Pakistan shows air power with fighter jets as Shehbaz boasts during strikes on Afghan Taliban

International News: Pakistan has carried out several airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing dozens of civilians and Taliban fighters. Since the Taliban lacks an air force, Islamabad’s jets face little resistance. This has given Pakistan the confidence to strike whenever it chooses. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is now highlighting the country’s fighter jet fleet as proof of military power, drawing attention to Pakistan’s Air Force.

J-10 jets from China

One of the modern additions to Pakistan’s fleet is the Chengdu J-10, also known as the Vigorous Dragon. Built in China, it is a single-engine, multirole fighter. With a speed of Mach 1.8, it is designed for both offense and defense. Pakistan Air Force currently operates about 20 of these aircraft, making them an important part of its recent upgrades.

JF-17 jets form backbone

The JF-17 Thunder is considered the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force. It is a fourth-generation, single-engine, multirole fighter developed jointly by Pakistan and China. Cheap to build and versatile, it is Pakistan’s most widely used jet, with 156 currently in service. For Islamabad, the JF-17 symbolizes self-reliance and strategic cooperation with Beijing in defense technology.

American F-16s still dominate

Among Pakistan’s most advanced jets remain the American-made F-16 Fighting Falcons. Built by Lockheed Martin, these supersonic fighters have been in service worldwide since the 1970s. Pakistan operates 75 F-16s, which are considered vital for air superiority missions. Despite political strains, these jets remain the most respected in the fleet, giving Pakistan a critical edge in aerial combat scenarios.

French Mirage III fleet shrinking

Pakistan also has older jets still in service. The French Mirage III, once numbering 145, is now down to just 49 aircraft. Designed by Dassault Aviation, it is a single-engine fighter. While outdated compared to newer models, Pakistan continues to rely on them for certain missions. Their longevity reflects Islamabad’s efforts to keep its fleet active despite limited resources.

Mirage 5 and Chinese J-7

In addition to Mirage III, Pakistan operates 37 Mirage 5 jets, also made by Dassault, developed in the 1960s as fighter-bombers. The fleet also includes 53 Chengdu J-7s, a Chinese version of the Soviet MiG-21. These jets are lightweight and used for short-range combat, but critics say they are outdated against modern air defense systems. Still, they add numbers to Pakistan’s force.

Pakistan’s air power in spotlight

Together, these aircraft give Pakistan a mix of modern and aging fighters. While Shehbaz Sharif boasts of this fleet, critics argue maintenance and reliance on foreign suppliers remain weaknesses. The Afghan Taliban’s lack of air defense makes these strikes one-sided, but regional observers warn this could escalate tensions. Pakistan’s jets symbolize strength but also expose its dependence on allies.