The skies above Sargodha, one of Pakistan’s most strategically significant airbases, turned grim earlier this month when a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage 5 ROSE III fighter jet went down during a routine flight. The crash, which reportedly occurred on 9 September 2025, has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by air forces that continue to rely heavily on ageing combat platforms. While the PAF has maintained silence on sensitive details, multiple reports and eyewitness accounts confirm that the incident took place during a routine sortie, with technical failure and aerodynamic stall cited as possible causes.
This episode is not an isolated one. It comes against a backdrop of recurring mishaps involving vintage aircraft within the PAF inventory, particularly the Mirage series, which has been in Pakistani service for over five decades. The Sargodha crash highlights both the resilience of the PAF in keeping these machines flying and the growing risks associated with their continued use.
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| Mirage 5 |
The Mirage Legacy in Pakistan
Pakistan acquired its first Mirage III fighters from France in the 1960s, followed by Mirage 5 variants in later decades. The jets soon became central to the PAF’s offensive strike capabilities, particularly given their ability to carry a range of air-to-surface munitions. To prolong the operational life of these aircraft, Pakistan launched the ROSE programme(Retrofit of Strike Element) in the 1990s. This modernisation effort upgraded avionics, navigation systems, radar, and cockpit displays, enabling the Mirage fleet to remain relevant in the face of rapidly advancing technology.
The Mirage 5 ROSE III variant, the model involved in the Sargodha crash, is one of the most heavily modernised versions. It is even believed to be capable of carrying stand-off weapons and precision-guided munitions, giving it a strategic edge in scenarios that demand long-range strike options. Yet, despite these upgrades, the fundamental airframes of these jets are decades old. Some have been rebuilt from second-hand Mirage airframes procured from countries like Libya and Australia, underscoring the resourcefulness—but also the constraints—of the PAF.
What Happened in Sargodha?
Though the PAF has not officially disclosed full details of the crash, multiple defence watchers reported that the Mirage 5 ROSE III encountered technical difficulties shortly after take-off. Preliminary indications suggest a mid-air stall that left the pilot with little room to recover. The aircraft crashed near Chak 104, not far from Sargodha’s central air station. The area was quickly cordoned off, and recovery operations were carried out under military supervision.
Thankfully, early reports do not suggest civilian casualties, though the loss of the aircraft itself is significant. Each Mirage in the PAF inventory is not just a fighter jet but also a rare resource, carefully maintained and modernised to keep alive Pakistan’s strike capability despite budgetary constraints.
Safety Concerns with Ageing Aircraft
The crash has reignited debates about the risks of operating old fleets. Even with extensive upgrades, the Mirage remains a design conceived in the 1960s. Airframes that have endured decades of stress, high-G manoeuvres, and extreme conditions are inevitably prone to fatigue and structural wear.
This is not the first such incident. The PAF has experienced several Mirage accidents in recent years, often during training flights. While pilot skill and maintenance standards in Pakistan are generally well-regarded, there are limits to how long legacy platforms can be stretched. The fact that the Mirage fleet continues to play an active role in both training and operational readiness speaks volumes about the PAF’s reliance on them.
It is worth noting that some of the Mirage 5 ROSE III jets are reportedly configured for nuclear delivery roles, which magnifies the significance of any accident. Even if the crashed aircraft was not carrying live ordnance, the symbolic impact is considerable. Rivals and observers alike interpret such incidents not merely as isolated mishaps but as reflections of the challenges a nation faces in maintaining its deterrent posture.
The Sargodha crash therefore raises questions about how long Pakistan can sustain its reliance on the Mirage fleet. The induction of the JF-17 Thunder has provided the PAF with a more modern, cost-effective platform, yet it is unlikely to fully replace the strike role of the Mirage in the immediate future. Pakistan has also explored other acquisitions, but financial limitations and shifting geopolitical alignments have constrained its options.
The recent accident serves as a stark reminder of the fine balance air forces must maintain between operational requirements and fleet safety. For the PAF, this balance is especially delicate. On one hand, it must retain credible strike capabilities to deter adversaries and project power. On the other, it faces the risk of diminishing returns when operating aircraft that have long surpassed their original design life.
Looking ahead, Pakistan may need to accelerate plans for either phasing out the Mirage fleet or further modernising it through indigenous solutions. The country’s growing aerospace industry, spearheaded by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, could play a vital role. Nevertheless, bridging the gap between old platforms and cutting-edge replacements will remain a daunting challenge.
The crash of a Mirage 5 ROSE III near Sargodha this September is more than just an aviation accident. It is a window into the broader struggles of an air force caught between legacy dependence and the demand for modernisation. While the bravery and professionalism of PAF pilots and engineers cannot be questioned, no amount of skill can completely offset the limitations of ageing machines.
As Pakistan mourns the loss of yet another jet from its Mirage fleet, the incident underscores the urgency of charting a clearer path forward—one that balances financial realities with strategic necessities. The future of the PAF will hinge not only on how it responds to this accident but also on how decisively it moves towards a modern fleet capable of meeting the challenges of contemporary air warfare.