Pakistan Air Force Reveals Al-Murtajiz – A Glimpse of its Manned-Unmanned Teaming Plans Plus Pro

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As part of its showcase for the special event commemorating the 14th of August, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showcased what appeared to be a drone or loitering munition called the “Al-Murtajiz.”

The mock-up was not accompanied by any specifications, though PAF personnel told Quwa’s on-site correspondent that Al-Murtajiz was a ground-launched drone designed for multiple purposes, including point-interception against air-to-surface munitions – including subsonic cruise missiles – and kamikaze strike operations. Overall, the PAF personnel at the event were not at liberty to elaborate, however, and the Al-Murtajiz model was removed from the display.

One could only speculate, but a cursory examination of the display indicates that the model was basically a low-fidelity mock-up. The model showcased an air inlet, indicating that it would use a miniature turbojet engine for propulsion, flip-out narrow-chord wings, and low-observable (LO) airframe design.

In Quwa’s assessment, the Al-Murtajiz model shown at the event was likely a representation of the PAF’s broader manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) initiative. MUM-T is essentially a term explaining the new doctrine of executing combat operations using both manned and unmanned combat assets, leveraging or drawing out the strengths of each to maximize overall combat effectiveness. For example, under MUM-T, one could use drones to enter high-risk environments laden with dense enemy air defence systems as a way to absorb losses (from enemy surface-to-air missile fire) before crewed fighters reach the vicinity (or entirely negate the need of sending those fighters deep into enemy territory at all).

The PAF both officially and unofficially confirmed that it was working towards building a MUM-T capability, and this was to be expected seeing it is the general trend of all other major air arms.