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

The Pakistan Air Force faces significant operational challenges as it navigates the rising costs of aircraft procurement and maintenance. While global air forces have generally reduced their fleet sizes since the end of the Cold War, the Pakistani military continues to prioritize the maintenance of its combat mass through a strategy of diverse aircraft acquisitions and ongoing technical upgrades.

This approach stands in contrast to the rapid expansion of China's air force during the same period. The current state of Pakistan's aerial capabilities remains a subject of international scrutiny, particularly regarding the sustainability of its aging fleet amidst ongoing economic constraints.