Air Doctrine: Applicability in Next-Generation Warfare for Pakistan Air Force

The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a seminar on 25 February 2025 titled “Air Doctrine: Applicability in Next-Generation Warfare for PAF.” The seminar explored the impact of emerging technologies, strategic alignments, and doctrinal shifts critical to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in an evolving South Asian security landscape. Dr Air Commodore Naveed Khaliq Ansaree (Retd), Director Aerospace & Warfare at CASS Lahore, delivered the introductory remarks, stressing the urgent need for the PAF to adapt to technological advancements and regional developments, particularly in response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernisation efforts. He highlighted that under the dynamic leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF is rapidly modernising to maintain air power balance and prepare for future conflicts.

 

Dr Adil Sultan as first speaker addressed the critical role of emerging technologies in shaping modern warfare and national security. He emphasised that Pakistan must proactively adapt to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cyberspace, quantum technology, space, and autonomous systems. He highlighted how once-fictional concepts—such as human-machine integration—are becoming a reality, citing U.S. military research into bionic implants and autonomous systems. He also raised ethical and legal concerns surrounding these technologies, particularly regarding AI’s role in military decision-making and nuclear command and control. Moreover, the speaker discussed the dual nature of cyberspace, both as an asset and vulnerability, disruptive potential of quantum technologies and AI-driven drones, which could render traditional military assets obsolete, and increasing the militarisation of space, where private companies are now significant players. Concluding his address, the speaker urged Pakistan to invest in emerging technologies, integrate advanced IT professionals into its defence sector, and modernise its military doctrine. He cautioned that failure to act swiftly could leave Pakistan trailing behind regional competitors like India, which is actively incorporating these technologies into its defence strategy.

 

The second speaker, Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan focused on the importance of an adaptive air doctrine that aligns with technological advancements. He opened with a historical perspective, referencing Giulio Douhet, an early air power theorist whose revolutionary ideas shaped modern air doctrines. He stressed that anticipating change is crucial—not just in warfare but in all aspects of strategy. He discussed key aspects of modern air warfare, including the growing role of AI, cyber capabilities, and autonomous systems. He emphasised the need to balance human decision-making with technological advancements, ensuring that innovation enhances rather than replaces strategic thinking. He also highlighted the importance of indigenisation, referencing initiatives such as Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). Additionally, he addressed the budgetary and operational challenges faced by modern air forces, stressing that a capability-focused approach is more effective than relying solely on fleet size. Comparing PAF’s doctrine with the IAF’s evolving strategy, he noted the IAF’s emphasis on offensive operations and partnerships with Western allies, underscoring the need for PAF to modernise while maintaining its professional strengths. Air Marshal Moeed outlined three key areas for PAF’s developmental strategy. First, information superiority, highlighting the growing importance of data, intelligence, and electromagnetic spectrum management in modern warfare. Second, agile combat employment, focusing on enhancing flexibility to operate effectively in multi-domain environments. Third, advanced combat training, advocating the use of AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) to optimise pilot training while managing costs. He concluded by emphasising the need for a more adaptive approach to military education, calling for a greater focus on critical thinking and innovation to complement conventional operational training.

 

The third speaker, Air Vice Marshal Nasser ul Haq Wyne, discussed the evolving dynamics of air doctrine in South Asia, shaped by technological advancements and shifting geopolitical realities. He noted that while air forces traditionally played a supporting role in ground operations, the rise of AI, autonomous systems, hypersonic weapons, and cyber warfare is positioning air power as a decisive force in modern conflicts. He highlighted India’s transition towards Multi-Domain Operations (MDOs), which integrate air, space, cyber, and electronic warfare, while Pakistan is focusing on an asymmetric strategy, strengthening its unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, and electronic warfare to counter India’s advancements. Discussing doctrinal shifts, he compared India’s 2022 Air Doctrine—expanding into space and cyber domains with counter-space capabilities and civil-military fusion in space—to Pakistan’s more constrained position in space, hypersonic defence, and electronic warfare. He stressed the need for Pakistan to adapt its doctrine to maintain strategic balance. He also explored potential conflict scenarios, particularly grey-zone provocations and limited conflicts, where control over airspace and digital frontiers could prove decisive. To remain competitive, he underscored the importance of modernising across multiple fronts, including doctrine, organisation, training, and leadership. The speaker emphasised the adoption of next-generation technologies such as hypersonic systems, AI-driven warfare, and electronic combat capabilities, along with the development of a specialised workforce trained in emerging technologies. Strengthening international collaborations, he added, would be essential for Pakistan to stay at the forefront of aerospace warfare. He concluded by noting that future air warfare in South Asia will be shaped by speed, secrecy, and satellite dominance. As both India and Pakistan navigate a rapidly changing technological and strategic landscape, prudent doctrinal adaptations and modernisation efforts will be critical in ensuring air power effectiveness in the region.

 

In the interactive session, speakers highlighted Pakistan’s strategic response to India’s military advancements, emphasising targeted investment in critical technologies over direct competition. Indigenous efforts were noted for bridging technological gaps and reducing reliance on external controls. While alliances were acknowledged, caution was advised against over-dependence. A shift towards multi-domain operations and integrated strategies was emphasised to maintain effectiveness. The need to prioritise essential security concerns over a reactive approach was stressed, with emerging technologies seen as key to bridging capability gaps. Investment in indigenous research, particularly in space and anti-satellite warfare, was urged for long-term security.

 

In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President CASS Lahore, highlighted the evolving nature of PAF’s doctrine, rooted in deterrence, precision engagement, and operational flexibility. He emphasised the necessity of air dominance, PAF’s modernisation under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and advancements in AESA radar, BVR capabilities, and electronic warfare. He stressed the importance of world-class training, strategic autonomy with platforms like the J-10C and J-35, and investments in AI, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems. He reaffirmed PAF’s role as a guardian of national sovereignty, committed to innovation and operational excellence in next-generation warfare.