Defence News

[Pari]

News Reports - January 2010

Peru's President confirms purchase of MBT-2000 tanks from China

Isabel Guerra

President Garcia told the press that he considers as “correct” the decision of the Army and the Ministry of Defense to purchase Chinese tanks, and stressed that such a decision "doesn't contradict our vocation against an arms race."

He advanced that this acquisition is “almost a fact” and that the respective draft agreements with the Asian country have already been signed.

Garcia Perez added that thanks to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, "we got an important reduction, not in price, but in the first payment, and in the period of time in which they must be paid."

The President explained that those tanks “are advanced technology,” and that this purchase is due to the fact that many of Peru's T-55 tanks need to be replaced.

He also said that it would he “irresponsible and unpatriotic” to talk openly about the tank's technical specifications to the media, but that it might be discussed by the Defense Commission in Congress.
​

 

[Pari]

7th Round of Pak-China Defence and Security Talks starts

RAWALPINDI, Jan 10: An eight member Chinese delegation headed by General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), currently on a swift visit to Pakistan for 7th Round of Pak-China Defence and Security Talks, held day long discussions at Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala with Pakistani delegation led by General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

The bilateral dialogue was aimed at sharing perspectives on the fast evolving regional security situation for developing common insight into the emerging scenarios and coordinating common responses.

The discussion focused at the impact of changing global security dynamics, progress in the efforts against terrorism and violent extremism, revised US strategy for Afghanistan, intra-regional disputes and posturing of involved states, and the tenuous spectre of strategic stability in the region.

The discussion also focused on ETIM terrorism related threat and measures for security of the Chinese manpower working in Pakistan. The two sides also undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral military cooperation and the progress of various ongoing defence projects, making specific proposals for mutually beneficial future collaboration in operational, training, intelligence, logistics and defence industrial fields including indigenization projects and joint ventures.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman JCSC, General Tariq Majid extended felicitation on 60th Anniversary of China and lauded a spectacular economic progress and technological modernization to rise as a reckonable power in the global politics and global economy, playing a crucial stabilization role in many regions of the world. He termed time tested multi dimensional Pakistan-China strategic partnership as the bedrock of stability in the region and said, "as the world grows more complex and regional situation more challenging, it has become even more critical to add greater depth and dynamism to this relationship".

Reiterating China’s solidarity and continuing support for Pakistan in meeting the challenges General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, PLA appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and violent extremism and stated, "we acknowledge the great sacrifices rendered by Pakistan, its people and the Armed Forces in combating terrorism, for which Pakistan deserves the praise and gratitude of the entire world, indeed the mankind".

Later in the evening, a banquet was hosted by General Tariq Majid in the honour of General Ma Xiaotian and his delegation, which was also attended by senior Pakistani military officers from the three services and officials from the Ministries of Defence and Defence Production.

 

[Pari]

CJCSC discusses security situation with Sultan of Oman
Sunday, January 24, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majid, who is on an official visit to Sultanate of Oman for bilateral defence talks on the invitation of Chief of Staff Sultan’s Armed Forces (COSSAF), on Saturday called on Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on a range of issues with specific reference to the security situation in South Asia, the Gulf region, and the Middle East, impact of emerging traditional and non-traditional challenges on Pakistan and Oman, maritime security situation in North Arabian Sea, progress of bilateral defence and security cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.

Earlier, in the morning, on his arrival from Pakistan at the Muscat International Airport, General Tariq Majid was received by Lieutenant General Ahmed Bin Harith Al Nabhani (COSSAF), Sohail Amin, Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, and other senior officers of royal armed forces of Oman.

 

[Pari]

PAF to get eight new F-16 jets by June 2010: Qamar

Saturday, 02 Jan, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman has said that the country will get eight new F-16 fighter jets by June 2010.

The Air Chief Marshal said that after the induction of hi-tech Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the country’s frontiers have become more secure.

In an exclusive interview with DawnNews, the air chief said that the PAF was in the process of getting more advanced weapons which would significantly enhance its capability.—DawnNews

 

[Pari]

Chief of Air Staff confers Non-Operational Military Awards
January 7, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Investiture ceremonies were held at Air Headquarters Islamabad, Headquarters Southern Air Command, Headquarters Central Air Command and Headquarter Northern Air Command, PAF wherein non-operational military awards were conferred on the personnel of Pakistan Air Force for their distinguished services.

