indian navy
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china +Pakistani air force how will India counter
Aircraft inventory
Current
Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[1][6]
Fighter Aircraft
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon China multirole fighter J-10
J-10S
J-10B 80 Chinese domestic 4th-generation multi-role fighter with technology implemented from cancelled J-9 project. J-10a
JF-17 Thunder[7] China Pakistan multi-role fighter JF-17
JF-17S 3 Prototypes Joint produced 4th-generation fighter jet, reportedly acquired by the PLAAF to replace its J-7s and Q-5s. Joint project China and Pakistan.[7]
Shenyang J-8II Finback China Interceptor
J-8B
J-8D
J-8H
J-8F
JZ-8
JZ-8F
180 Chinese domestic 3rd generation interceptor. KampfflugzeugF-8China-2009-01-04.jpg
Chengdu J-7 Airguard China Interceptor J-7
J-7II
JJ-7 322
99
50
Chinese domestic 3rd generation interceptor derived from the Soviet MiG-21 [8] J-7I fighter at the Beijing Military museum.jpg
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Russia air-superiority
Su-27SK
Su-27UBK
53
16
Russian bought 4th generation Su-27 air superiority fighter[9] Chinese Su-27.JPG
Sukhoi Su-30MKK Flanker-G China
Russia air-superiority multi-role fighter
Su-30MKK
Su-30MK2
50
23 Russian developed 4th generation multi-role fighter, developed according to PLAAF requirements. -
Shenyang J-11 China air-superiority multi-role fighter
J-11A
J-11B
100
2
Chinese 4th generation air-superiority fighter originally developed from the Sukhoi Su-27 airframe. The J-11A is the base model of the 4th generation Su-27 manufactured from supplied kits from Russia with Chinese components, while the J-11B uses Chinese avionics and weapons.
[10] 200 J-11A licensed for production, 100 J-11A are in service, with 2 J-11B serving along side the J-11A.[1]
-
Bomber Aircraft
JH-7 Flying Leopard China fighter-bomber JH-7
JH-7A
70 Chinese domestic 4th generation strike bomber. Jh-7a naval yt.png
Xian H-6 China bomber
H-6
HY-6
51
6
Chinese produced Tupolev Tu-16 Soviet bomber with modernized Chinese electronics and weapons [11] H-6.jpg
Ground Attack
Q-5 Fantan China ground attack bomber Q-5I 500 Chinese domestic 3rd generation ground attack fighter derived from the Shenyang J-6. Steadily being phased out, and replaced with Xian JH-7A Flounder
[12]
Q5 parked.png
Trainer Aircraft
L-15 Falcon China trainer 2 Prototypes Chinese domestic advanced lead-in trainer, and light weight fighter (LIFT)[13] HAIG L15.jpg
JL-9 Mountain Eagle China trainer 2 Prototypes Chinese domestic trainer, and light weight fighter [14] Guizhou jl9.jpg
K-8 Karakorum China Pakistan trainer K-8 25 Chinese domestic basic trainer. K-8 Karakorum - Air Force of Zimbabwe.jpg
JL-7 Baby Eagle[15] China trainer 300 Ordered Chinese domestic trainer
Nanchang CJ-6 China trainer CJ-6A 1,419 Nanchang CJ-6 corner 20060729.jpg
Transports
Xian Y-14 China transport Twin-engine turboprop transport
Harbin Y-12 China transport 2 Twin-engine turboprop transport Y12e.jpg
Harbin Y-11 China transport 15
Shaanxi Y-9 China Multi-purpose transport Under development
[16]
Shaanxi Y-8 China Multi-purpose transport 40 Y-8 design derived from the Soviet Antonov An-12 short-medium range transport Yun 8 - KJ-2000 - Chinese domestic airborne warning and control system (AWACS).jpg
Xian Y-7 China transport 23 Based on the Antonov An-24; Y-7H based on Antonov An-26[17]
Shijiazhuang Y-5 China utility transport 300 Based on the Soviet Antonov An-2, made since 1950s. A light utility, transport aircraft mostly on reserve[18]
Ilyushin Il-76 Soviet Union transport Il-76MD 20 Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 medium-range transport
Bombardier Challenger 600 Canada VIP transport CL 601 5
Tupolev Tu-154 Soviet Union VIP transport Tu-154M 7
Attack Helicopters
CAIC WZ-10 China Attack helicopter 6 Prototypes Chinese domestic attack helicopter WZ-10 helicopter.png
Harbin WZ-9 China Attack helicopter 30-40 Chinese domestic attack helicopter variant of Z-9.
