ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force has intensified its pursuit of advancedaerial capabilities by aligning with Turkey’s KAAN fifth-generation fighterprogram, positioning the Turkish design as a cornerstone for futuremodernization efforts. Recent developments highlight deepened bilateralcooperation, including joint production initiatives and engineeringintegration, amid the PAF’s broader strategy to counter regional threatsthrough technological self-reliance and strategic partnerships. Thiscollaboration builds on longstanding defence ties between Islamabad andAnkara, offering Pakistan access to cutting-edge stealth technology whilecontributing to the KAAN’s global viability.
The KAAN, originally known as TF-X and developed by Turkish AerospaceIndustries, represents Turkey’s indigenous push for a twin-engine stealthfighter to replace its ageing F-16 fleet. Following exclusion from theAmerican F-35 program in 2019, Turkey accelerated domestic development,achieving the aircraft’s maiden flight in February 2024. Prototypescontinue testing, with plans for operational induction in the Turkish AirForce around 2028-2030, incorporating features like low radarcross-section, supercruise capability, internal weapons bays, and advancedavionics. The program emphasizes high indigenous content, though initialunits rely on foreign engines such as the General Electric F110, with fulldomestic propulsion targeted for later blocks by 2032.
Pakistan’s engagement with KAAN dates back several years, evolving fromobserver status to active participation. In 2023, Turkish officialsconfirmed nearly two hundred Pakistani engineers and specialists wereinvolved in the development process at Turkish facilities, contributingexpertise in design, subsystems, and integration. This involvement hasfacilitated technology transfer and built foundational knowledge withinPakistan’s aerospace sector, aligning with national goals to enhancedomestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on singlesuppliers.
Recent milestones underscore solidifying plans for a customized KAANvariant tailored to PAF requirements. Agreements finalized during thePak-Turkish Industrial Expo in early 2025 established a joint productionfacility in Pakistan, enabling local assembly and manufacturing ofcomponents. This setup aims to boost production scale for both nations,lower costs through shared resources, and expand export potential. Thecustomized variant would incorporate modifications for Pakistan’soperational environment, including integration with existing PAF systemsand potential adaptations for regional mission profiles.
While ambitious claims of high indigenous content in the Pakistani variantcirculate, current evidence points to gradual localization rather thanimmediate dominance of domestic components. Turkey’s KAAN baseline alreadyachieves substantial self-reliance in subsystems, but full indigenization,particularly for engines and core avionics, remains phased. For Pakistan,joint production would progressively increase local content throughtechnology transfer, similar to the JF-17 program’s evolution from partialto majority domestic manufacturing. This approach supports long-termindustrial growth without overcommitting resources prematurely.
The PFX Project, or Pakistan Fighter Experimental, forms the broadercontext for these efforts within PAF modernization doctrine. Initiallyframed as an upgrade path for the JF-17 Thunder toward 4.5-generationstandards with enhanced avionics, sensors, and electronic warfarecapabilities, PFX has evolved to encompass next-generation aspirations.Public showcases, including at IDEAS exhibitions, depict PFX as a bridge toadvanced platforms, potentially incorporating elements from internationalcollaborations like KAAN. While distinct from fully indigenousfifth-generation pursuits under earlier concepts such as Project AZM, PFXemphasizes affordability, sovereignty, and iterative development to sustainfleet relevance.
Strategic imperatives drive this multi-track approach. The PAF faceschallenges from regional adversaries’ acquisitions of advanced fighters andair defence systems, necessitating a balanced force structure. PursuingKAAN alongside evaluations of other options, such as China’s J-35, allowsdiversification and risk mitigation. Joint production with Turkey providesan ITAR-free pathway to fifth-generation technology, free from Westernexport restrictions, while fostering deeper military interoperabilitybetween the two allies.
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Engineering collaboration remains a key pillar of progress. The presence ofPakistani personnel in Turkey has enabled hands-on experience in stealthdesign, materials, and systems integration, directly benefiting nationalcapacity-building. This human capital investment positions Pakistan tocontribute meaningfully to KAAN refinements and potentially adapt lessonsfor domestic programs, enhancing overall aerospace expertise.
Timelines for induction remain extended, with KAAN’s full maturityprojected post-2030. Pakistan’s customized variant would likely followsimilar schedules, contingent on successful testing, production ramp-up,and funding allocation. Despite fiscal constraints, defence spendingincreases in recent budgets signal commitment to these priorities, viewingthem as essential for deterrence and operational autonomy.
The partnership exemplifies a shift toward South-South defence cooperation,where shared strategic interests drive technological advancement. ForPakistan, integrating KAAN elements under evolving PFX frameworks promisesa qualitative leap in air combat power, reinforcing deterrence in a complexsecurity landscape.
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