Air Marshal Hifazat Ullah Khan, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, was the chief guest at the ceremony held here at the Air Headquarters.

A total of 474 Airmen were conferred awards including 361 Chief of Air Staff Commendation Certificates, 28 Professional Excellency Badges and 75 Tamgha-e-Khidmat (Military) Class-II & III.

These awards were given in recognition of devotion to duty rendered by the Airmen of Pakistan Air Force, hence contributing towards the improvement of the overall efficiency of the service.

Large number of senior Airmen of Pakistan Air Force attended the ceremony.

- Associated Press of Pakistan

 

[Pari]

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman visits an Operational Base

ISLAMABAD, Jan 09 (APP):


Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force inspected an Operational Base, where he was briefed on the Operational readiness. He appreciated the performance of various Units and innovations undertaken at the Base to optimize the Operational equipment to be more effective.

Addressing the airmen, the Air Chief said that due to ongoing operation and belligerent hostile statements given by senior military commanders of our Eastern neighbour, PAF will always need to be ready to respond to all internal and external challenges posed to the country at short notice. He said we will respond to all threats aggressively.

He further said that Exercise Saffron Bandit designed to train all Operational elements in COIN Operations is progressing well while Exercise High Mark will be carried out in March-April, 2010 along with Pak Army to test new Operational concepts and capabilities.

 

[Pari]

Rear Admiral Asif Sandila promoted to Vice Admiral

Friday, 1 Jan, 2010 4:04 am
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, on the recommendation of the Flag Officers Promotion Board presided over by the Chief of Naval Staff, has approved the promotion of Rear Admiral, Muhammad Asif Sandila to the rank of Vice Admiral in Pakistan Navy. The Prime Minister also approved the promotion of seven Commodores to the rank of Rear Admiral.

Their names are: Cdre (Ops) Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Cdre (Ops) Syed Arifullah Hussaini, Cdre (Ops) Adnan Nazir, Cdre (Ops) Shah Sohail Masood, Cdre (Ops) Syed Bashir Ahmad, Cdre (Ops) Waseem Akram and Cdre (E) Shahid Saeed, says a press release issued by the Prime Minister's media office here on Thursday.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2010

 

[Pari]

Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Upgraded P-3C Maritime Surveillance Aircraft for Pakistan

Eagan, Minn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently delivered two of seven upgraded P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan under the U.S. Government's Foreign Military Sales program.

The most recent aircraft delivery occurred on Jan. 7 to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., for subsequent transfer to Pakistan. Lockheed Martin delivered the first plane in October 2009.

Lockheed Martin is upgrading the P-3Cs' aircraft and mission systems and providing maintenance under a 2006 contract from the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command. The aircraft support anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare missions and will enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct maritime surveillance in littoral and deep-water environments. The aircraft are designed to have a single integrated tactical picture of the battle space, drawing upon data from aircraft sensors and information from other platforms.

"These aircraft incorporate a variety of enhanced features including communications, electro-optic and infrared systems, data management, controls and displays, mission computers and acoustic processing," said Mike Fralen, director for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors' maritime surveillance programs.

The P-3 is the primary maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and 16 allied countries. Its roles include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, drug interdiction, economic zone patrol, airborne early warning and electronic warfare.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

 

[Pari]

REAR ADMIRAL TAYYAB A DOGAR IS NEW COASTAL COMMANDER OF PAKISTAN NAVY

19-Jan-2010

Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar has assumed the Coastal Command of Pakistan Navy in an impressive Change of Command Ceremony held at PNS Iqbal here this morning.

In capacity of Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar would be Incharge of all naval units and establishments of Pakistan Navy along the coastal belt and creek areas. In addition, he would also head Special Services Group (Navy) and Pak Marines.

Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar was commissioned in the Operations branch on 1st June 1976. He did his staff course from Command & Staff College, Dhaka and earned his Masters degree from National Defence University Islamabad. His naval career includes commands of two submarines and a Submarine Squadron. He has served as Director Submarine Operations, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Submarine Acquisition), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Director General Maritime Security Agency. He also held the appointments of Commandant National Security College and Flag Officer Sea Training. In recognition to his meritorious services, Admiral Dogar has been awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military).

At the change of command ceremony the newly appointed Commander Coast was presented guard of honour and introduced to the Commanding Officers of the units under command.

Speaking on the occasion, the outgoing Commander Coast Vice Admiral Muhammad Shafi said that the Coastal Command has a vast area of responsibility, encompassing entire Pakistan's coast that extends from creeks in the East to Jiwani in the West. Defence of this vast coastline demands a high degree of alertness and professional competence. He urged the officers and men to always keep up to improve their professional capabilities to prove equal to task.

Later, the outgoing Commander Coast presented traditional scroll to Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar as the mark of change of Command.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior naval officers, officers and Chief Petty Officers of Pakistan Navy.

 

[Pari]

Pakistan Navy annouces new promotion for the rank of Rear Admiral.

15-Jan-2010

Commodore Syed Arifullah Hussaini SI(M), T Bt has been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral with immediate effect.

Rear Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussani SI(M) joined Pakistan Navy in June 1981. He qualified Surface Warfare Operation Course from USA and National Defence Course from China. The Admiral is a graduate of National Defence University.

Rear Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini SI(M) has held various Command and Staff appointments on operational sea billets. He has commanded Pakistan Navy Ships PNS ZULFIQUAR and PNS TARIQ. The Admiral has served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Plans & FP) and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel). He is currently appointed as Commander AUXMIN.

He is recipient of Stara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat.

 

[Pari]

Second F-22 Frigate arrives
KARACHI (January 24 2010): The second F-22 P Frigate of Pakistan Navy- the PNS Shamsheer, constructed in China, arrived here Saturday after being commissioned in December last year at Shanghai, China. Enroute Karachi, the ship visited Singapore and Colombo. According to a press release of the ISPR (Navy) issued on Saturday. Later, upon arrival of the ship, an impressive reception ceremony was held at PN Dockyard.

Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Tanveer Faiz, a large number of PN officers and men and families of ship's crew were present on the occasion. PNS Shamsheer is the second of the series of four ships being constructed in collaboration with China at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. The third ship is also nearing completion and expected to be handed over to Pakistan in the third quarter of this year. The fourth ship is under construction at Karachi Shipyard under Transfer of Technology arrangements and due completion by 2013.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2010

 

[Pari]

Turkey to provide Cobra spare parts free of cost

Monday, January 25, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The prime minister of Turkey assured President Asif Ali Zardari that his country would provide Pakistan with the spare parts of Cobra helicopters free of cost, underlining the growing cooperation between the two countries in different fields.

Prime Minister Erdogan promised that Turkey would soon deliver ‘free of cost’ spare parts to Pakistan under the agreement already signed. Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister of State for Foreign

Affairs Malik Amad Khan, Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, the Foreign Affairs secretary and the Railways secretary were members of the President’s delegation.

The Turkish PM said business communities of the two countries should also get together in commerce and trade activities. APP

 

[Pari]

Pay increase for Pakistan Army

ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday said the government has decided to take measures to ensure that ample stock of wheat and sugar remains available in the country.Addressing a press conference after a Federal Cabinet meeting,presided over by Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here, he said the government has decided to import 1.7 million ton sugar this year to meet the growing needs and 0.5 million ton would arrive by April.

Finance Minister, Shaukat Tarin and Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were also present during the press briefing.

He said it was decided to pursue open bidding process which would help acquire the quality commodity at the lowest rates.

The Philippines and UAE have shown interest in exporting sugar to Pakistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira said adding that Manila has even showed willingness to import rice from Pakistan in exchange of sugar.

He said a delegation headed by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal would soon visit Manila to have discussion with the authorities there on the matter.

The minister said the Cabinet also decided to ensure provision of sugar at Utility Stores at subsidised rates. “The price of sugar at Utility Store outlets would be Rs 10 lesser than the open market,and quantity of sugar for USC would be doubled this year”,the minister added.

