Pakistan Air Force [PAF] News and Discussions

[a.rahman]

The link is:



PAF gets fighter squadron

ISLAMABAD, April 19: A new fighter squadron “No 27 Tactical Attack Squadron” was added to the Pakistan Air Force at a ceremony held at the PAF Base, Rafiqui (Shorkot), on Thursday.

The squadron would be equipped with modernised Mirages, specialised in night attack role, said a press release issued here.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, Chief of the Air Staff, was the chief guest at the ceremony.

He congratulated personnel of the squadron and the PAF on the achievement.

“The specialist night strike role of the squadron directly augments Pakistan’s war potential, as night fighting capability becomes an indispensable element in the present day air warfare,” he said.

The squadron personnel are called “Zarrars”, named after Hazrat Zarrar Bin Al Azwar, the favourite lieutenant of Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid.—APP
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Another good news for the PAF.

Pakistan Prime Minister is already on China visit these days, and some important agreements would be signed including the procurement/ joint ventures in the defence field. This would particularly help the PAF in upgrading/ modernising the fleet, and the related equipment.

Ex-Pakistani Air force pilot Mr. Mudark said on defence .pk

Pakistan Air Force had planes to raise 2 new Fighter squadrons they were
No27 and No29. No27 is ready at rafiqui ,No 29 will take couple of years.
27 squadron is equipped with ROSE-3 upgraded Mirages. Excellent in Night flying.

 

[ahussains]

Making new squadrons by old planes of other squadrons at least we have to get some 60 new jets soon in 2 years of time :unknown

 

[uaf]

Hi guyz here is the latest Update on purchase of F-16. Another leap forward.

It seems everything is going according to prescribed terms of contract I hope it will not be hinder by another round of sanctions.

Cheers

http://www.f-16.net/news_article2333.html

May 14, 2007 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The U.S. government has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for 18 Sniper(R) Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP), a part of the new Advanced block 52 F-16 aircraft program for Pakistan.

Pakistan is the eighth international customer to join the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard flying with Sniper ATP. The contract includes spares and training services. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"This sale culminates a two year combined effort by Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control and Aeronautics businesses to upgrade the precision attack capability of one of our key allies," said Ken Fuhr, director of Fixed Wing Targeting Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Sniper continues to demonstrate exceptional performance in meeting the requirements and expectations of the Warfighter."

With deliveries beginning in 2008, the Pakistan Air Force will benefit from Sniper ATP's exceptional stability and superior imagery, allowing aircrews to perform intelligence, targeting, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from extended standoff ranges.

The Pakistan Air Force joins the U.K. Ministry of Defence; the Canadian Forces, the Royal Norwegian Air Force; the Polish Air and Air Defense Force; the Royal Air Force of Oman; the Belgium Defence; and other international customers with its selection of the Sniper ATP.

Sniper ATP is currently flying on the U.S. Air Force and multinational F- 15s, F-16s, F-18s, A-10s, B-1s and the Harrier GR9. Sniper ATPs have accumulated tens of thousands of flight hours in thousands of sorties in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Sniper incorporates a high-resolution, mid-wave third-generation forward- looking infrared (FLIR), a dual-mode laser permitting eye-safe operation in urban environments, a CCD-TV along with a laser spot tracker and a laser marker. Sniper is fully compatible with the latest J-series munitions and precision-guided weaponry. Its superior detection ranges are vital to pilots, helping keep them out of range of threat air defenses.

 

[uaf]

Another Milestone by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra

http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/05/16/national1.htm

Pakistan's Kamra Avionics & Radar Factory Overhauls 1st AN/TPS-43G Radar 'Pakistan Times' National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra has successfully overhauled first AN/TPS-43G Radar.

According to a press released of Directorate of Media Affairs Pakistan Air Force (PAF), a graceful Roll-Out Ceremony to mark this historic occasion was held at Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory on Tuesday.

Air Vice Marshal Khalid M Rajput, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Engineering) was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The Chief Guest handed over the overhauled radar to Pakistan Air Force.

He also acknowledged the efforts of technical team involved in the first ever in country rebuild of a High Power Radar.

Kamra Avionics and Radar Factory started overhauling the entire fleet of AN/TPS-43G radars on self-help basis which were inducted in Pakistan Air Force back in 1981.

The overhauled activity involved extensive work, where the radar system is completely dismantled/stripped down to component level.