Changhe Z-11W China Attack helicopter 20 Chinese domestic attack helicopter variant of Z-11
Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle France Attack helicopter SA 342 8 French bought attack helicopter
Transport Helicopters
Changhe Z-11 China Utility helicopter 20 Chinese helicopter influenced by Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil
Harbin Z-9 China Transport helicopter 25 Chinese license produced Eurocopter SA 365 Dauphin
Changhe Z-8 China Transport helicopter ~40 Chinese licensed produced Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon
Mil Mi-17 Soviet Union Transport helicopter 240 Soviet bought Mi-17
Mil Mi-8 Soviet Union Transport helicopter 20 Soviet bought Mi-8 helicopter
Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar European Union Transport helicopter AS 532 6 French Eurocopter Cougar helicopter
Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk United States Transport helicopter S-70C 24 American bought S-70 helicopter
AEW
KJ-2000 China AWAC / AEW&C 5 Uses IL-76 airframe Kongyu 2000, People's Liberation Army Air Force,
KJ-200 China AEW&C Uses Y-8F600 airframe
Y-8 AWACS China AEW&C
Y-8J AEW China AEW&C 2
UAV and UCAV
CH-3 China UCAV
CH-1 [19] China UCAV
WZ-2000 China UCAV WZ-2000B
Xianglong Unmanned Reconnaissance Aerial Vehicle China Long range URAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
Yilong UCAV China Long range UCAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
Long Haul Eagle UAV[20][21] China UAV UAV[20][21]
PW-2 China UAV
TF-10 China UAV
TF-8 China UAV
SH-1 UAV China Long range UAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
Dufeng II UAV China Long range UAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
WZ-5 China Long range UAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
IAI Harpy Israel UCAV
WZ-5 China UAV
ASN-206 China URAV
ASN-207 China URAV
ASN-104 China URAV
ASN-105 China URAV
ASN-15 China URAV
TJ-1 China Target drone
Chengdu J-7 China Target drone
ASN-9 China Target drone
ASN-7 China Target drone
Shenyang J-5 China Target drone
ASN-2 China Target drone
CK-1 China Target drone
On Order
Ilyushin Il-76 Soviet Union Transport Il-76MD 30 Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 medium-range transport
Ilyushin Il-78 Russia Aerial re-fueling tanker 4 Soviet Ilyushin Il-78 aerial re-fueling tanker
Future aircraft
Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[22] Notes
Projects Under Development
Shenyang J-XX China 5th generation stealth fighter 5th generation stealth fighter being developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Competing for China's next generation fighter.
Shenyang DarkSword[23]
China Stealth UCAV
Thunderbolt UCAV China Ground strike UCAV UCAV developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation
Zhanying (Combat Eagle) China Stealth strike UCAV Stealth strike UCAV with forward swept wings. Model shown at Zhuhai airshow.
Scan Eagle China Stealth recon UAV
Yak-152K China trainer 1-2 prototype Joint project advanced trainer developed by China and Russia
Harbin Z-15 China European Union transport helicopter Under development Joint helicopter project developed by AVIC and Eurocopter.
[24]
Y-8G ELINT China ELINT platform ELINT variant of the Y-8
Y-20 China Large multi role transport Under development
Tianyan-2 [25][26]
China unmanned combat helicopter An unmanned military helicopter to be used for anti-terrorist roles [25][26]
The PAF currently operates approximately 320 combat aircraft [79] of 4 different types, planned to be reduced to 3 types by 2015. There are around 20 front-line squadrons.[80]
A Dassault Mirage 5 ROSE strike fighter, with FLIR sensor under the nose, taxiing past a JF-17.
