The Pakistan Air Force has revealed a new combat drone concept called “Al-Murtajiz,” highlighting the country’s growing focus on unmanned aerial capabilities for both offensive and defensive operations. The drone, briefly displayed during Independence Day celebrations before being withdrawn, represents a major step in Pakistan’s efforts to develop indigenous drone technology and modernize its air force.
Al-Murtajiz is designed for a variety of missions, including intercepting cruise missiles, conducting high-impact strikes, and carrying out so-called “suicidal” operations. While specific technical details have not been released, officials emphasized the drone’s operational flexibility as a key advantage. This aligns with the wider aim of shifting away from a heavy reliance on traditional piloted aircraft in favor of agile, unmanned systems.
Experts observed that the drone features a turbojet air inlet, narrow foldable wings, and a stealth-oriented body. These design choices are intended to reduce the drone’s visibility to radar and enable more cost-effective production. Defense analysts believe Al-Murtajiz could play a central role in future “manned-unmanned teaming” operations, in which drones work alongside piloted fighter jets to enhance mission survivability and allow deeper penetration into contested airspace.
The Pakistan Air Force’s military journal has repeatedly underscored the importance of integrating unmanned systems, outlining potential applications for drones in air-to-air combat, loitering attack missions, stealth incursions, and electronic warfare. By embracing this technology, the air force hopes to build a force that is both advanced and economical, especially as the expense of acquiring new crewed aircraft continues to rise.
This approach mirrors recent developments in Chinese military doctrine, which favors the use of drone swarms coordinated by manned aircraft to overwhelm enemy defenses and carry out precise attacks. While it is not yet clear whether Al-Murtajiz will enter mass production, its unveiling suggests a new era for Pakistan’s air capabilities, with an emphasis on homegrown unmanned systems that can serve as decoys, loitering munitions, and electronic countermeasure platforms in the battles of the future.
