Khalid Minhas, Diplomatic Wire
The global spotlight is firmly fixed on Pakistan’s defense capabilities and strategic partnerships this week, following a significant report submitted to the US Congress and a high-profile presence at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The confluence of these events validates the operational readiness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and provides a major boost to the country’s indigenous defense exports.
I. US Congress Report Cites Pakistan’s ‘Military Success’ with Chinese Weapons
A new annual report submitted to the US Congress by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) has sent ripples through regional capitals, affirming Pakistan’s “military success” over India during the brief but intense four-day conflict in May this year.
The USCC report focuses sharply on the role of Beijing, stating that the Pakistani military’s gains showcased Chinese-supplied weaponry and served as a valuable “test and promote” opportunity for China’s expanding defense industry.
Key findings highlighted by the USCC include:
- Combat Debut for Modern Systems: The report noted the May clash was the first active combat use of China’s modern systems by the PAF, including the HQ-9 air defense system, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and J-10 fighter aircraft. The USCC characterized this as a “real-world field experiment” for China.
- Intelligence Leverage: The report drew attention to allegations that Pakistan “reportedly leveraged Chinese intelligence” and cited New Delhi’s claims of China providing “live inputs on Indian military positions” throughout the crisis—allegations that Pakistan denied.
- Market Promotion: China has aggressively capitalized on the report’s assessment, with its embassies “hail[ing] the successes of its systems” to bolster weapons sales. This included allegations of a disinformation campaign aimed at hindering sales of French Rafale jets in favour of China’s own J-35 fifth-generation fighter, which was reportedly offered to Pakistan in June.
The findings underscore the deepening security relationship between Islamabad and Beijing, which, according to the USCC, is “compounding [China’s] own security tensions with India.”
II. JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushak Star at Dubai Airshow 2025
Simultaneously, Pakistan is showcasing its indigenous defense advancements at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, is leading a high-level military delegation. The Airshow provides a critical international platform to validate the operational capabilities recognized in the USCC report.
The Pakistan Air Force’s presence is centered on two key aircraft, both products of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra:
A. JF-17 Thunder Block-III
The JF-17, a multirole fighter jet, is the star attraction, performing daily aerobatic flying displays and sitting in the static area alongside a full weapons complement.
- Combat Validation: The USCC’s mention of the successful combat deployment of Chinese-linked systems provides an immediate, real-world validation of the JF-17’s performance and supporting weapons technology for potential international buyers.
- Strategic Advantage: The aircraft is being marketed as a cost-effective, unsanctionable, and combat-proven alternative to more expensive Western jets, giving PAC Kamra a significant edge in competitive defense markets.
B. MFI-17 Super Mushak
The robust MFI-17 Super Mushak trainer aircraft is also part of the static display. Widely used for basic flight training by several international air forces, its reliable presence underscores Pakistan’s capability in producing not just combat aircraft but also essential support and training platforms for global export.
The presence of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu further emphasizes the importance the PAF places on defense collaboration and boosting the export potential of its aerospace industry assets.
Khalid Minhas | Editor, Diplomatic Wire
A veteran journalist with three decades of comprehensive experience, Khalid Minhas has covered politics and international relations in depth throughout his career. He has also contributed to academia, teaching journalism and mass communication as a visiting faculty member at various universities in Pakistan. He holds an M.Phil in Mass Communication and is currently a Ph.D research scholar pursuing advanced studies in the field. He is also the author of the book America, Israel aur Islam, providing insightful analysis on the subject.