The primary air defence fighter is the Chengdu F-7, of which two variants are in service; 120 F-7P and 60 F-7PG. An upgraded variant of the F-7M, F-7P incorporates many PAF-specific modifications such as Martin-Baker ejection seat, two extra weapon stations for a total of 5, an extra 30 mm cannon and an Italian-designed FIAR Grifo 7 multi-mode radar. F-7P was inducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s, intended to supplement a fleet of more advanced F-16 fighters. The Grifo 7 radar was later upgraded to the Grifo 7 mk.II version. The F-7PG variant incorporates a "cranked delta" wing which improves take-off, landing and turning performance considerably, as well as extra space in the nose to accommodate the much improved Grifo 7PG radar. F-7 replaced around 250 Shenyang J-6 fighters which were the PAF's workhorse throughout the 1970s and 1980s. F-7 is also used to perform limited strike duties.
The second most numerous type is the French-designed Dassault Mirage III and Dassault Mirage 5, which differ mainly in nose shape and avionics fit. Mirage III fighters are geared towards performing multiple mission types, including interception and strike, whereas Mirage 5 fighters are more focused towards strike missions. Around 150 Mirage fighters are in service, many of which are second-hand examples procured from other countries, making the PAF the largest operator of the type in the world. In the 1990s and early 2000s, 33 Mirage III and 34 Mirage 5 fighters were upgraded under Project ROSE (Retrofit Of Strike Element) with modern avionics, significantly improving their capabilities. Mirage III ROSE fighters are configured for multiple mission types such as air superiority and strike, whereas Mirage 5 ROSE fighters specialise in the day/night strike role.
A JF-17 taxiing towards a runway. A Mirage 5 is parked in the background with its canopy raised.
The JF-17 Thunder, a new fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan, is currently being inducted by the PAF and it is expected to gradually replace all Dassault Mirage III/5, Nanchang A-5 and Chengdu F-7 by 2015. A total of 250-300 aircraft are planned to be built, with later aircraft featuring improved airframes, avionics and engines. Currently 14 aircraft are in service and the first JF-17 squadron is officially made operational.Number 26 squadron is established in Kamra in which 14 airplanes are initially inducted. With the establishment of the first squadron of the JF-17, the two A-5 squadrons will also be grounded. The first Pakistani-built JF-17, manufactured at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, was rolled out and handed over to the PAF on on 23 November 2009.
F-16A Block 15
The most capable fighter in PAF service from 1983 to 2007 has been the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 40 of the F-16A/B Block 15 models were delivered from 1983 to 1987. Deliveries of another 28 F-16A/B were stopped after the 1990 arms embargo imposed on Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment but 14 of these were later delivered during 2005-2008. The F-16A/B fleet is to be upgraded with MLU (Mid-Life Update) modification kits and Falcon Star Structural Service Life Enhancement kits by Turkish Aerospace Industries starting in September 2010 at a rate of 1 per month. Four F-16A/B are already undergoing upgrade in the U.S. for delivery in 2011. The MLU package will include new APG-69v9 radars, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems and Link-16 data-links, along with other new communications, targeting and electronic warfare systems.[81] [82] In 2006, 12 F-16C and 6 F-16D Block 52+ were ordered with a further 18 aircraft optional. 14 of the optional fighters were ordered in 2010. The first 6 F-16C/D will be delivered in June 2010.[83][84]
The Nanchang Q-5 in Chinese service, a modified A-5C variant is in service with the PAF and being replaced by the JF-17.
The Nanchang A-5C (or A-5III) is a Chinese-designed light bomber. Inducted in 1982 to help defend against a possible attack from the Soviet Union, it replaced the last of the PAF's B-57 Canberra bombers and around 100 were procured in total for a reported flyaway cost of USD$1 million each. Numbers were reduced later and around 42 remain in service. Retirement of the type was initially planned in the late 1990s and shortfall in capabilities was to be met by upgraded Mirage 5 fighters modified under Project ROSE, but the aircraft's excellent flight safety record ensured it stayed operational.
