An aircraft alone does not and cannot make the difference, however when it is a part of a well-oiled machinery or perhaps a well-drilled system, it can punch above its weight. PAF does not rely on one type of aircraft to defend Pakistan's airspace. It relies on a combination of types/capabilities to make things challenging for its adversary.
The shiny kit syndrome aside, what makes a difference is how the hi-lo tech assets are employed and the most out of the lo tech assets is derived to support the national defense goals. This strategy and the training makes ALL the difference. There are certain "game-changer" capabilities that can turn the tide of the air campaign in ones favor. If we look back in time, these have been evolutionary and in some cases, revolutionary technologies. As an example, introduction of jet propulsion, AAMs, AWACS, BVR, and Stealth are among the more prominent ones. If an air arm is going up against another where one side has all of these and the other does not, then its a clear disadvantage.
However, in the case of Pakistan and its primary adversary, this does not apply. Both sides field platforms with capabilities of similar types/class. When the PAF fights, it fights as a system. It is looking at force multiplication to enhance its entire fleet and air defense assets. Yes numbers matter, but so do sortie rates, pilot:cockpit ratio, availability of spares (access to and indigenization of components) etc.
Armchair cynics have the easiest job in the world. They just have to lob excrement on anything and it is accepted because it "sounds" true. In most cases, it is simply a matter of putting doubt, whether it is based on facts or not does not matter. Reality is that had Pakistan realized that it could not contest the airspace against its adversary, the investments would be in a different direction. However, there is a clear understanding in the minds of the operators that we have the training, ability and also the assets to deter. An Air force that has been around for 6+ decades, through active combat, multiple operational deployments, and sanctions is not a force that will simply lie down and throw in the towel since the other side has inducted a new platform.
Where there is a will, there is a way. This has been the case with the PAF always and I see no reason for this silly, sometime comical, cynicism and pessimism. By the way, some cynicism is healthy, but the constantly on tap is outright boring!
