The event focused on how emerging technologies and evolving regional dynamics are reshaping the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) doctrine and operational strategy. Dr Air Commodore Naveed Khaliq Ansaree (Retd) opened the session by highlighting the urgency of adapting to technological and regional developments, especially in light of India’s defence advancements. Dr Adil Sultan stressed the importance of embracing AI, quantum tech, and cyberspace while addressing the ethical challenges they pose. Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan called for a flexible, technology-driven doctrine focusing on information superiority, agile combat, and advanced training. Air Vice Marshal Nasser ul Haq Wyne discussed South Asia’s shifting air power balance, advocating for asymmetric strategies and doctrinal reform to counter India’s Multi-Domain Operations. The interactive session emphasised targeted investments, indigenous innovation, and reduced reliance on foreign partners. In closing, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd) reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to strategic autonomy, modernisation, and maintaining air dominance in the face of next-generation warfare.
Seminar
Air Doctrine: Applicability in Next-Generation Warfare for Pakistan Air Force
25 February 2025
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, held a seminar titled “Air Doctrine: Applicability in Next-Generation Warfare for PAF” on 25 February 2025. The event explored how technological advancements, strategic alignments, and evolving doctrines are shaping the future of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in a changing South Asia.
About The Event
Key Takeaways
- AI, Autonomous Systems & Hyper-Wars
The fusion of AI, cyber operations, and autonomous systems is reshaping warfare, enabling rapid decision-making with minimal human oversight. Nations that integrate AI-driven combat systems and UCAVs will gain a strategic edge, but the speed and autonomy of these technologies also heighten escalation risks and ethical concerns. - Quantum Technology’s Military Implications
Quantum advancements could revolutionise warfare by enabling GPS-independent navigation, ultra-secure communication, and enhanced cyber warfare capabilities, potentially undermining adversaries’ digital infrastructure. - Space as a Strategic Battleground
Control of low-Earth orbits is emerging as a crucial military objective, akin to historical struggles for control over strategic landmasses. This has implications for surveillance, missile defence, and communication networks. - Shift from Material to Intellectual Mass
Future conflicts will prioritise intellectual resources—such as quantum engineers, software specialists, and data scientists—over traditional military assets like tanks and aircraft. - PAF’s Shift to a Supported Role
As modern warfare evolves, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is transitioning from a supporting role to a supported role. This shift underscores the increasing reliance on air forces for strategic dominance across multiple domains. - IAF’s Shifting Doctrine & Theatre Command Challenges
The IAF seeks to adopt a more offensive and expansive doctrine, integrating airpower into joint operations. However, friction with other services, particularly over theatre commands, will remain a major impediment to complete military integration. - Capability Gaps & Strategic Priorities
India’s advanced programmes, including hypersonic and sophisticated space initiatives, have created a critical capability gap for Pakistan. National-level efforts are required to bridge this gap and strengthen strategic capabilities. - Electromagnetic Spectrum Control
Maintaining control over the electromagnetic spectrum is crucial for strategic advantage. Even if complete control is unattainable, ensuring its availability for one’s operations remains essential.
Policy Considerations
- Investment in Emerging Technologies
Pakistan must prioritise national resources to develop emerging technologies. Moving beyond a military-centric approach, the country must leverage its commercial sector to bridge the technological gap with other nations. - Transformation into an Aerospace Power
Transforming the PAF from an air-centric force to an aerospace power is not a choice—it is an imperative. The PAF must adopt a holistic modernisation strategy aligned with the DOTMPLF framework, ensuring its evolution from an air-centric force to a cutting-edge aerospace power. - Capability Vs Numbers
The focus should not solely be on numbers but on leveraging niche and disruptive technologies to offset any numerical disadvantages. - Agile and Specialised Force Structure
The PAF must adopt agile teams, streamline command structures, and integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance flexibility and responsiveness. Simultaneously, recruitment should prioritise expertise in advanced domains to ensure a mission-ready force. - Advanced Training through AI & Simulations
Training programmes should incorporate AI-driven real-time simulations, VR, and AR technologies to enhance combat readiness and ensure continuous skill development. - Interoperability with Allies and Partners
The PAF must establish aligned frameworks with allied forces, addressing language, communication, and procedural differences to enable effective collaboration in joint operations. - Jointness between Armed Forces
Greater synergy between the PAF, Army, and Navy is crucial for seamless joint operations. Given the interconnected nature of future battlefields, the armed forces should foster a culture that enhances coordination across all domains.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive report capturing expert analyses, strategic insights, key recommendations, media coverage, and event highlights.
Guest Speakers
Dr Adil Sultan
Dean Faculty of Aerospace & Strategic Studies
Dr Adil Sultan is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies at Air University Islamabad. He holds a Ph D in Defence and Strategic Studies, from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. He is a former director at CASS, Islamabad. He was previously a Director at the Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs branch, and at the Policy, Doctrine and Strategy branch of the Strategic Plans Division.
Dr Adil served Pakistan Air Force for 31 years, rising to the rank of an Air Commodore. He has been a Post-Doc Research Fellow at the Centre for Science and Security Studies, King’s College London, UK, as well as a visiting research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies London, UK and the Stimson Centre in Washington. He has authored the book titled Universalizing Nuclear Non-proliferation Norms: A Regional Framework for the South Asian Nuclear Weapon States.
Dr Adil Sultan educated the audience on the topic “Impact of Emerging Technologies on Next-Generation Warfare.”
Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan HI (M), (Retd)
Vice Chancellor, Air University, Islamabad
Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan is currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Air University, Islamabad. He was commissioned in GD (P) branch of Pakistan Air Force in 1989. He is a graduate of the Combat Commanders’ School, and Air War College, Karachi as well as Air War College, Alabama, United States. He holds Masters in Strategic Studies. He held several portfolios as senior officer, which includes Director General Security, and Welfare & Rehabilitation as well as Air Operations. He has been Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Air Defence) as well as (Operations).
Air Marshal’s command, staff and leadership experience includes commanding a Fighter Squadron, a Military Training Wing, Combat Commanders’ School Mushaf, Commandant College of Flying Training PAF Academy Asghar Khan, and Air Officer Commanding, Northern Air Command. For his outstanding contributions to Pakistan Air Force, he has been honoured with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Miltary), in addition to Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).
Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan educated the audience on the topic “Airpower Doctrine and the Developmental Strategy for the Pakistan Air Force.”
Air Vice Marshal Nasser ul Haq Wynn, SI (M), (Retd)
Director Aerospace & Warfare CASS, Islamabad
Air Vice Marshal Nasser ul Haq Wyne SI (M), (Retd) is currently serving as the Director of Aerospace & Warfare at CASS Islamabad. He is a graduate of PAF Air War College and National Defence University and an alumnus of Harvard University. His operational experience includes commanding a Fighter Squadron, Flying Wing, and an Air Base. He has served as an Instructor Pilot with the Sri Lankan Air Force. He has also been a faculty member at the Flying Instructors’ School, Combat Commanders’ School, and PAF Air War College Throughout his career, he has held key staff positions, including Secretary to the Chief of Air Staff and Inspector General Air Force. In recognition of his exceptional service to the Pakistan Air Force, he has been awarded with Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military). AVM Nasser Wyne educated the audience on the topic “Doctrinal Shift in the Aerial Warfare in South Asia”.
Event Chair
AM Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President CASS Lahore
Event Coordinator
Dr Air Commodore Naveed Khaliq Ansaree TI(M), (Retd)
Director Aerospace & Warfare CASS, Lahore
Master of The Ceremony
Nida Khattak
Research Assistant
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
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