Pakistan’s Ambitious Plan for an All-Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Fleet by 2047

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is undertaking a major transformation, aiming to transition entirely to a fleet of fifth-generation fighter jets by 2047. This ambitious plan is driven by the need to maintain air superiority and technological edge in the region. To achieve this, Pakistan is pursuing a three-pronged strategy involving indigenous development, collaboration with allies, and potential procurement of advanced fighter jets.

Project Azm: Pakistan’s Indigenous Fifth-Generation Fighter

At the heart of this modernization effort is Project Azm, Pakistan’s first domestically developed fifth-generation fighter jet program. Spearheaded by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), Project Azm was launched in 2017 with the goal of creating a state-of-the-art stealth aircraft.

While details remain classified, the fighter is expected to feature:

• Stealth technology to evade enemy radars.
• Advanced avionics with next-generation sensor fusion.
• Locally developed weapons systems for air superiority and precision strikes.

Pakistan is believed to be leveraging its strong defence ties with China and Turkey to acquire expertise in stealth design, avionics, and engine technology. If successful, Project Azm could place Pakistan among the select few nations capable of developing fifth-generation fighters.

Chinese FC-31 (J-31): A Ready-Made Fifth-Generation Solution

Another key element in Pakistan’s modernization roadmap is the potential acquisition of the Shenyang FC-31 (J-31) from China. Designed as a stealth multirole fighter, the FC-31 is often compared to the American F-35 due to its advanced design and versatile combat capabilities.

Key features of the J-31 include:

• Stealthy airframe for reduced radar detection.
• Highly advanced avionics and sensor fusion for enhanced situational awareness.
• Multirole capability for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Pakistan and China have a long history of collaboration, most notably seen in the co-development of the JF-17 Thunder. If Pakistan proceeds with acquiring the J-31, it would provide the PAF with an immediate fifth-generation capability, significantly boosting its aerial combat strength.

Turkish KAAN (TF-X): A Future Partnership?

Pakistan is also exploring potential collaboration with Turkey on its TF-X (KAAN) fifth-generation fighter program, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The KAAN made its first flight in February 2024 and is expected to become Turkey’s next-generation frontline fighter.

Turkey, having faced restrictions in acquiring Western fighter jets, has focused on self-reliance in aviation technology. Given the strong defence ties between Pakistan and Turkey, joint development or technology sharing on the KAAN program could provide Pakistan with another pathway to acquiring advanced fifth-generation aircraft.

Key advantages of a Pakistan-Turkey collaboration on KAAN include:

• Access to stealth technology and advanced avionics.
• Joint development opportunities to reduce costs and development time.
• Potential customization to meet PAF’s operational needs.

If Pakistan formally joins the KAAN program, it would gain early access to cutting-edge fighter technology while further strengthening its strategic defence ties with Turkey.

Challenges in Achieving an All-Fifth-Generation Fleet

While the PAF’s vision of a fully fifth-generation fighter fleet by 2047 is ambitious, it comes with several challenges:

1. Financial Constraints – Developing and acquiring fifth-generation jets requires substantial investment, which may strain Pakistan’s defence budget.
2. Technological Hurdles – Mastering stealth technology, avionics, and locally producing jet engines requires significant research and foreign collaboration.
3. Operational Transition – Moving from a mixed fleet to an all-fifth-generation force will require extensive pilot training, infrastructure upgrades, and new logistical support systems.

Despite these challenges, the PAF’s multi-track strategy—focusing on indigenous development (Project Azm), procurement (J-31), and strategic partnerships (KAAN)—demonstrates a well-planned approach to achieving its 2047 goal. If successfully implemented, this transformation would significantly enhance Pakistan’s air defence capabilities, making the PAF one of the most technologically advanced air forces in the region.