Karachi: In a significant move to counterbalance India’s advancements in military aviation, Pakistan officially announced the development of its new PFX fighter jet, the Pakistan Fighter Experimental. The reveal came at the IDEAS 2024 defense exhibition in Karachi, where Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officials detailed their plan to create a formidable aircraft aimed at matching the capabilities of India’s TEJAS MK-2.
The PFX is envisioned as a 4.5-generation fighter jet, boasting advanced stealth features that could make it a challenging target for enemy radar systems. According to PAF spokespersons, the aircraft will feature a passive radar system, allowing it to detect and engage adversaries without disclosing its own location, a significant tactical advantage in aerial combat.
This development underscores Pakistan’s determination to maintain a competitive edge in aerial warfare, especially in the context of its longstanding rivalry with India. The TEJAS MK-2, known for its advanced avionics, enhanced stealth capabilities, and a broader range of weaponry, has been a driving force behind Pakistan’s latest initiative.
The PFX fighter jet is projected to be a twin-engine design, distinguishing it from the single-engine TEJAS, which could provide superior performance in terms of speed, range, and payload capacity. Speaking at the event, Air Commodore Azhar emphasized that the PFX’s development would be predominantly in-house, highlighting Pakistan’s push towards self-reliance in defense technology.
Details about the aircraft’s specific capabilities remain sparse, but it is expected to surpass the JF-17 Thunder, Pakistan’s current primary fighter, especially in terms of maneuverability and weapon load. The PFX is also intended to have a larger airframe, potentially matching the weight and size of the TEJAS MK-2, which is around 17.5 tons at maximum takeoff weight.
Pakistan’s collaboration with China on the JF-17 project has been a precedent for this new venture. However, the PFX program aims to involve even more local expertise and production, with intentions to manufacture critical components like the control systems domestically. This move is not only about countering India’s air force but also about positioning Pakistan as a significant player in the global defense industry, potentially eyeing exports to other nations in the region and beyond.
The timeline for the PFX’s operational readiness is set for the next 4-5 years, providing Pakistan with a strategic window to refine and deploy this new asset. This development has sparked discussions across defense circles about the future of air superiority in South Asia, with analysts watching closely how this project will unfold amidst Pakistan’s economic challenges and its reliance on foreign technology for critical subsystems like engines and advanced radars.
The PFX program has also ignited debates on social media and among defense enthusiasts, with trends on X showing a mix of national pride and skepticism about the feasibility and timeline of such an ambitious project, given Pakistan’s historical challenges in indigenous fighter jet development.
As this program progresses, all eyes will be on Pakistan to see if the PFX can indeed become a game-changer in the regional military balance.
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