The PAF is to induct a number of the Chinese Chengdu FC-20, an advanced PAF-specific variant of the Chengdu J-10. 36 fighters equipping two FC-20 squadrons are expected to be delivered by 2015 [85] and, according to some reports, the FC-20 fleet may eventually be increased to 150 fighters.[86]
[edit] Special mission aircraft
Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C
Dassault Falcon DA-20
Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft were first sought by the PAF in the 1980s, but the requirement was not met until December 2009 when the first of four Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft ordered in 2006 was delivered. The remaining three Erieye are expected to be delivered in 2010. Built to the PAF's specifications, the Saab 2000 Erieye is fitted with 5 operator stations and 4 command stations. The aircraft's Erieye radar has a range of 450 km and is also capable of identifying the type of aircraft and the weapons it is carrying.[87] Erieye will be connected via data-link to the PAF's command and control ground environment as well as combat aircraft such as the F-16.
Four Chinese ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft have also been ordered, with first delivery expected in late 2010[88]. These are believed to be a PAF-specific version of the KJ-200, incorporating a Chinese AESA radar similar to the Erieye mounted on the Shaanxi Y-8F600 transport aircraft.
The PAF's No.24 Blinders squadron operates three Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft in the ELINT and ECM roles.[89]
[edit] Transport aircraft
PAF C-130 Hercules
The C-130 Hercules has been the PAF's primary tactical transport aircraft since its induction in the early 1960s. Currently around 5 C-130B and 7 C-130E models are in service, upgraded with Allison T56-A-15 turboprops and extended fatigue lives by Lockheed-Georgia Company. The C-130 is supplemented by 4 CASA CN-235 STOL transports, although the 4th aircraft is equipped with an interior for transporting VIPs such as the PAF Chief of Air Staff. Heavy-lift transports comprise 3 Boeing 707s transferred from Pakistan International Airlines starting 1986.
External videos
A pair of Mirage III fighters are refuelled in the air by the PAF's Il-78 tanker during exercise High Mark 2010. [90]
In December 2009 the PAF received its first of four Il-78 aircraft which is capable of aerial refuelling as well as transporting cargo. Aerial refuelling capability was first demonstrated during the High Mark 2010 exercise on 6 April 2010 when two of the PAF's Mirage III fighters were simultaneously refuelled in the air by the Il-78
Aircraft inventory
Current
Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[1][6]
Fighter Aircraft
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon China multirole fighter J-10
J-10S
J-10B 80 Chinese domestic 4th-generation multi-role fighter with technology implemented from cancelled J-9 project. J-10a
JF-17 Thunder[7] China Pakistan multi-role fighter JF-17
JF-17S 3 Prototypes Joint produced 4th-generation fighter jet, reportedly acquired by the PLAAF to replace its J-7s and Q-5s. Joint project China and Pakistan.[7]
Shenyang J-8II Finback China Interceptor
J-8B
J-8D
J-8H
J-8F
JZ-8
JZ-8F
180 Chinese domestic 3rd generation interceptor. KampfflugzeugF-8China-2009-01-04.jpg
Chengdu J-7 Airguard China Interceptor J-7
J-7II
JJ-7 322
99
50
Chinese domestic 3rd generation interceptor derived from the Soviet MiG-21 [8] J-7I fighter at the Beijing Military museum.jpg
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Russia air-superiority
Su-27SK
Su-27UBK
53
16
Russian bought 4th generation Su-27 air superiority fighter[9] Chinese Su-27.JPG
Sukhoi Su-30MKK Flanker-G China
Russia air-superiority multi-role fighter
Su-30MKK
Su-30MK2
50
23 Russian developed 4th generation multi-role fighter, developed according to PLAAF requirements. -
Shenyang J-11 China air-superiority multi-role fighter
J-11A
J-11B
100
2
Chinese 4th generation air-superiority fighter originally developed from the Sukhoi Su-27 airframe. The J-11A is the base model of the 4th generation Su-27 manufactured from supplied kits from Russia with Chinese components, while the J-11B uses Chinese avionics and weapons.