The minister said that the Cabinet was informed that about 3 million ton wheat stock would be surplus by the arrival of new crop.However,it was decided that the surplus stock would not be exported and would be stored to meet likely shortfall in wheat target due to lack of rains this winter.

The minister said that the Cabinet was also briefed over the issue of Balochistan police salaries and a committee comprising Ministers of Finance and Interior to end this discrimination.

He also told the journalists that the Cabinet approved the proposal of 15 per cent and 20 per cent raise in Army officers and jawans salaries respectively.He said that presently the officers and Jawans performing duties at western borders were getting the increased salaries and this decision has been taken to end this anomaly,he told a questioner.

He said that Pay and Pension Commission would present its report by March and its recommendations would be implemented in the coming budget.
Kaira said that the Cabinet also approved the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet held on January 12.

The cabinet also gave approval to visa abolition of official and diplomatic passports with Syria,he said.Kaira also said that the Cabinet also gave ex-post-facto approval to three agreements with United States for $ 899.5 m grant.

 

[Pari]

China buys Russian engines for its fighter plane

China, which has not found a Western supplier, has decided to buy Russian engines for its FC-1 Xiaolong multirole fighter plane, a rival of Russia's MiG-29 in developing countries.

In late December 2009, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport signed a contract with China to deliver 43 RD-93 engines, a modification of the RD-33 engines mounted on the MiG-29 planes.

Aviaport, a news agency of the Russian aircraft industry, reported yesterday that China would receive the engines by the end of the year and that the first 25 engines had been manufactured at the Chernyshev mechanical engineering enterprise in Moscow. The agency said another contract could be signed in May for 100 such engines.

A manager at one of Russia's producers of aircraft engines said the December contract was worth $160 million.

The contract has completed a framework agreement signed in 2006 to deliver 100 RD-93 engines to China. Russia has already supplied 57 such engines, said Konstantin Makiyenko, an analyst with the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.

The engines are to be mounted on the FC-1 fighter planes, which China makes for export. It signed the first contract for 150 such aircraft with Pakistan, where the fighter plane is assembled.

A more complicated and expensive fighter designed for the Chinese Air Force in the past two decades, J-10, also has a Russian engine, AL-31FN, Makiyenko said. The latest contract for the delivery of 122 such engines, worth approximately $500 million, was signed in January 2009.

The FC-1 is the biggest rival of Russia's MiG-29 Fulcrum in developing countries, the analyst said. However, the Russian plane won the first direct competition in Myanmar, which decided to buy 20 MiG-29s for 400 million euros in December 2009 even though China offered better terms for a mixed delivery of the FC-1 and J-10 planes.

"China has more than once said that it has created an engine for its planes, but this is unlikely because it continues to buy Russian engines," Makiyenko said.

China has no alternative for the Russian engines, said Mikhail Barabanov, editor-in-chief of Moscow Defense Brief. The United States will not supply such engines to China so as not to strengthen its opponent, while the EU does not deliver military equipment to China due to sanctions, he said.

According to Barabanov, the delivery of engines, which are a key element of aircraft, is a good opportunity for Russia to prevent Chinese aircraft from becoming a big rival of Russian planes.

The FC-1 (Fighter China-1) Xiaolong is the result of a joint Chinese-Pakistani development program that started in 1999, with each side contributing 50% of the total development cost.

 

[Pari]

AFM January 2010 Editorial

JF-17: Dreams into Reality

Amongst all the bad news coming out of Pakistan in late November, there was one bright spot: the roll out of Pakistan's first locally assembled JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft. At a time when Pakisan was witnessing almost daily suicide bombings in the North West Frontier Province, continued domestic apathy towards the Pakistan Government as well as a huge corruption scandal, it was great that something good was happening in a state where the only news is appears to be reall bad news. Pakistan TV and all national newspapers are full of nothong but gloom - talking the nation into a frenzy.

I was fortunate enough to be one of the two foreigners invited to the unvieling of this chino-pak project on November 23 - the other being the Joint Managing Director and Chief Designer at Martin Baker, which is supplying the ejection seats. The aircraft, 09-111, had only entered final assembly in June and emerged just four months later, in late October, from the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex production line. By the time the aircraft had been officially rolled out, it had flown four times and gone through a couple of taxi tests befor entering the paint shop in preparation for its grand unveiling.

