Pakistan Air Force

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is a professional and combat-experienced air arm undergoing significant doctrinal and technological transformation. Its structure is conventional, organized into operational, training, and support branches, with its headquarters in Islamabad. The PAF's primary mandate is the aerial defense of Pakistan, with secondary roles in supporting the army and navy.

Operationally, the PAF is moving towards a doctrine of "sixth-generation warfare," which emphasizes non-contact combat, informational dominance, and psychological operations over traditional attrition-based strategies. This doctrine prioritizes precision engagement, deterrence, and operational flexibility to counter emerging threats. There is a significant focus on integrating cyber and electronic warfare capabilities, alongside unmanned systems, to achieve information superiority and shorten the "kill chain". The command structure is centralized, allowing for distributed control and decentralized execution of air operations.

Modernization is a cornerstone of the PAF's current strategy, heavily reliant on its deep-rooted partnership with China. This is highlighted by the co-production of the JF-17 Thunder, which serves as the workhorse of the air force, and the recent induction of the J-10 "Vigorous Dragon". The PAF has ambitious plans to induct fifth-generation stealth aircraft, notably the Chinese J-35, which it believes will provide a strategic advantage in the region. Modernization also extends to acquiring advanced long-range air-to-air missiles, enhancing its electronic warfare and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) capabilities, and investing in a domestic aerospace industry through initiatives like the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) and Project Azm.

Regionally, the PAF positions itself as a key player in South Asia and the Islamic world. It maintains strong bilateral relations and conducts joint exercises with numerous countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, often participating in multinational drills like "Spears of Victory". The cornerstone of its foreign cooperation is its all-weather strategic partnership with China, which includes regular "Shaheen" series of joint exercises, extensive procurement, and potential co-production of advanced systems. This deep relationship with Beijing is pivotal to the PAF's ongoing modernization and its strategic posturing, aiming to navigate regional rivalries and secure its role in the evolving security landscape.