I agree , but wouldn't you say with every passing year PAF is not involved in combat and with new technology out there, things get a bit tricky ? I am sure there are others ways of keeping up to date without having to start a war or join one. Also people do get older and die ...
I am specifically referring to Feb 27th. As you know, the simple MIG-21/SU-30 kills were not the only thing that happened that day.
PAF took on many Indian aircraft
Our young pilots went into battle knowing they could die that day
Our AEW aircraft successfully directed offensive and defensive combined air ops
Mirages and JF-17s on formation struck 3 heavily defended targets similtanously in a EW heavy arena with the threat of enemy fighters present
By all accounts our Falcon 20 EW aircraft successfully jammed enemy communications
All of the above creates institutional learnings and a cadre of manpower that goes on to lead the PAF.
Finally what is impossible to recreate fully is the actual first day of combat and the nerves and discipline of getting through that.
As I said, I am sure UAE aircrew are good, but they simply have not seen modern combat against a very well equipped enemy. PAF has.