The close relationship between Pakistan and China, two nations that need each other for differing military reasons, is impressive. China has the industrial kno-how for building military aircraft, but Pakistan can add their guile and sophistication to their platforms, following years of working with western technologies. This great military partnership has been involving since 1965, when the US slapped sanctions on both India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pak-India War that year.

China has also provided some very good financial credit to its ally for the JF-17 project at extremely favourable terms, ensuring that Pakistan's aerospace industry can benefit frctiaom the transfer of skills and technologies.

In an age when the counter-insurgency role is taking on an increasingly important status in and around Pakistan, the PAF's tactical doctrine, particularly with its current operations in striking Al-Qaeda and other militant groups in the SWAT valley and Waziristan, is now evolving rapidly. So much so, that the PAF Chief has now stopped, temporarily, all Combat Commanders' Courses and instead every fighter unit is now going through a counter-insurgency excercise know locally as Saffron Bandit. By the end of February 2010, all the squadrons will have participated and, undoubtedly, the forward-thinking PAF leadership will ensure that any capability shortfall or technology gaps in the current platforms' Close Air support role will not be found in the multi-role JF-17 when it reaches maturity. The PAF's dream of having it's own indigineous fighter is now turning into reality. Let us hope that Pakistan's dream of ridding itself of extremism also turns into reality.....and soon.

Alan Warnes

AFM Editor

 

[Pari]

AFM World Exclusive: First Pakistani-built JF-17 Rolled Out.

Alan Warnes, Editor of Air Forces Monthly, was the only foreign journalist allowed to visit PAC Kamra as anothe historic JF-17 programme milestone was reached.

On November 23, 2009, only five months after final assembly commenced, the Kamra-based Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, located 60 miles (100km) West of the Pakistan capital, Islamabad, rolled out its first locally produced JF-17 Thunder. It was another milestone for the Sino-Pak developed fighter that is set to become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force inventory over the coming years, with up to 250 aircraft expected to be delivered.

Increasing Output
In March 2009, the PAF signed a contract with CATIC for the purchase of 42 JF-17s, with 40 being built in Pakistan. The first aircraft 09-111, was manufactured with 20% of the parts made in Pakistan, however by the time the 40th aircraft emerges from the production line, in 2012, this should have risen to 58%. As technology transfer increases and the manufacturing process stepped up, so JF-17 output will increase. PAC Kamra will produce another four aircraft by the end of the year, rising to 8-12 in 2010 and 14-16 each subsequent year.

A National Project

This project was formally launched in June 1999, when Pakistan and China signed an agreement at the ceremony to formally announce the JF-17's rollout, with personnel from both China and Pakistan in attendance. The Cheif Guest, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, spoke of his Government's support for the JF-17, which he made clear was a national project being run by the PAF.

"This day will be remembered as a landmark in the history of Pakistan and its ongoing efforts for self-reliance. The role of the PAFhas become vital in combating the forces of extremism and militancy. Under these circumstances a modern air force is a national requirement and for this reason I firmly believe in a strong and well supported PAF. The PAF is working side by side with our Army in rooting out the extremists".

He also thanked the Chinese Government and its people for the support it has provided over the years, adding: "Our friendship with China is not just about economics. China has always stood by us in our hour of need, providing us unflinching support and the willingness to go that extra mile fo Pakistan. They have also helped us in the socio-econimic developement of our country. I thank the Chinese people for providing the PAF with the personnel and systems for the JF-17. China's willingness offers us hope for stabilty in the future. I'm confident that as the aircraft matures, it will become the mainstay of the PAF and satisfy the defenc needs of the country."

PRIDE

Other speakers included the PAF Chief, Air Cheif Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman, Air Marshall Farhat Hussain Khan (PAC Chairman) and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Mr Luo Zhaohui.

