Is Pakistan’s ‘PFX’ Fighter Vaporware?

Arguably, the explanation why skepticism in opposition to the PFX is legitimate stems from how the PAF dealt with its earlier next-generation fighter plane (NGFA) initiative, Challenge AZM. 

The PAF did not correctly steward AZM as a result of a number of key elements: 

First, the PAF lacked any substantive capability to independently design an NGFA. It didn’t carry the experience required throughout flight management know-how, airframe design, supplies know-how, and plenty of different key areas to handle this system. 

Second, AHQ rebuked Turkiye’s invitation to affix Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) TF-X or KAAN program. This resulted within the PAF slicing itself off from a accomplice who might share the funding burden and to supply technical help. Apart from the US and China, international locations don’t pursue NGFA applications alone. Turkiye is the uncommon exception, but it surely too would have participated in a consortium had AHQ agreed to affix the TF-X within the early phases of this system.

In August 2023, Turkish officers claimed that Pakistan did strategy Turkiye concerning the KAAN; however by January 2024, PAF AHQ overtly introduced that it will purchase the Chinese language J-31. Consequently, the concept that the PAF would develop its personal NGFA had ended, till it introduced the PFX.