On 14 August, as the country celebrated Independence Day, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) quietly unveiled something that could help in redefining its future combat strategy — a drone concept named Al-Murtajiz.
Though displayed only briefly before being removed, the model sparked widespread interest and speculation among defense analysts and enthusiasts alike.
PAF officials shared little about its specifications, but hinted at its multipurpose nature. As per the initial descriptions, Al-Murtajiz is envisioned as a ground-launched drone capable of intercepting subsonic cruise missiles, carrying out kamikaze strikes, and potentially taking on other specialized missions.
Design Hints and Early Speculation
The model on display appeared to be a low-detail prototype, but still offered important clues. Its narrow, foldable wings, turbojet-style inlet, and sleek low-observable body suggested a design meant for both speed and stealth. Defense watchers quickly associated it to broader trends in modern air forces — the move toward Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Under this doctrine, drones are paired with piloted aircraft to increase battlefield effectiveness. They can be deployed first to absorb enemy fire or probe contested areas, permitting crewed fighters to strike with lower risk.
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Following Global Airpower Trends
The PAF has long signaled its intention to adopt MUM-T, a strategy that powers like China and the United States are already advancing.
In fact, the Air Force’s semi-official publication Second to None outlines an ambitious future for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including roles in stealth operations, electronic warfare, and even air-to-air combat.
Given the costs of next-generation fighter jets, analysts believe Pakistan will follow a blended approach — using crewed aircraft as command hubs while deploying jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) for frontline missions.
More Than Just a Prototype
However, it is still not certain whether Al-Murtajiz will move into production, its unveiling on Independence Day carried symbolic weight. It depicted that the PAF is thinking ahead, not only about defending its skies but reshaping the very way air combat is fought.
The drone could evolve into a versatile platform if it is developed more — from acting as a decoy to delivering precision strikes or jamming enemy radars. For now, Al-Murtajiz stands as a glimpse of Pakistan’s intent to stay aligned with global shifts in air warfare, where manned and unmanned systems will fight side by side.