In the midst of Pakistan’s recent tensions with India, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed a number of key details about its capabilities.
Details on new ground-based air defence systems (GBAD), new-generation munitions for the JF-17 Block-III, and the evolving composition and growing role of its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet underscore a multi-pronged strategy.
The PAF’s strategy appears focused on developing a more layered air defence network, enhancing the combat effectiveness of its fighter fleet, and leveraging unmanned systems for increasingly complex roles, such as long-range strikes.
PAF Reveals FD-2000 SAM Induction
A notable development is the confirmed addition of the FD-2000 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to the PAF’s inventory.
This system joins the previously inducted HQ-9BE very long-range SAM (reportedly offering 260-280 km reach) and the HQ-16FE medium-to-long-range SAM (160 km range).
The FD-2000 is the export version of an early variant of the HQ-9, offering a range of 125 km. Interestingly, Pakistan had expressed interest in the system in the mid-2000s, but it did not acquire the system.
The integration of the FD-2000 is notable for its role in densifying the PAF’s GBADS. Its shorter range fills a range coverage tier below the HQ-16FE, contributing to a multi-layered network with overlapping engagement zones.
