ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has announced a significant procurement plan involving next-generation stealth fighter platforms, additional fourth-plus generation Chengdu J-10C aircraft, and further upgrades to its JF-17 Thunder fleet.
The announcement was made during a detailed press briefing in Islamabad, where senior military officers outlined ongoing modernisation efforts aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s aerial combat capability.
The plans also include groundwork for acquiring long-range precision strike weaponry, such as the PL-15E or PL-17 air-to-air missile systems, signalling an expanded focus on beyond-visual-range engagement capability. Officials indicated that these developments form part of a broader strategy to enhance multi-domain operational readiness and maintain a technological edge in evolving regional airpower dynamics.
PAF confirms acquisition of next-generation Platforms, additional J-10Cs, & upgradation of JF-17 Thunders pic.twitter.com/VL079FTCpU
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) May 7, 2026Stealth fighter plans
At the centre of the announcement is the consideration of next-generation stealth fighter platforms, with options reportedly including the J-35AE. These aircraft are intended to enhance low-observable strike capability and strengthen Pakistan’s future air dominance profile. The briefing highlighted that such acquisitions are aligned with long-term force structuring goals, ensuring the PAF remains prepared for high-intensity, technology-driven aerial warfare.
Officials emphasised that these potential stealth assets would complement existing platforms rather than replace them, integrating into a layered force structure designed for both defensive and offensive operations across multiple domains.
Fleet expansion
Alongside stealth capabilities, the PAF confirmed plans to expand its fleet of J-10C fighter jets, which already serve as a key component of its modern air combat inventory. The aircraft’s advanced avionics and long-range engagement capacity are expected to play a growing role in fleet operations.
Further upgrades to the JF-17 Thunder programme were also outlined, with continued enhancements aimed at improving avionics, weapons integration and overall mission flexibility.
Weapon systems
The announcement also included preparations for integrating advanced long-range missile systems, including PL-15E or PL-17 variants, into future operational frameworks. These systems are designed to extend engagement ranges and enhance precision strike capabilities in contested environments.
Officials stated that these upgrades, combined with ongoing platform acquisitions, reflect a shift towards a more networked, multi-layered combat architecture. The focus remains on achieving operational flexibility, survivability and extended reach across airspace domains.
‘Marka-i-Haq’ anniversary
The procurement announcement came during a broader press conference marking the one-year anniversary of “Marka-i-Haq”, where senior military officials also outlined Pakistan’s evolving strategic and defence posture. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain prepared across all domains, highlighting indigenous defence production and multi-domain warfare capabilities.
Officials stated that lessons drawn from recent regional tensions have reinforced the importance of integrated operations spanning land, air, sea, cyber and cognitive domains. Emphasis was placed on Pakistan’s growing reliance on homegrown military systems, including missiles, drones, satellites, and integrated command-and-control networks.
The briefing also touched on counterterrorism operations, with officials noting a post-conflict rise in incidents and subsequent targeted responses against militant infrastructure. Pakistan’s leadership reiterated that security challenges are being addressed through coordinated kinetic and intelligence-based measures.
Military officials further discussed broader strategic outcomes of the past year, including regional perceptions of escalation control, deterrence stability between nuclear neighbours, and Pakistan’s positioning as a responsible regional actor. The armed forces reiterated that operational readiness remains high, with continued investment in modernisation and capability enhancement across services.
The naval and air leadership also highlighted coordinated multi-service preparedness during past conflict scenarios, underscoring uninterrupted maritime operations, defensive air posture, and integrated strike readiness. Officials maintained that Pakistan seeks peace but remains fully prepared for any eventuality, reinforcing its long-term focus on defence modernisation and strategic deterrence stability.