Pakistan’s security landscape is set to be profoundly altered with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announcing the creation of its own dedicated air force, slated for full operational status by the end of 2026. This ambitious plan includes a broader organizational overhaul, with new appointments to key military zone positions, including Ehsanullah EP for the Southern Zone and Hilal Ghazi for the Central Zone. The centerpiece of these changes is the establishment of an air wing under the leadership of Saleem Haqqani.
The TTP’s air force will concentrate on advanced quadcopter drone technology, an area they have actively developed and employed, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The group has already conducted a significant number of drone strikes, with over 54 recorded this year in regions like North Waziristan and Bannu. These attacks, which have targeted civilians and police, utilized modified commercial drones. The formal air force unit signifies a move towards more sophisticated and coordinated aerial assaults.
The implications of a terrorist organization possessing an air force are vast. The TTP’s ability to procure military-grade drones is a major concern, especially given historical reports suggesting that Pakistan’s military has supplied advanced weaponry to various militant groups. It is plausible that such advanced drones could be supplied through clandestine networks, potentially using routes through Afghanistan or illicit international markets.
Amidst this escalating threat, the Pakistani army has faced scrutiny for its engagement in commercial manufacturing. Reports have surfaced detailing the production of civilian goods, such as biscuits and detergents, by military-affiliated entities. This commercial focus has drawn criticism as a potential distraction from the urgent need to counter the growing capabilities of extremist groups. As the TTP articulates its ambitions for greater control, their nascent air force represents a critical new dimension to the ongoing conflict, potentially shifting the battlefield to the air.