[10] 200 J-11A licensed for production, 100 J-11A are in service, with 2 J-11B serving along side the J-11A.[1]
-
Bomber Aircraft
JH-7 Flying Leopard China fighter-bomber JH-7
JH-7A
70 Chinese domestic 4th generation strike bomber. Jh-7a naval yt.png
Xian H-6 China bomber
H-6
HY-6
51
6
Chinese produced Tupolev Tu-16 Soviet bomber with modernized Chinese electronics and weapons [11] H-6.jpg
Ground Attack
Q-5 Fantan China ground attack bomber Q-5I 500 Chinese domestic 3rd generation ground attack fighter derived from the Shenyang J-6. Steadily being phased out, and replaced with Xian JH-7A Flounder
[12]
Q5 parked.png
Trainer Aircraft
L-15 Falcon China trainer 2 Prototypes Chinese domestic advanced lead-in trainer, and light weight fighter (LIFT)[13] HAIG L15.jpg
JL-9 Mountain Eagle China trainer 2 Prototypes Chinese domestic trainer, and light weight fighter [14] Guizhou jl9.jpg
K-8 Karakorum China Pakistan trainer K-8 25 Chinese domestic basic trainer. K-8 Karakorum - Air Force of Zimbabwe.jpg
JL-7 Baby Eagle[15] China trainer 300 Ordered Chinese domestic trainer
Nanchang CJ-6 China trainer CJ-6A 1,419 Nanchang CJ-6 corner 20060729.jpg
Transports
Xian Y-14 China transport Twin-engine turboprop transport
Harbin Y-12 China transport 2 Twin-engine turboprop transport Y12e.jpg
Harbin Y-11 China transport 15
Shaanxi Y-9 China Multi-purpose transport Under development
[16]
Shaanxi Y-8 China Multi-purpose transport 40 Y-8 design derived from the Soviet Antonov An-12 short-medium range transport Yun 8 - KJ-2000 - Chinese domestic airborne warning and control system (AWACS).jpg
Xian Y-7 China transport 23 Based on the Antonov An-24; Y-7H based on Antonov An-26[17]
Shijiazhuang Y-5 China utility transport 300 Based on the Soviet Antonov An-2, made since 1950s. A light utility, transport aircraft mostly on reserve[18]
Ilyushin Il-76 Soviet Union transport Il-76MD 20 Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 medium-range transport
Bombardier Challenger 600 Canada VIP transport CL 601 5
Tupolev Tu-154 Soviet Union VIP transport Tu-154M 7
Attack Helicopters
CAIC WZ-10 China Attack helicopter 6 Prototypes Chinese domestic attack helicopter WZ-10 helicopter.png
Harbin WZ-9 China Attack helicopter 30-40 Chinese domestic attack helicopter variant of Z-9.
Changhe Z-11W China Attack helicopter 20 Chinese domestic attack helicopter variant of Z-11
Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle France Attack helicopter SA 342 8 French bought attack helicopter
Transport Helicopters
Changhe Z-11 China Utility helicopter 20 Chinese helicopter influenced by Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil
Harbin Z-9 China Transport helicopter 25 Chinese license produced Eurocopter SA 365 Dauphin
Changhe Z-8 China Transport helicopter ~40 Chinese licensed produced Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon
Mil Mi-17 Soviet Union Transport helicopter 240 Soviet bought Mi-17
Mil Mi-8 Soviet Union Transport helicopter 20 Soviet bought Mi-8 helicopter
Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar European Union Transport helicopter AS 532 6 French Eurocopter Cougar helicopter
Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk United States Transport helicopter S-70C 24 American bought S-70 helicopter
AEW
KJ-2000 China AWAC / AEW&C 5 Uses IL-76 airframe Kongyu 2000, People's Liberation Army Air Force,
KJ-200 China AEW&C Uses Y-8F600 airframe
Y-8 AWACS China AEW&C
Y-8J AEW China AEW&C 2
UAV and UCAV
CH-3 China UCAV
CH-1 [19] China UCAV
WZ-2000 China UCAV WZ-2000B
Xianglong Unmanned Reconnaissance Aerial Vehicle China Long range URAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
Yilong UCAV China Long range UCAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
Long Haul Eagle UAV[20][21] China UAV UAV[20][21]
PW-2 China UAV
TF-10 China UAV
TF-8 China UAV
SH-1 UAV China Long range UAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
Dufeng II UAV China Long range UAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
WZ-5 China Long range UAV First unveiled in the Zhuhai Airshow.
