In one of the surprise news items during the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed plans for a new lead-in fighter-trainer (LIFT).
Since 2015, the PAF leadership had continually maintained that it did not require a LIFT, often stating that such platforms are too expensive to operate or too sophisticated for the intended role. However in 2018, the current PAF leadership reportedlystated that a new LIFT was on its procurement roadmap.
At IDEAS 2018, the Italian defence giant Leonardo displayed a mock-up of its M-346 Master LIFT aircraft,while the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) displayed a mock-up of its L-15. One of the PAF’s key requirements is that the LIFT include an afterburning engine.
This was a recent decision. In the Ministry of Defence Production’s (MoDP) annual yearbook for 2016 to 2017,the PAF did not list a LIFT as part of its procurement plans in 2017-2018.
It is not entirely clear why the PAF is seeking a new platform for LIFT. In theory, it could use the currently in-development JF-17B – i.e., a twin-seat fighter-trainer with an afterburning engine – for the role. But as per British aviation journalist Alan Warnes, the PAF does not intend to use the JF-17B for LIFT.
Thus, a different platform is reportedly a must.
Quwa had inquired about the apparent LIFT requirement with numerous PAF officials. The basic rationale provided to Quwa was that the K-8 was “sufficient” for the fighter-conversion unit (FCU) course. However, the PAF is “exploring” a dedicated trainer with an afterburning engine because there are certain attributes – such as increased payload, flight characteristics, etc – that such platforms provide.
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