Drones, Not Fighter Jets, Are the Future of Pakistan’s Air Force

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is pivoting toward Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) as a strategic priority over traditional fighter jets, driven by recent battlefield lessons and economic realities. This shift, highlighted by defense analysts, positions Pakistan to counter regional threats efficiently while building a self-reliant aerospace ecosystem.

Recent conflicts, notably the May 2025 clashes with India during Operation Sindoor, exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air capabilities. Indian strikes destroyed six PAF fighter jets, over ten UCAVs, and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, revealing the high cost of relying on manned aircraft against advanced defenses. “The nature of warfare is shifting,” said Bilal Khan of Quwa in a recent Defence Uncut podcast. “Drones offer a cost-effective way to suppress enemy air defenses without risking pilots.” UCAVs, like Türkiye’s Bayraktar Akinci, proved effective in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions, targeting Indian radar systems with precision. This capability reduces the need for expensive jets like the F-16 or J-10C, which face growing risks against systems like India’s S-400.

Economically, drones align with Pakistan’s constrained defense budget. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government’s 2025 budget increased defense spending by 18%, but acquiring advanced fighter jets, such as the proposed 40 J-35 stealth jets from China, strains resources. In contrast, UCAVs like the Burraq and Shahpar series, developed indigenously or with partners like Türkiye and China, are cheaper to produce and maintain. Jet-powered loitering munitions, such as the KaGeM V3, offer strategic reach to neutralize high-value targets at standoff ranges, enhancing deterrence without breaking the bank.

The PAF’s Vision 2030 emphasizes a digitally sovereign air force, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems and stealth drones like the Kızılelma. This vision counters threats from India’s Rafale jets and forthcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), ensuring Pakistan maintains air parity. By prioritizing UCAVs, Pakistan not only strengthens national security but also fosters an aerospace industry that drives economic growth, reducing reliance on foreign imports.

This strategic shift isn’t just pragmatic—it’s a bold step toward redefining air power in South Asia. Drones, not fighter jets, are Pakistan’s path to resilience and dominance in a volatile region.