The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operates a diverse fleet of fighter jets, combining domestically produced aircraft with foreign acquisitions to fulfill various combat roles. Below is an overview of the key fighter jets currently in service:
🇵🇰 JF-17 Thunder
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Type: Multirole combat aircraft
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Origin: Jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), China
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Variants:
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JF-17A Block 1: Initial production model
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JF-17A Block 2: Enhanced avionics and air-to-air refueling capability
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JF-17B Block 2: Dual-seat variant for training and operational roles
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JF-17C Block 3: Features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics, and enhanced weapon systems
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Quantity in Service: Approximately 161 aircraft, with ongoing upgrades and additional units in production
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Notable Features: Serves as the backbone of the PAF, capable of deploying a wide range of munitions, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles
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Operational History: Participated in various operations, including anti-terrorism missions and the 2019 aerial skirmish with India Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Graana.com+1Wikipedia+1
🇨🇳 Chengdu J-10C "Vigorous Dragon"
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Type: Multirole combat aircraft
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Origin: China
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Quantity in Service: 20 aircraft delivered, with additional units on order
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Notable Features: Equipped with AESA radar, capable of carrying PL-10 short-range and PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles
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Operational Role: Enhances PAF's air superiority and strike capabilities
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Recent Developments: Reportedly engaged in operations during the 2025 India-Pakistan standoff Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Graana.com+2Graana.com+1Wikipedia+1
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting Falcon
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Type: Multirole combat aircraft
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Origin: United States
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Variants in Service:
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F-16A/B Block 15
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F-16C/D Block 52+
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Quantity in Service: Approximately 75 aircraft
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Notable Features: Renowned for agility and versatility, equipped with advanced avionics and capable of precision strikes
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Operational History: A mainstay in PAF's fleet since the 1980s, utilized in various defense and offensive operations Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Graana.comGraana.com+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4
🇫🇷 Dassault Mirage III & Mirage 5
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Type: Multirole (Mirage III) and attack/reconnaissance (Mirage 5) aircraft
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Origin: France
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Quantity in Service:
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Mirage III: 58 aircraft
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Mirage 5: 78 aircraft
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Notable Features: Both variants have undergone extensive upgrades under Project ROSE to extend service life and enhance capabilities
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Operational Role: Primarily used for ground attack and reconnaissance missions
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Future Plans: Gradual replacement with newer platforms like the JF-17C and J-10CE Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4
🇨🇳 Chengdu F-7P/PG
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Type: Interceptor aircraft
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Origin: China
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Quantity in Service: 53 aircraft
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Notable Features: Based on the Soviet MiG-21 design, equipped with upgraded avionics and weapon systems
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Operational Role: Primarily used for air defense missions
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Future Plans: Being phased out in favor of more advanced aircraft like the JF-17C