Pakistan’s 5th generation fighter

In a recent interview, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, present Chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex has referred to Pakistan’s 5th gen fighter programme (Azm, which means ‘Great’, ‘High in Dignity’ in Arabic). Even as the PAC is responsible for its design & development, concept studies and preliminary design are ongoing. It is claimed that detailed design will follow before building of prototypes and the entire programme would be in three phases, each lasting around two years. It is anticipated that first flight is aimed for 2028 even as PAC are in discussion with “international partners” to join the programme. (The image above purporting to be the Azm is from the internet).