No bar on use of new F-16s, says air chief
Link:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=3191
No bar on use of new F-16s, says air chief
By Mayed Ali
ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed has said there is no bar on the operational employment of the new F-16s Pakistan intends to acquire from the US under the proposed deal.
In an exclusive interview with The News panel, the Air Chief Marshal made it clear that the US authorities had not imposed any restriction on the operational capability of the Fighting Falcons Pakistan would purchase from the US. “We will be fully empowered to use our platforms wherever we want and however we want.”
The News panel comprised Salim Bokhari, Mayed Ali and Naeem Tahir. He said the PAF would use the F-16s for all sorts of defensive and offensive sorties, carrying all conventional weaponry in its inventory.
The air chief set aside the apprehensions attached to the possible deal with the US in this regard.
As for arrival of the US personnel, he explained that this was not something surprising or a new phenomenon. The US personnel had also come along with the F-104 Starfighters in 1960s and F-16s in 1983. The same was true for other nations like France and China, who had sent their skilled personnel with the consignments of Mirage III and F-6 (Mig-19) and F-7 P and PGs (Mig-21s) for providing technical assistance to the PAF during the early days of induction.
He said the US wouldn’t want the technology transfer to any other country, especially those working in cooperation with Pakistan in the field of defence. Tanvir was all praise for the F-16s, Block 52 versions and the upgraded midlife platforms.
He looked forward to smooth completion of the deal.
He believed the induction of latest Fighting Falcons would give an instant lift to the PAF capabilities in defending its territorial integrity. He firmly believed the induction of these planes would balance the skies in the subcontinent. Highlighting the features of the new F-16s, he explained that the relatively bigger aircraft (Block 52) has a more powerful engine with more thrust, more fuel carrying capacity along with air-to-air refuelling capacity, more hard points with more loading capacity, long-range radar, very effective avionics, laser, and ECM pods. The aircraft would also have recce cameras, night-vision capability, smart weaponry, including BVR missiles (AMRAAM), sidewinders, and other smart ammunition. The air chief was of the opinion that the Fighting Falcons would help the PAF grow into future, giving the air force the liberty to take on the threats in the air, over land and sea, day or night in all weather conditions.
Since the aircraft would not need extended logistic arrangements as these were already in operation in the country, it would give the PAF extra financial liberty for upgrading other equipment on the ground.
The air chief was also enthusiastic about the induction of SAAB Erieye Airborne Early Warning System (AWACS) platforms, which would become a force-multiplier. He believed the Erieye was as good as the Phalcon radar platforms with better agility, courtesy the SAAB 2000 aircraft.
In addition to this, the PAF is also awaiting the delivery of air-to-air refuelling system. The air chief hinted at acquisition of platforms from Ukraine. He also informed that the PAF was working on a pilot project for upgrading some existing aircraft for the purpose of aerial refuelling.
Once these aircraft got the capability, these would be integrated with the fleet of fuel-tankers. The success of this programme would help the PAF move forward, he said. The air chief was of the view that since air combat and superiority is becoming the name of the game in the modern-day warfare, the PAF has to be equipped and upgraded accordingly. In a world where air-land strategy is taking over from the conventional mode of war, the PAF should have the required technology and workforce to meet future challenges.
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Another version. This time from a responsible person, the PAF Chief, who is quite satisfied with the deal. He rejected the apprehensions regarding operational capabilities of would-be inducted Falcons.