The JF-17, serialled 09-111 sat behind a large pair of black curtains as the PAC chairman made his speech, in which he told the audience that air forces do not get involved in building their own aircraft: "The PAF is the only air force to take on the task of developing a modern fighter and with Chinese technology transfers, the Pakistan aerospace industry is set to be revolutionised. in doing so, it will provide Pakistan with self reliance and the production of the JF-17 is a gift to the nation."

As his speech ended, the music came on and the curtains were slowly drawn. Then, emerging slowly through the dry ice, the JF-17 appeared, in the colours of Pakistan's national flag. Cheif of Staff, Air Cheif Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman, spoke of his pride and praised everyone for their efforts on a project that has started back in 1992. He spoke of how the JF-17 symbolises a landmark acheivement in Pakistan's national history and how in the 1980's, the PAF grabbed a chance of developing a lightweight, low-cost modern fighter aircraft that could serve as the backbone of it's fighter fleet in the 21st century.

"Sanctions and spiralling costs were the main reason for the idea to develop an aircraft that would replace our ageing inventory and working with China seemed to be the most prudent and economical way forward. Our historice friendship with the Chinese aviation industry, CATIC and CIEC has been vital and crucial in its success."

The Road Ahead

The aircraft, which has been flown four times since leaving the final assembly line in late-October, will be the first of the four delivered to the PAF by the end of the year . By mid-2010, the PAF's first JF-17 Thunder unit, 26 squadron, is expected to stand up, by which time around 14-16 aircraft will have been delivered. Today there are ten aircraft already flying in Pakistan.

Inside the cockpit was a Martin Baker PK16LE Mk 16 ejection seat, currently being retrofitted to all of Pakistan based JF-17s, to replace Chinese TY-6 seats. Discussions are still ongoing with MDBA over the aquisition of weapons, which is said to include the Mica IR BVR air-to-air missile. The author was also told that until a deal is done with Thales for an avionics system, the first 42 JF-17s will be fitted with Chinese designed KLJ-1 radar and radar warning reciever.

JF-17 Project Milestones

February 1992 - First Proposal for a Joint Venture by CATIC

January 1994 - PAF acceptance of Proposal

January 1995 - Memorandum of Understanding signed

June 1999 - Contract signed for development of Super-7 aircraft

January 2003 - Avionics contracted for prototype aircraft

July 2003 - Aircraft renamed JF-17 Thunder

August 2003 - First un-official flight of JF-17

September 2003 - First Official flight of JF-17 (No PT-1)

April 2004 - Maiden Flight of JF-17 prototype No PT3

June 2004 - Avionics contract for JF-17 prototype aircraft

April 2005 - Ground breaking ceremony for JF-17 Co-production at PAC Kamra

May 2006 - Maiden flight of JF-17 Prototype No PT-4

September 2006 - Maiden flight of JF-17 Prototype No PT-6

March 2007 - Arrival of Serial batch Production (SBP) 1-2 aircraft in Pakistan

March 2007 - Commissioning of Avionics Integration Capability at Kamra Avionics Repair Factory at PAC Kamra

January 2008 - Start of JF-17 sub assembly at AMF PAC

February 2008 - Arrival in Pakistan of three SBP aircraft

March 2008 - Arrival in Pakistan of three more sbp aircraft

June 2009 - Start of JF-17 Final Assembly and flight testing at AMF PAC

November 2009 - First JF-17 rolled out from PAC Kamra

 

[Pari]

Pakistan and Indonesia to Malaysia to sell JF-17 fighter
In the absence of a formal signature, any military procurement has a variable, let alone if it involves political considerations, procurement of Malaysia to Pakistan JF-17 fighters, but also is likely to happen

KLS Langkawi Report: Pakistan does not rule out completely in the future, so that JF-17 fighter planes appeared LIMA exhibition, and then to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries to sell.

Pakistan has begun production assembly of JF-17, many years ago there are news reports that Pakistan intends to sell JF-17 fighter, Malaysia.

The author during the Langkawi, and the official delegations of Pakistan to discuss the matter on many occasions, Pakistan did have such intention unilaterally.

December 23, 2009, the same official sources in Kuala Lumpur told the author, ambassador of Pakistan in the Maldives and the author Langkawi After the talks, has officially return Pakistan to seek to JF17 appearance in Southeast Asia.