IAI Harpy Israel UCAV
WZ-5 China UAV
ASN-206 China URAV
ASN-207 China URAV
ASN-104 China URAV
ASN-105 China URAV
ASN-15 China URAV
TJ-1 China Target drone
Chengdu J-7 China Target drone
ASN-9 China Target drone
ASN-7 China Target drone
Shenyang J-5 China Target drone
ASN-2 China Target drone
CK-1 China Target drone
On Order
Ilyushin Il-76 Soviet Union Transport Il-76MD 30 Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 medium-range transport
Ilyushin Il-78 Russia Aerial re-fueling tanker 4 Soviet Ilyushin Il-78 aerial re-fueling tanker
Future aircraft
Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[22] Notes
Projects Under Development
Shenyang J-XX China 5th generation stealth fighter 5th generation stealth fighter being developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Competing for China's next generation fighter.
Shenyang DarkSword[23]
China Stealth UCAV
Thunderbolt UCAV China Ground strike UCAV UCAV developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation
Zhanying (Combat Eagle) China Stealth strike UCAV Stealth strike UCAV with forward swept wings. Model shown at Zhuhai airshow.
Scan Eagle China Stealth recon UAV
Yak-152K China trainer 1-2 prototype Joint project advanced trainer developed by China and Russia
Harbin Z-15 China European Union transport helicopter Under development Joint helicopter project developed by AVIC and Eurocopter.
[24]
Y-8G ELINT China ELINT platform ELINT variant of the Y-8
Y-20 China Large multi role transport Under development
Tianyan-2 [25][26]
China unmanned combat helicopter An unmanned military helicopter to be used for anti-terrorist roles [25][26]
The PAF currently operates approximately 320 combat aircraft [79] of 4 different types, planned to be reduced to 3 types by 2015. There are around 20 front-line squadrons.[80]
A Dassault Mirage 5 ROSE strike fighter, with FLIR sensor under the nose, taxiing past a JF-17.
The primary air defence fighter is the Chengdu F-7, of which two variants are in service; 120 F-7P and 60 F-7PG. An upgraded variant of the F-7M, F-7P incorporates many PAF-specific modifications such as Martin-Baker ejection seat, two extra weapon stations for a total of 5, an extra 30 mm cannon and an Italian-designed FIAR Grifo 7 multi-mode radar. F-7P was inducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s, intended to supplement a fleet of more advanced F-16 fighters. The Grifo 7 radar was later upgraded to the Grifo 7 mk.II version. The F-7PG variant incorporates a "cranked delta" wing which improves take-off, landing and turning performance considerably, as well as extra space in the nose to accommodate the much improved Grifo 7PG radar. F-7 replaced around 250 Shenyang J-6 fighters which were the PAF's workhorse throughout the 1970s and 1980s. F-7 is also used to perform limited strike duties.
The second most numerous type is the French-designed Dassault Mirage III and Dassault Mirage 5, which differ mainly in nose shape and avionics fit. Mirage III fighters are geared towards performing multiple mission types, including interception and strike, whereas Mirage 5 fighters are more focused towards strike missions. Around 150 Mirage fighters are in service, many of which are second-hand examples procured from other countries, making the PAF the largest operator of the type in the world. In the 1990s and early 2000s, 33 Mirage III and 34 Mirage 5 fighters were upgraded under Project ROSE (Retrofit Of Strike Element) with modern avionics, significantly improving their capabilities. Mirage III ROSE fighters are configured for multiple mission types such as air superiority and strike, whereas Mirage 5 ROSE fighters specialise in the day/night strike role.
A JF-17 taxiing towards a runway. A Mirage 5 is parked in the background with its canopy raised.
The JF-17 Thunder, a new fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan, is currently being inducted by the PAF and it is expected to gradually replace all Dassault Mirage III/5, Nanchang A-5 and Chengdu F-7 by 2015. A total of 250-300 aircraft are planned to be built, with later aircraft featuring improved airframes, avionics and engines. Currently 14 aircraft are in service and the first JF-17 squadron is officially made operational.Number 26 squadron is established in Kamra in which 14 airplanes are initially inducted. With the establishment of the first squadron of the JF-17, the two A-5 squadrons will also be grounded. The first Pakistani-built JF-17, manufactured at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, was rolled out and handed over to the PAF on on 23 November 2009.
