\\n
\\nMuch like the JF-17, Pakistan\'s fifth generation fighter is almost certain to be a light and low cost platform - more similar to the cheaper and smaller F-35 and J-31 than the J-20 and F-22. The development of a fifth generation fighter is nevertheless an unexpected and somewhat incredible feat for a country with a GDP of just $280 billion. The only countries which have embarked on fifth generation programs successfully have been the United States, China and Russia - with Japan having produced a prototype and South Korea and Turkey stalling in their own development programs. Pakistan\'s entry into the fifth generation fighter league is a significant step for the country\'s prestige, and demonstrates both the potency of its indigenous defense industries and the value of Chinese technological assistance.
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\\nIn the inaugural session of AirTech 2017, a conference held at Islamabad\'s Air University, the Pakistan Air Force\'s Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman stated that: \\\"Pakistan is engaged with Chinese experts in manufacturing the next generation aircraft. China is also providing technical assistance for launching the satellite programme.\\\" The fighter program was known as Project Azm, and was expected to significantly expand the country\'s aviation industry. The project also represents Pakistan\'s increasing independence from the United States in its defense sector amid souring relations between the two countries. With production for a fifth generation platform having been scheduled for 2022, the project\'s schedule is extremely ambitious but with Chinese technological assistance may well be possible. Project Azm is however unlikely to mitigate Pakistan\'s need for a heavy air superiority fighter to match India\'s Su-30 - as much like the F-35 and J-31 light fighters it will be unable to contend with such platform regardless of its stealth capabilities. \",\"article_featured\":true,\"article_e_choice\":false,\"article_from_contributors\":false,\"article_cover\":\"https:\\/\\/militarywatchmagazine.com\\/m\\/articles\\/2017\\/12\\/26\\/covers\\/cover_5a45e6f2888590_69805472.jpg\",\"article_cover_tag\":\"Chengdu J-20\",\"article_posted\":true,\"article_redirect\":null,\"article_cover_credit\":\"\",\"categories\":[{\"id\":10,\"category_name\":\"South Asia\",\"category_identifier\":\"south_asia\",\"category_description\":\"Coverage of military affairs in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,\\r\\n\",\"i_order\":3,\"section\":1},{\"id\":2,\"category_name\":\"Aircraft and Anti-Aircraft\",\"category_identifier\":\"aircraft_and_anti_aircraft\",\"category_description\":\"Coverage of military affairs related to aerial warfare technologies.\",\"i_order\":6,\"section\":2}],\"articles_images\":[{\"id\":395,\"article\":\"70122\",\"image\":{\"id\":495,\"link\":\"https:\\/\\/militarywatchmagazine.com\\/m\\/articles\\/2017\\/12\\/26\\/images\\/image_5a47c8c37255e9_93512628.jpg\",\"credit\":\"\"},\"tag\":\"Pakistani JF-17 Fighters\"},{\"id\":396,\"article\":\"70122\",\"image\":{\"id\":496,\"link\":\"https:\\/\\/militarywatchmagazine.com\\/m\\/articles\\/2017\\/12\\/26\\/images\\/image_5a47c8c3726620_96818428.jpg\",\"credit\":\"\"},\"tag\":\"J-31 Stealth Fighter\"},{\"id\":397,\"article\":\"70122\",\"image\":{\"id\":497,\"link\":\"https:\\/\\/militarywatchmagazine.com\\/m\\/articles\\/2017\\/12\\/26\\/images\\/image_5a47c8c37276a4_08384997.jpg\",\"credit\":\"\"},\"tag\":\"Indian Air Force Su-30MKI\"}],\"tags\":[{\"id\":651,\"tag\":\"Project Azm\"},{\"id\":413,\"tag\":\"Pakistani Air Force\"},{\"id\":652,\"tag\":\"Sino-Pakistani Military Cooperation\"},{\"id\":411,\"tag\":\"JF-17\"},{\"id\":4,\"tag\":\"J-31\"},{\"id\":412,\"tag\":\"Su-30MKI\"},{\"id\":414,\"tag\":\"Pakistani Military\"},{\"id\":5,\"tag\":\"Stealth\"}]}');