The rebuild of all critical major/high cost assemblies of the Transmitter, Receiver, Display and Antenna were the most challenging tasks which were undertaken entirely by the KARF technical team without any assistance.

The successful accomplishment of the task has not only enhanced the operational efficiency of the Air Defence but also has accrued a saving of approximately Rs 245 Million in the National Exchequer.

The Rebuild of AN/TPS-43G radar is a significant milestone in the history of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and a step towards self-reliance and indigenization.

The ceremony was also attended by Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board, Kamra, and high ranking PAF officials.

 

[sehranasheen]

Pakistan airforce modernization plane

Pakistan has a plane to modernization plane to boost up the capabilities of PAF. it includes the inductance of hi-tech AC to replace it,s agieng fleet according to AM. it should be informative

 

[tphuang]

Saab renegotiate Surveillance contract

With reference to the sale of Saab Airborne Surveillance Systems to Pakistan, the customer has for financial reasons and in accordance with the original contract, asked to renegotiate part of the contract concerning a reduction of the number of systems. Together with Saab terms and conditions then have been agreed, concerning a reduction. Saab and the Government of Pakistan continue as planned with the delivery of the system.

As a result of the renegotiation, the order value is decreased by approximately SEK 1.35 billion. Income will decrease proportionally to the volume change, but other commercial terms and conditions will remain unchanged. Concerning the fiscal year 2007 there is no impact on turnover or income as a result of the new conditions.

The Saab Airborne Surveillance System includes Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft equipped with Saab Microwave Systems airborne radar system ERIEYE and associated support equipment.

looks like PAF is reducing Saab-2000 order from 6 to 5. I'm guessing the Chinese AEW is looking impressive and the P-3 AEW is also going well. It'd be interesting to see whether or not there will be even further reduction to the Erieye order.

 

[Totoro]

It doesn't need to mean anything other than they concluded a fleet of 5 is enough to keep 2 erieyes on station in the air, for prolongued periods of time. Sure, that 'prolongued' period of time is probably shorter than it would have been with a fleet of six, but as always, money is precious. They're probably just trying to save some of it. I really don't think its in any way connected with the possible purchase of more chinese awacs.

 

[tphuang]

It doesn't need to mean anything other than they concluded a fleet of 5 is enough to keep 2 erieyes on station in the air, for prolongued periods of time. Sure, that 'prolongued' period of time is probably shorter than it would have been with a fleet of six, but as always, money is precious. They're probably just trying to save some of it. I really don't think its in any way connected with the possible purchase of more chinese awacs.

don't you find it interesting that they are purchasing more Chinese Y-8 AEWs and reducing orders for Erieye? Also, getting P-3 AEW probably had something to do with it too. Although I'm not sure if PN was ever presented with Erieye.

 

[BilalK]

However no Y-8 AEW have been ordered, at least not yet.

 

[tphuang]

However no Y-8 AEW have been ordered, at least not yet.

Let's just say that China would not have bothered with the project if no Y-8 AEW was ordered. The entire project was built to Pakistan specifications.

 

[pshamim]

Let's just say that China would not have bothered with the project if no Y-8 AEW was ordered. The entire project was built to Pakistan specifications.

I think the reduction in the Swedish order is because of PAF's interest in Y-8. Both systems appear to be very similar but Y-8 will be far more affordable and cheaper. Given the close cooperation between China and Pakistan, future developments and upgrades will be smoother with Y-8

 

[sehranasheen]

I think the reduction in the Swedish order is because of PAF's interest in Y-8. Both systems appear to be very similar but Y-8 will be far more affordable and cheaper. Given the close cooperation between China and Pakistan, future developments and upgrades will be smoother with Y-8

any one has information about the PAF acquisition of FT-2000 LRSAM which can hit upto the height of 90 kms

 

[SABRE]

Let's just say that China would not have bothered with the project if no Y-8 AEW was ordered. The entire project was built to Pakistan specifications.

Thats for sure. I think it is the 1996-1997 (not sure of yr) negotiations. Israel had just agreed to sell India Phalcons & both Pakistan & China called on immediate meeting. At the end the Chinese promised that they would work on AEW System for Pakistan & itself.

