EXPORT POTENTIAL OF PAKISTAN’S MILITARY AVIATION: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

The expansion of military aviation, which is being driven by increased spending on defence and advanced technology, is expected to grow further in the coming years. In this transition, acquiring self-reliance and indigenisation in national defence and military aviation production is a major step towards enhancing the country’s strategic edge, national security and economic growth. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is spearheading the Pakistan’s military aviation efforts. The JF-17 Thunder fighter is a game-changer for the industry with encouraging signs of potential exports. The primary objective of the study is to analyse the potential of Pakistan’s military aviation in light of both challenges and prospects, based on the overall aerospace capabilities of Pakistan. Using David Ricardo’s Comparative Advantage theory, this paper presents a case study of Pakistan’s JF-17 export potential while considering its cost and operational effectiveness. This study indicates the challenges including geopolitical risks and economic constraints, and concludes with recommendations on how Pakistan can expand its export market base, build a stronger economy to facilitate its military aviation ecosystem, define the role of government and geopolitical considerations to fully realise the export possibilities of its military aviation industry and strengthen its position in the global defence market.