F-16A Block 15
The most capable fighter in PAF service from 1983 to 2007 has been the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 40 of the F-16A/B Block 15 models were delivered from 1983 to 1987. Deliveries of another 28 F-16A/B were stopped after the 1990 arms embargo imposed on Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment but 14 of these were later delivered during 2005-2008. The F-16A/B fleet is to be upgraded with MLU (Mid-Life Update) modification kits and Falcon Star Structural Service Life Enhancement kits by Turkish Aerospace Industries starting in September 2010 at a rate of 1 per month. Four F-16A/B are already undergoing upgrade in the U.S. for delivery in 2011. The MLU package will include new APG-69v9 radars, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems and Link-16 data-links, along with other new communications, targeting and electronic warfare systems.[81] [82] In 2006, 12 F-16C and 6 F-16D Block 52+ were ordered with a further 18 aircraft optional. 14 of the optional fighters were ordered in 2010. The first 6 F-16C/D will be delivered in June 2010.[83][84]
The Nanchang Q-5 in Chinese service, a modified A-5C variant is in service with the PAF and being replaced by the JF-17.
The Nanchang A-5C (or A-5III) is a Chinese-designed light bomber. Inducted in 1982 to help defend against a possible attack from the Soviet Union, it replaced the last of the PAF's B-57 Canberra bombers and around 100 were procured in total for a reported flyaway cost of USD$1 million each. Numbers were reduced later and around 42 remain in service. Retirement of the type was initially planned in the late 1990s and shortfall in capabilities was to be met by upgraded Mirage 5 fighters modified under Project ROSE, but the aircraft's excellent flight safety record ensured it stayed operational.
The PAF is to induct a number of the Chinese Chengdu FC-20, an advanced PAF-specific variant of the Chengdu J-10. 36 fighters equipping two FC-20 squadrons are expected to be delivered by 2015 [85] and, according to some reports, the FC-20 fleet may eventually be increased to 150 fighters.[86]
[edit] Special mission aircraft
Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C
Dassault Falcon DA-20
Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft were first sought by the PAF in the 1980s, but the requirement was not met until December 2009 when the first of four Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft ordered in 2006 was delivered. The remaining three Erieye are expected to be delivered in 2010. Built to the PAF's specifications, the Saab 2000 Erieye is fitted with 5 operator stations and 4 command stations. The aircraft's Erieye radar has a range of 450 km and is also capable of identifying the type of aircraft and the weapons it is carrying.[87] Erieye will be connected via data-link to the PAF's command and control ground environment as well as combat aircraft such as the F-16.
Four Chinese ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft have also been ordered, with first delivery expected in late 2010[88]. These are believed to be a PAF-specific version of the KJ-200, incorporating a Chinese AESA radar similar to the Erieye mounted on the Shaanxi Y-8F600 transport aircraft.
The PAF's No.24 Blinders squadron operates three Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft in the ELINT and ECM roles.[89]
[edit] Transport aircraft
PAF C-130 Hercules
The C-130 Hercules has been the PAF's primary tactical transport aircraft since its induction in the early 1960s. Currently around 5 C-130B and 7 C-130E models are in service, upgraded with Allison T56-A-15 turboprops and extended fatigue lives by Lockheed-Georgia Company. The C-130 is supplemented by 4 CASA CN-235 STOL transports, although the 4th aircraft is equipped with an interior for transporting VIPs such as the PAF Chief of Air Staff. Heavy-lift transports comprise 3 Boeing 707s transferred from Pakistan International Airlines starting 1986.
External videos
A pair of Mirage III fighters are refuelled in the air by the PAF's Il-78 tanker during exercise High Mark 2010. [90]
In December 2009 the PAF received its first of four Il-78 aircraft which is capable of aerial refuelling as well as transporting cargo. Aerial refuelling capability was first demonstrated during the High Mark 2010 exercise on 6 April 2010 when two of the PAF's Mirage III fighters were simultaneously refuelled in the air by the Il-78
