neighboring Afghanistan.
Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Secretary of State John Kerry in a letter that he couldn’t allow the Obama administration to use taxpayer funds to support the sale of the jets.
He cited attacks by the group known as the Haqqani network, saying the government in Islamabad continues to provide haven to its leaders.
wsj.com

JF-17 Block II advances with new refuelling probe

Images revealed on Chinese websites on 23 January indicate the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) FC-1 export fighter - co-developed with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, which calls it the JF-17 Thunder - is advancing into a 'Block II' development and reportedly testing new weapons.
New images of an FC-1 at the CAC airfield with port number 229 show the first employment of an apparently Chinese-designed aerial refuelling probe: an important feature of the JF-17 Block II version. The probe features a streamlined tube, is located below the aircraft's cockpit canopy frame and may be detachable.
Chinese reports indicate the refuelling probe design will be used by the Block II version of the FC-1/JF-17. However, this is not yet confirmed as the Chinese-designed refuelling probe differs from an initial version first seen on a JF-17 in Pakistan in late 2013. This previous design was entirely cylindrical and its shape and placement just behind the canopy frame indicate there was probably design assistance from Denel Aviation of South Africa. Denel, formerly Atlas Aviation, has previously assisted with outfitting some Pakistani Mirage III fighters with refuelling probes.
Other images that appeared on Chinese websites in late January showed the new refueling probe-modified FC-1 in flight testing on an unknown but likely recent date.
janes

Pakistan Looks to Procure F-16s Over Home Grown JF-17s

While praising the abilities of the home made JF-17 Thunder fighter, Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal, Sohail Aman has said that they are in negotiations external link with the US government to procure some of the latest F-16s. The announcement was made as the 16th JF-17 aircraft was unveiled and handed over to the Pakistan Air Force. Manufactured locally in cooperation with China, the JF-17 has been lauded as being able to compete with the best of other lightweight multi-role aircraft, and has been marketed heavily by Pakistan at recent air shows. While production for export seems to be on the increase, one wonders exactly why Islamabad is looking to purchase foreign made fighters ahead of locally produced ones, as well as planning to retire older aircraft simultaneously.
defenseindustrydaily

Sri Lanka May Buy JF-17 Fighters

Following the first export deal for its JF-17 multirole fighter to Myanmar, Pakistan is expected to be pushing hard for a follow-up agreement with Sri Lanka that would mark an important step in further extending its defence co-operation footprint in the Indian Ocean region.
With Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the first week of January 2016, efforts to secure an agreement in principle for the sale of the JF-17 Thunder are likely to be high on his agenda.
Sharif's upcoming talks in Colombo follow a mid-November visit to Pakistan by Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) commander Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinhala during which the JF-17 was showcased by the Pakistanis.
The SLAF - which already flies several other Chinese-made aircraft types - is currently looking to upgrade its fighter capabilities. At present these rely on the Kfir, which served as the workhorse of SLAF ground attack operations in the 1983-2009 civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Currently the JF-17 is flown only by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), with the first squadron of Block 1 aircraft becoming operational in 2010. In late December 2015, PAC rolled out the 16th of a planned total of 50 Block 2 aircraft to complete the PAF's fourth JF-17 squadron in service.
Phasing out its older Dassault Mirage III/5s and Chinese F-7Ps fighters, the PAF reportedly plans to induct at least 250 JF-17s. By contrast, China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) does not fly the JF-17.
janes

Pakistan confirms Su-35 talks

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Su-35 'Flanker-E' fighter aircraft from Russia in potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries, but a final decision is yet to be made.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said talks were underway for an unspecified number of Su-35s, which follow a recent agreement to provide Mi-35M 'Hind E' attack helicopters to Islamabad.
While the official said "it's too early to say if a deal will conclude and the terms", the fact that discussions have taken place shows Russia's willingness to sell advanced hardware with Pakistan despite Moscow's longstanding ties with India.
The official said Pakistan's interest in the Su-35 was driven by the PAF's need for a twin-engine fighter "that can fly for a longer range than the JF-17 and penetrate more deeply into the enemy's territory". The PAF flies a mixed fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16s, Dassault Mirage-5s, Chinese-manufactured F-7s, and the JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by China and Pakistan.
Pakistan is in discussions with China to buy 30 to 40 FC-31s - the export version of China's J-31 fifth-generation platform, because it is fitted with two RD-93 Russian Klimov engines, which also powers the JF-17. PAF in the past also considered the purchase of up to 40 Chengdu J-10 fighters.
janes

