Pakistan Air Force to Employ Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon Jets In Near Future

Defense News ,Pakistan :- In a recent announcement, Pakistan has unveiled plans to incorporate the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, into its air force in the near future. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu disclosed this framework agreement during a ceremony introducing new military capabilities on January 2.

The induction ceremony showcased various aircraft, including Beijing-manufactured J-10C Firebird jets and business-class planes. However, specific details regarding the quantity and timelines for the FC-31 procurement were not revealed by Sidhu or the Pakistan Air Force.

A report from Defense News highlighted the air force silence in response to queries about the Gyrfalcon initiative potential impact on Islamabad pursuit of the Turkish-made Kaan fifth-generation fighter. Aerospace specialist Justin Bronk of London Royal United Services Institute expressed uncertainty about the consequences, stating, "The impact of a J-31/FC-31 acquisition by Pakistan is difficult to predict at this stage because the capabilities and time frames for delivery are so vaguely understood."

Defense analyst and former Pakistan Air Force pilot Kaiser Tufail raised concerns about the downsides of Pakistan Gyrfalcon procurement. He emphasized that the induction of various fighter types poses challenges in terms of training and maintenance, and he pointed out the country grim economic scenario, suggesting a need for drastic spending cuts. Tufail proposed considering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to meet the requirement for stealthy platforms, particularly for tactical support operations over the battlefield.

The article also touched upon the ongoing Pakistan-Turkey Fifth-Gen Aircraft Program, initiated in 2022 by the state-owned Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Turkish Aerospace Industries. The collaborative effort aims to develop the TF-X fifth-generation jet, intended to replace existing Lockheed Martin platforms in both countries. The program aligns with Pakistan goal to have a fifth-generation fleet by 2047, with a TF-X prototype scheduled for 2023 and a maiden flight in 2026.