 

[tphuang]

Thats for sure. I think it is the 1996-1997 (not sure of yr) negotiations. Israel had just agreed to sell India Phalcons & both Pakistan & China called on immediate meeting. At the end the Chinese promised that they would work on AEW System for Pakistan & itself.

And from what PAF ACM commented on lately, it looks like Y-8 AEW is still a working progress, but it's simply a matter of Pakistanis working with China to figure out exactly what they want out of the plane (I'm sure the specs of this thing has shifted since the project started).

 

[SABRE]

There is no doubt that with ERIEYE & P3C-AEW there comes quality but with Y-8 there is security & assurance that in both peace as well as conflict times. Plus, the cooperation counts. Some of the work is to be done in Pakistan as well & there is also a talk of transfer of technology of the system (minus Y-8 aircraft) & if a deal is reached where Pakistan can export the system, it gets even better. However, Y-8AEW's quality can also not be marginalized.

 

[sehranasheen]

There is no doubt that with ERIEYE & P3C-AEW there comes quality but with Y-8 there is security & assurance that in both peace as well as conflict times. Plus, the cooperation counts. Some of the work is to be done in Pakistan as well & there is also a talk of transfer of technology of the system (minus Y-8 aircraft) & if a deal is reached where Pakistan can export the system, it gets even better. However, Y-8AEW's quality can also not be marginalized.

pakistan has reduced it,s order of saab awacs. Y-8 may be the reason. is this system is datalinked with AESA radar

 

[mysterious]

What concerns me is the logistics and maintainance costs to the PAF and/or PA of deploying these different platforms for similar purposes. Three different AEW platforms certainly is divergence need wise but is it sensible financially?

 

[SABRE]

What concerns me is the logistics and maintainance costs to the PAF and/or PA of deploying these different platforms for similar purposes. Three different AEW platforms certainly is divergence need wise but is it sensible financially?

The financial cost is of course a question to be asked & answered but there major factor here why Pakistan is opting for 3 platforms is the "Strategic Cost" The objective is not just to keep an eye on India. Remember India has airbase in Tajikistan so an eye has to be kept open & Afghanistan isnt so innocent to be ignored, while no matter what assurances be given to Iran they would just draw out their daggers even if u r their friend (such is the Iranian paranoia). T

But the greater strategic objective is the "Arabian Ocean" of which Gwadar is also an importent factor. The thing is in late 1990s former US Sctry of State Henry Kissinger gave an idea that India should allie it self with USA & help in controlling the Middle Eastern affairs, especially regarding the oil. About 90% of world's oil goes through Indian ocean - hence it is because of this India is rapidly modernizing its Navy.

On the counter level (I doubt Kissinger dint realize it, he probably just ignored it) much of the oil that goes to Indian ocean actually also has to pass through the Arabian Ocean, especially if its Middle Eastern. Gwadar was already in the tunnel -- initially designed for central Asian oil, now hold larger objective of controlling Arabian Ocean. This is why Pakistan is also rapidly trying to modernize its navy (capable enough to establish credible deterrence) & held a major multinational naval exercise. Plus Pakistan has aquired 10 yrs of control over the security of Arabian sea as well (nothing virtually goes through without PN looking at it).

Hence to keep an eye on the Arabian ocean & control the movements in it, it is importent for Pakistan to have AEWCs committed only to this purpose 24/7.

Although the counter concept to Henry Kissinger's "Indian Ocean Allience" was presented by Pakistani strategist, it was very much supported & enabled by the Chinese who too want to control the movement of the oil from ME. So in such conditions cooperation with China on the AEW&Cs is very importent.

 

[nero]

pessimist

What concerns me is the logistics and maintainance costs to the PAF and/or PA of deploying these different platforms for similar purposes. Three different AEW platforms certainly is divergence need wise but is it sensible financially?

what matters is the fact that the system is much more advanced than the indian counterpart PHALCON. as far as the financials is concerned as long our saudi brothers is with us we shouldn't be concerned.also china has assured that they will deliver their system faster than the swedes.

 

[tphuang]

what matters is the fact that the system is much more advanced than the indian counterpart PHALCON. as far as the financials is concerned as long our saudi brothers is with us we shouldn't be concerned.also china has assured that they will deliver their system faster than the swedes.

where did you get the idea that the system you are getting is much more advanced than Phalcon? On just the size of the platform alone, you are facing against a platform that can carry a more power radar + more onboard equipment + more operators.