By: Sanskriti Singh, Research Analyst, GSDN
When we think about air power we may think about fighter aircraft, missiles, advanced air warfare technologies or systems. But one of the most important contributors to an air force’s operational capability is not something readily visible as a weapon or otherwise, but information. The capability to produce, process, and disseminate information quickly, efficiently, and in near-real time will usually be the determining factor on an air operation’s success. And this is often done via data link. It was with this in mind that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) understands its data link system, Link-17.
Sometimes characterized as the “digital backbone” of the PAF, Link-17 is not a fighter, or a weapon system, but an invisible link to connect all the elements of the air combat systems and their environments. Understanding what Link-17 is, the rationale for its development, and how it enhances the military defense capability of Pakistan gives us a greater perspective of warfare as it relates to modern South Asia.
What is Link-17?
Link-17 is an indigenous data link designed by Pakistan with specifications that cater to its unique operational needs. It is fundamentally a secure communication system that connects various platforms – fighter aircraft, airborne early warning systems, ground stations, and naval, in a manner that they can communicate with each other in real time.
To illustrate this concept, think of a cricket game in which players are present on the field but cannot listen to the captain. In a cricket game, every player may have talent, but without being ‘captained’ and coordinated, run as a functioning team. Link-17 is the voice of the captain and ensures that all the “players” in the air battle – the pilots, the command centre, the radars and the ground and support units, know what’s going on and execute their next moves together in the moment.
Before Link-17, Pakistan used to depend partly on imported data link systems and partly on less integrated communication strategies. However, modern day warfare prompted Pakistan to develop a secure, bespoke solution that was uniquely thwarts development and minimized chances of jamming or interception. Link-17 was to be that solution.
How Does Link-17 work in the PAF?
Link-17 connects all significant aerial assets of the Pakistan Air Force into one network. This article will describe the role of Link-17 in simple terms.
Fighter Jets: Fighter jets like the JF-17 Thunder, F-16s, and Mirage III/5 (upgraded) can instantly transition information to each other about enemy aircraft whereabouts, or where newly reported radar coverage, and missile threats are located. Where the fighter jets might be limited to talking on a radio (which can be slow, and intercepted), Link-17 would be able to pass data produced from the fighter jets in a digital environment, and securely.
Airborne Early Warning and Control: The Pakistan Air Force has the majority of airborne vigilance in terms of airborne early warning on the Saab Erieye and ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle. Unlike traditional airborne radars, these advanced technologies assimilate data while they are providing airborne address recognition, staying well out of reach of ground-based radar systems. With Link-17 if the situational awareness picture of these airborne positions is sent directly and instantaneously into the cockpits of fighter jets, they will be able to have increased awareness of the air battle.
Ground Command and Control: With Link-17, ground command and control (ground-based operations rooms) will be able to track the entire air battle, share inputs for pilots and make new strategies mid-air.
Joint Operations: Thinking more futuristically, Link-17 could standardize for naval assets, and army units which should allow for future joint mission pre-planning, where all of Pakistan’s military branches communicated in real time.
Technical Features in Simple Language
So, in summary, here are the main features that make Link-17 such a potent system without getting lost in unnecessary jargon.
Secure Messaging: Whatever you say over Link-17 is encrypted, so it is extremely difficult for a potential enemy to listen in or deny your ability to use the link.
Real-Time Data Sharing: Any information from the enemy aircraft position, speed, altitude, and movement is forwarded in real-time.
Scalable: Link-17 can expand to add new platforms as they enter service into Pakistan’s inventory.
Interoperable: Link-17 was specifically designed to be used, for the first time, in both Western-exchange aircraft and Chinese-origin aircraft, especially important given the diversity of the PAF.
Comparison: Link-17 vs. Link-16
It is understandable to look to comparison: how does Pakistan’s Link-17 stack up against the more well-known NATO network, Link-16?
Link-16 is older, in common use by US and allies, and tested in literally millions of operations. Link-16 is one of the purported gold standards of tactical data links.
Link-17 as a newer and untested system, is developed in consideration of Pakistan’s geography, strategic requirements, and mix of aircraft.
One main benefit for Pakistan is that independence is an option. In the event of a falling out of relations with NATO, NATO countries could deny access to Link-16, or withhold upgrades and added features. Link-17 is self-reliant and thus will not be vulnerable to this (albeit unlikely) scenario. Let it be noted that Link-17 may not (yet) have the extent of the worldwide exchange that Link-16 allows, but for regional assessments, it should provide more than adequate capability.
Strategic Importance in South Asia
The incorporation of Link-17 is more than a technological advancement—it carries strategic significance in the security environment of South Asia. In the event of warfare with India, information dominance would be key—the side that is able to “see first, decide first, act first” will be the side which prevails. Link-17 provides for Pakistan to close that gap.
It enhances Pakistan’s ability to wage Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements, where pilots may not even see the enemy aircraft with their eyes—but have data and radars to direct munitions from much greater distances.
It also increases survivability, as multiple assets can warn each other of threats such as enemy missiles and offers an increased potential to avoid surprise. Put simply, Link-17 magnifies the value of each aircraft in the PAF, allowing for the effective coordinated use of even older jets.
Challenges and Limitations
No system is without imperfections, and Link-17 has similar issues:
Cyber Security Risks: This includes the risk of adversaries hacking, or operations in the space of electronic warfare or hacking.
Dependency on integration: Each platform in the PAF must inter-operate for Link-17 to reach its potential. This is progressively more difficult as there may be older aircraft, that need enhancements costing significant resources.
Continuous Modernization: Technology is changing daily, and Link-17 must change. It can’t stand still while its adversaries keep improving capabilities.
The Road Ahead: Future of Link-17
Link-17 will undoubtedly have increased relevance in the coming years, as Pakistan moves towards 5th generation warfare. Future developments could include:
Integration with drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), greater integration with naval and ground forces for true joint operations and enhanced integration of artificial intelligence to filter and organize vast quantities of data emanating from the battlefield.
It is clear that as we learn more about Pakistan’s current work on next-generation fighter projects and the growth and expansion of its drone fleet, Link-17 will be the invisible glue that connects these capabilities into an enormous operational force.
Conclusion
Air power has moved beyond just the fastest jet or a lethal missile. Information is power in the modern battlefield. The Pakistan Air Force’s Link-17 system proves this. By creating a secure, indigenous data link with the Chinese help, it has given its pilots and commanders a tool that could matter greatly in any future conflict.
Despite Pakistan Air Force possessing Link-17, during the 88-hour India-Pakistan Conflict in May 2025, about 20% of the PAF infrastructure was destroyed by the Indian Air Force. Pakistan needs to have a relook into its much-touted Link-17.