Pakistan claims first airstrike with indigenous UAV

The Pakistan Army on 7 September claimed to have successfully used an indigenously built armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to target a Taliban location for the first time.
A terrorist compound was hit and three militants were killed in the Shawal valley of north Waziristan close to the Afghan border. The air strike was carried out by the indigenous Burraq UAV.
The strike was the first time that a Pakistani UAV had demonstrated an offensive capability in the battlefield, departing from the country's known use of UAVs for reconnaissance purposes.
The Burraq and Shahpar UAVs, both of which can be armed, were designed and built in country, although few technical details have been revealed.
Analysis of the two UAVs' platforms shows a close resemblance to China's CH-3 UAV..
Pakistan has a close working relationship with China for joint development of military hardware.
janes

Pakistan to get 110 JF-17 fighter jets from China

China will provide 110 latest JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Pakistan as the two countries forge closer defence cooperation following President Xi Jinping's visit to Islamabad earlier this week.
China will deliver the first batch of 50 jets over a period of three years.
The JF-17 Thunder is also built in Pakistan as China has already transferred its technology.
During Xi's visit, a fleet of eight JF-17 jets escorted the special aircraft of the Chinese president when it entered Pakistan's airspace.
The two countries signed 51 agreements to boost economic cooperation during Xi's trip.
indiatoday

Pakistan Eyes T-50 as Trainer Option

Pakistan is considering purchase of the South Korean KAI T-50 Trainer to revamp its Air Force training program.
Interest in the T-50 comes amid moves to improve Pakistani-South Korean defense industry collaboration.
Currently, trainees transition from the subsonic intermediate K-8P jet to the supersonic FT-7P.
Financial restrictions may dictate selection of a more affordable Chinese option. The Hongdu JL-10/L-15 has previously been examined by the Pakistan Air Force and could therefore be a more realistic option.
defensenews

Karakoram Eagle Awacs Inducted in Pakistan Air Force

The Karakoram Eagle AWACS Aircraft was inducted at PAF Masroor Base.
Karakoram Eagle No 4 Squadron will enable PAF to effectively counter all threats against Pakistan’s aerial frontiers and add a new dimension to the national security.
dailytimes

Pakistan wants to buy Chinese FC-31 (J-31) stealth aircraft

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has expressed interest in procuring fourth generation stealth fighter aircraft FC-31 from China.
It is for the first time that a senior government functionary has confirmed talks with China over purchase of the longer-range stealth aircraft — an issue that has been a subject of speculation in defence circles since the 10th edition of the Zhuhai Air Show (China) held earlier this month, when the aircraft was unveiled.
The FC-31 is being developed by China primarily for the export market. Chinese officials claim that several countries have expressed interest in the aircraft believed to be comparable to US F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
What particularly interests the PAF is that FC-31 prototype (J-31) and JF-17 use the same Russian Klimov RD-93 engines.
China and Pakistan had earlier co-produced JF-17 Thunder. Pakistan has been eagerly trying to market this fighter aircraft.
Pakistan, which is at present producing Block-2 of JF-17 at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, is eyeing orders from countries in the Middle East and Africa.
dawn.com

