Old planes and no money: Pakistan’s air force is about to go into a nosedive

 Global air forces have reduced numbers since the Cold War, while China’s air force has grown significantly. Rising procurement and maintenance costs impact most nations’ fighter fleets. Pakistan, however, maintains its combat mass through diverse aircraft acquisitions and upgrades. The Pakistani air force faces challenges as older aircraft near their end of service life. Economic constraints may hinder Pakistan’s ability to fund future fighter procurements. Global air forces have reduced numbers since the Cold War, while China’s air force has grown significantly. Rising procurement and maintenance costs impact most nations’ fighter fleets. Pakistan, however, maintains its combat mass through diverse aircraft acquisitions and upgrades. The Pakistani air force faces challenges as older aircraft near their end of service life. Economic constraints may hinder Pakistan’s ability to fund future fighter procurements.