Pakistan Air Force

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is an integral part of the country's defense infrastructure and plays a pivotal role in maintaining its aerial security. Founded in 1947, the PAF has evolved to become a modern force, albeit smaller in size compared to its primary regional competitor, the Indian Air Force. It has a multirole capability, focusing on air superiority, ground-attack, and reconnaissance missions.

The PAF's fleet is primarily comprised of Chinese and American aircraft, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, JF-17 Thunders, and older models like the Mirage III. The JF-17, co-developed with China, symbolizes Pakistan's ambition to reduce its dependency on foreign technology. This aircraft has been continuously upgraded to include better avionics and weapon systems, enhancing its operational capability.

In terms of regional dynamics, the PAF strategically aims to counterbalance the Indian Air Force's numerical and technological superiority through qualitative measures and tactical advantages. This has led to a focus on acquiring advanced aerial weaponry, like Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, and investments in electronic warfare systems. Training is another area where the PAF has concentrated its efforts; it frequently participates in international air exercises and has even hosted some, like the 'Exercise Saffron Bandit,' to refine and adapt its combat tactics.

However, the PAF faces substantial challenges. Financial constraints limit its ability to extensively modernize or expand its fleet. As of now, the F-16 remains its most advanced aircraft, and efforts to acquire more cutting-edge platforms have been stymied by budgetary limitations and geopolitical considerations, including relations with the United States.

Another challenge lies in the evolving nature of aerial threats, particularly from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and fifth-generation fighters, which the PAF currently lacks. Although projects are underway to develop indigenous drones and other advanced platforms, the pace and effectiveness of these initiatives remain to be seen.

Furthermore, the strategic landscape for the PAF is complicated by India's recent acquisition of advanced aircraft like the Rafale, and the Indian Air Force's drive to modernize and expand. This escalates the technological disparity between the two air forces, pushing the PAF to seek alternative strategies, including asymmetric approaches and reliance on nuclear deterrence as a strategic equalizer.

Key facts

Official Name	Pakistan Air Force
Local Name	پاک فضائیہ (Pāk Faḍāyiyah)
Country	🇵🇰 Pakistan
World rank	#7
Active aircrafts	1413 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	116
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	550
Combat aircrafts	453
Helicopters	322
Transport	59
Special missions	25
Tankers	4

Aircrafts most used by Pakistani air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
MFI-15 Safari	334	Swedish utility aircraft, operational since the 1960s, frequently deployed for training and light transport roles worldwide.
Mirage III / 5 / 50	179	French jet fighter-bomber, notable for its role in multiple conflicts globally since the 1960s, including the Six-Day War.
J-7 Fishcan	135	Chinese jet fighter, notable for usage in the late Cold War era, widely deployed in the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.
JF-17 Thunder	134	Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the combat aircraft has seen deployment in multiple military operations since 2007.
F-16 Fighting Falcon	75	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
AH-1 Cobra	50	American attack helicopter, distinguished for its service in the Vietnam War, designed for rapid frontline response and anti-armor operation.
Mi-8 Hip	48	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
SA330 Puma	44	French medium-lift utility helicopter with extensive global service in troop transport since the late 1960s.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	39	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
JL-8	38	Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.

Full inventory in 2024