Seminar
Next Generation Air Warfare: Transforming South-Asian Air Forces
June 27, 2024
The seminar explored emerging military technologies and their impact on South Asian air forces. Experts discussed AI, UAVs, cyber warfare, and space power, emphasising strategic adaptation and modernisation for the PAF.
Key Takeaways
Global competition in emerging technologies, especially AI, is reshaping power dynamics, with major investments by the US and China driving the race for dominance. Modern warfare is increasingly defined by dual-use innovations, intelligent systems like AI-guided UAVs, and hybrid strategies blending kinetic and non-kinetic tactics. Recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine, highlight rapid advancements in drone warfare and next-gen fighter technology.
Policy Considerations
To stay ahead in future air warfare, policies should prioritise investment in emerging technologies, support dual-use innovation, and strengthen collaboration between defence, academia, and industry. Doctrines must adapt to hybrid warfare, while regional preparedness should be enhanced through cooperation and planning.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive overview featuring key insights, expert discussions, and strategic takeaways from the event.
Explore speaker highlights, recommendations, media coverage, and event photographs.
Guest Speakers
Air Cdre Khalid Banuri (Retd)
Senior Advisor, Project Phoenix/ Jinnah Centre for Character & Leadership (JCCL), Islamabad
Air Cdre Khalid Banuri (Retd) is currently Senior Advisor Training for Project Phoenix of PAF. He holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University as well as Kings College London, UK. He is also a graduate of the PAF Air War College and UK’s Joint Services Command and Staff College. He regularly teaches at Quaid-e-Azam and Air University on various subjects of Defence and Strategy. He was the first Director General of Arms Control & Disarmament Affairs Branch and also an Advisor on Arms Control and diplomacy at the Strategic Plans Division.
Air Cdre Banuri served in PAF for 33 years, as a fighter pilot and flight instructor, flying an assortment of aircraft including F-16s. He is a former fellow of The Henry L Stimson Centre, Washington DC, and has been decorated with a Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-e-Imtiaz for policy analysis.
Dr Ghulam Mujaddid
Assistant Professor, SS Dept, NDU Islamabad
Dr Ghulam Mujaddid currently teaches at the Department of Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad. He holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad. He has previously been a faculty member at the PAF Air War College. Additionally, he has been the Head of Department of Strategic and Nuclear Studies at National Defence University and Dean of Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies at Air University, Islamabad.
Dr Mujaddid served in PAF for 33 years as a fighter pilot, rising to the rank of Air Commodore. He is a former fellow of The Henry L Stimson Centre, Washington DC. He has authored the book titled “State-society conflict in Pakistan: A psychosocial perspective”. He has also been awarded Tamgha-e-Basalat by the president of Pakistan for his services.
Dr Adil Sultan
Dean FASS, Air University Islamabad
Dr Adil Sultan is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies at Air University, Islamabad. He holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. He was previously a Director at the Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs branch, and at the Policy, Doctrine and Strategy (PDS) branch of the Strategic Plans Division. He was also a Director at CASS, Islamabad. He served in PAF for 31 years, rising to the rank of Air Commodore. Dr Sultan has been a Post-Doc Research Fellow at the Centre for Science and Security Studies, King’s College London, UK, as well as a Visiting Research Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, UK, and the Stimson Centre in Washington. He has authored the book titled “Universalising Nuclear Non-proliferation Norms: A Regional Framework for the South Asian Nuclear Weapon State.
CASS Speakers
Ms Nidaa Shahid
Senior Researcher, CASS
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President, CASS, Lahore
Master of the Ceremony
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
