The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is to receive another batch of J-10CEs, while the Pakistan Navy (PN) inducted its second Type-054A/P or Tughril-class frigate.
However, while new Chinese systems headline Pakistan’s efforts, it seems that the PAF is acquiring used C-130s from Belgium. Could this be part of a wider effort to shore up mainstay U.S.-origin equipment with used airframes? Can mothballed F-16s be next?
Finally, the PAF seems to have inducted the Turkish-origin Bayraktar TB2 drone. This could be a sign that the footage from the promotional video (showcasing the AVIC Wing Loong 2 as well as Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı) is accurate. If so, how far do Pakistan’s drone ambitions truly go?
CAC Preps Second Batch of J-10CEs for Pakistan
Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) is preparing the second batch of J-10CE Firebird multi-role fighter aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). According to observers, a photo emerged of a Pakistani J-10CE sporting the serial number 22-111.
The PAF officially inducted the J-10CE in March 2022. Pakistan ordered the J-10CE from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) in June 2021.
Joining the PAF’s No.15 Squadron, Cobras, CATIC and CAC delivered the first J-10CE batch in around nine months. This was an exceptionally fast turnaround period as it typically takes around two years to induct a new fighter aircraft from contract date to delivery.
The J-10CE is the culmination of the PAF’s efforts to acquire an alternate 4+/4.5-generation fighter to the F-16. In 2015, the PAF had intended to grow its F-16C/D fleet. However, a chill in Pakistan’s ties with the U.S. resulted in the stoppage of Coalition Support Funds (CSF) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF). The freeze in CSF and FMF prevented Pakistan from financing new American-origin weapons.
Currently, the PAF operates six J-10CEs. It has not revealed how many J-10CEs it has on order, though the PAF typically starts new fighter inductions at one or two squadrons (i.e., 16-36 aircraft). However, the PAF does not commit to a new fighter platform unless it intends to acquire at least 90 units. Past major orders, such as the F-6, Mirage III/5, F-16, F-7P and JF-17 all speak to this fact.
For the PAF, the J-10CE is a key piece of its air-to-air requirements. The J-10CEs come equipped with the PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM), which has a reach of 145+ km. For the PAF, a possible ‘first-look, first-shoot’ advantage is a critical gain. The PAF says it had enjoyed this advantage in its confrontation with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in February 2019. Hence, the PAF wants to maintain it.
Pakistan Navy Commissions Second Type 054A/P Frigate (PNS Taimur)
On 23 June 2022, the Pakistan Navy (PN) commissioned its second Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) frigate, the PNS Taimur. The PN conducted the ceremony at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in China.
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