Pakistan receives surplus Jordanian F-16s

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has received into service 'a squadron' of F-16 fighter aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF).
The F-16A/B fighters have just recently arrived in Pakistan, and will be used to augment the PAF's existing F-16 fleet, which is heavily involved in counterinsurgency operations along the country's border area with Afghanistan.
The purchase of surplus RJAF F-16s was first mooted in February, with deliveries commencing in April. 12 F-16A and 1 F-16B Block 15 aircraft will be received to increase the size of its jet fleet. All of these aircraft have undergone mid-life upgrades.
Former Jordanian aircraft have been assigned to 19 Squadron at PAF base Mushaf (Sarghoda).
When the deal for the surplus Jordanian aircraft was disclosed earlier in the year, the PAF stated that it had also approached at least two other countries for additional F-16s. The status of these discussions is unclear.
Prior to the Jordanian deal, the PAF fielded 12 F-16C and 6 F-16D Block 50/52 jets, and between 45 and 50 F-16A/B aircraft. These earlier aircraft have now all been upgraded to Block 52 standard by Turkish Aerospace Industries.
janes

Pakistan outlines JF-17 upgrade to Block II Configuration

Pakistan is in the process of retrofitting its 50 JF-17 fighters to an improved Block II configuration.
The new configuration features improved avionics and better software, and adds a fixed air-to-air refuelling probe.
Pakistan sent a squadron of 18 JF-17s to a recent air combat exercise in western China recently.
Given the small size of the combat fighter, a fixed refuelling probe was found to be preferable to a retracting one. Pakistan uses the Ilyushin Il-78 to provide air-to-air refuelling for its fleet.
In December, Pakistan will begin taking delivery of 50 JF-17s configured in the Block II configuration. Beyond this, its air force has options to take its fleet of the type up to 150 or 200 aircraft. Additional improvements are foreseen in a planned Block III upgrade.
flightglobal

Turkey Delivers Upgraded F-16s to Pakistan

Turkey has delivered the last four F-16 fighter aircraft it upgraded for the Pakistani Air Force.
TAI, said in a written statement that it concluded the Pakistani F-16 upgrade program by delivering the last four aircraft to the Pakistani Air Force.
The program involved avionics and structural modernization for 41 Pakistani F-16s.
TAI, which assembled F-16 fighter jets in Turkey in the 1980s and 1990s, today manufactures parts for Boeing andSikorsky. The company also participates in the multinational JSF program and the A400M.
TAI also has upgraded scores of Turkish F-16s. In a more ambitious program the company has been designing an indigenous Turkish fighter aircraft.
Last December, TAI also won a contract from the Turkish government for the serial production of two versions of the Hurkus basic trainer aircraft, which it developed.
defensenews

First Block 2 JF-17S Under Construction In Pakistan

Production of the first two of 50 Block 2 JF-17s on order by the Pakistan Air Force is now well under way at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.
The Block 2 JF-17 has several capability increases over the Block 1s, but the main boost to the PAF as well as to export potential is the installation of an air-to-air refuelling system.
chinadefense

JF-17 Developments Indicate Aircraft Is Still On Track

Contrary to speculation, development of the JF-17 aircraft continues apace with avionics and weapons carriage capability improvements, work ongoing on future variants, and impending establishment of the third squadron.
The current fleet had logged 10,000 hours and flown over 13,500 sorties.
It was also revealed that the third squadron would be raised toward the end of the year.
Among these improvements are avionics, aiming at improving situational awareness and, but still centered on the NRIET KLJ-7 radar which supports the SD-10 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Integrating some additional smart and indigenously developed weapons is underway.
Short-range air-to-air armament, however, still consists of the PL-5E II, a recent variant of an aged weapon.
Potential payload shortcomings have also been highlighted by analysts. The JF-17 is often seen with three large drop-tanks indicating low internal fuel capacity and/or high consumption by the Klimov RD-93 engine.
defensenews

Russia in talks to sell Mi-35 helicopters to Pakistan

Russia has lifted its embargo on arms supplies to Pakistan and is holding talks on supplying Islamabad with combat helicopters.
Russia has long been the largest supplier of arms to India, which is the world’s top arms buyer.
But Moscow’s move to supply Islamabad came as New Delhi is seeking to modernize its armed forces’ aging hardware and has recently chosen to buy arms from Israel, France, Britain and the United States.
Leading Russian defense commentator said the lifting of the embargo that had been in force since the Soviet era marked a sea change in Russian policy on arms sales, which until now have been focused on India amid difficult relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
defensenews