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The U.S.-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan is so far holding. India continues its offensive on the diplomatic front, pursuing long-term goals, while the ruling BJP (Bhartiya Janata Party) also intensifies its media effort to achieve short-term electoral objectives. The way the word 'ceasefire' is being interpreted by the Indian leadership, most analysts are of the view that a recurrence of conflict is only a matter of time.
Subsequent to the opening duel between IAF and PAF in the wee hours of 7 May 2025, and the resulting big setback for IAF where it lost six fighter aircraft, including three high-tech Rafales and an Israeli Heron drone, the debate started whether it was Chinese technology or the professionalism of PAF that took such toll on IAF. Some analysts are highlighting the progress Chinese aerospace technology has made in recent years, while others are appreciating the PAF operators and the leadership for a commendable job. The consensus, however, is that air power will be the weapon of first choice for any future conflict. India, having no budgetary constraints and open access to the international market, exaggerating the Chinese threat to their national security, will certainly accelerate IAF inductions and training programs. How Pakistan should prepare for future challenges is a million-dollar question.
Challenges bring opportunities, and the opportunity that Pakistan should seize from the current crisis is to promote our indigenous aerospace industry. The aerospace industry is considered a strategic industry, especially among developing countries, due to its military and economic benefits for the national security of the country. Militarily, a bold, aggressive, and cost-effective employment of air power requires a level of indigenisation; reduced dependence on foreign sources and a greater technical control over critically important capabilities which allow an efficient growth in sync with the evolving conflict scenario. Economically, the aerospace industry is considered a strategic sector due to its incredible provision for wealth generation, developing highly skilled human resources (HR), and providing a conducive environment for research and development of advanced technologies, which in turn positively contribute towards the technological growth of other industries as well. Subsequent investment in infrastructure and production facilities creates jobs and stimulates the local economy. Besides meeting the domestic national security requirements, if harnessed efficiently, the export opportunities can make a substantial contribution to the foreign exchange earnings of a country.
Pakistan owns a decent public sector aerospace industrial setup at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, established during the late 1970s, that has witnessed organic growth over the last four decades. Over the years, it has gained valuable experience in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) of weapon systems from various origins. For the last couple of decades, it has also undertaken the development and production of various aircraft, including Mushshak, K-8P, and JF-17. Pursuing vertical growth in the design domain, important initiatives have been taken in recent years, and the public sector aerospace industry now seems ready to take on more challenging projects and contribute to our national security. Meanwhile, the private sector aerospace industry is also growing in Pakistan. Many medium to small-scale setups have come up with talented, enthusiastic, and skilled human resources, along with the required infrastructure, eager to take on the development and production tasks.
The test, trial, qualification, and certification process in aerospace research and development is another demanding and expensive task, requiring highly trained and skilled manpower and specialised structures. PAF over the last couple of decades has gained a wealth of experience in this field through collaborations with various international manufacturers; hence, it should be able to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions for indigenous development. Conventional thought that strikes an ordinary mind is that the aerospace industry is all about developing a high-tech fighter aircraft; that is true, and being pursued by Pakistan as a medium- to long-term goal. What is more important is to realize that there are many low-hanging fruits, in the shape of weapons, drones, air defence, electronic warfare, and avionics equipment projects being pursued by the public as well as private sector industry that should contribute significantly to our military as well as economic security.
A basic structure that can harness the available potential and grow further on it has already been established by the PAF, called National Aerospace and Technology Park (NASTP); an initiative taken by the current leadership of PAF. Extensive hard work and resources already invested notwithstanding, the initiative will only succeed through a 'whole of a nation approach.' Subsequent to the recent conflict with India, there is a strong realisation that air power is extremely important to face future challenges to our national security. National ownership of the initiative taken by the PAF will encourage all stakeholders to invest in this strategic sector and promote long-term national security of Pakistan.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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