In addition to selling in Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan also has the intention to sell. Do not ignore Pakistan's marketing capabilities, in recent years, Pakistan is indeed more effective than China to promote Chinese technology to produce military equipment, and Pakistan also more flexibility in the use of Western technology to improve China's weapons technology.

The same official sources also told the author, Pakistan is willing to sell to the Malaysian side of Western technology or avionics system improved JF-17 fighter.

If Pakistan to Indonesia and Malaysia, when to sell and are willing to prescribe the conditions for the transfer of production technology in Southeast Asia to set up a production line and a logistic service center, it really is Do not ignore the feasibility of the.

Furthermore, China will be willing to "neighbors as good neighbors as partners" under the principle of the political and diplomatic interests, identity and contribute to the program, so that Indonesia and Malaysia 3 Pakistan defense cooperation to the Islamic world, more further strengthen the interests of the Chinese presence in Southeast Asia.

Therefore, the JF-17 in Southeast Asia to promote the potential and prospects can not be overlooked.

As Pakistan has no such capacity, in accordance with customer's choice, the use of Western technology and systems, improved and integrated to the JF-17's problems, Russian affairs researcher Zheng Yang Wei said he was not very clear that Pakistan has no such capacity.

He said that if the R & D process perspective, FC-1/JF-17 are in charge of China, and Pakistan is responsible only for selected products, but now they have production lines in Pakistan, is not it also learned improvement is hard to say.

"But I do have some doubts. It is because the facelift avionics test equipment involved is not a simple matter, Pakistan has not had its own design aircraft, the impression has not produced."

He pointed out that after purchasing avionics equipment still have to test, and sometimes the weight changes at the event, the flight control have to be changed.

"This country will also design the aircraft was very simple, but Pakistan has just established FC-1 production line to build the initial aviation industry, so I doubt they can do."

 

[Pari]

Arms: France is well placed for a Mega contract with Pakistan

PARIS (Dow Jones) - Following a call for tenders, Pakistan has retained the French ATE integrator for a contract valued at more than 1 billion euros to help equip and electronics missiles between 50 and 100 fighter aircraft JF-17, designed with the help of Beijing, Les Echos reported on Friday quoting sources concurrent.

The contract would be shared with partners both the ETA, Thales SA (HO.FR) and MBDA, for missiles. MBDA is jointly owned by European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. NV (EAD.FR), BAE Systems PLC (BA.LN) and Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI).

"The contract is ready to be signed. But it must first be a security agreement is signed between the two countries," the economic daily said, adding that the conclusion of this agreement could intervene in the first half of 2010.


After years of "famine", France could strike a huge arms contract from Pakistan. Following a tender, Islamabad has retained the ATE integrator to equip electronics and missiles for between 50 and 100 fighters of the JF-17 fighter planes, designed with the help of Beijing .

Its been learned from our sources, confirming a letter of "Online Intelligence" that a potentially more than 1 billion euros contract- to be shared between the French integrator ATE and its two main partners on the project--- Thales for the electronics and MBDA for missiles.

A more modern technology

The contract is ready to be signed. But first, the two countries must sign a security agreement given the sensitive nature of the equipment.

"Nearly 90% of head way for the contract has been made and the issues that remain are few and not among the most sensitive" says one source close to negotiations.

The conclusion of this bilateral agreement could be reached in the first half of 2010. A second condition that remains is that the client country, highly indebted, mobilizes the necessary funds as promised.

Desiring to have a "national/indeginous" fighter for missions including ground attack, Pakistan turned to China in mid 1990s. After many ups and downs, the program has finally taken off. The production of JF-17 has recently started. However Islamabad, anxious not to depend on one supplier for its strategical weapons and desiring a more modern technology, has deliberately limited its cooperation with Beijing. Thus, according to the plans of its air force, only the first 50 examples of the JF-17 fighter will be produced entirely under Chinese license (equipments).

For the rest (following) aircrafts, the pakistan government has launched a tender to which two French companies, ATE and Astrac (a joint venture between Thales and Safran) and Finmeccanica responded.

To finally accept the offer of ETA, even if the information has not yet been officially confirmed, the negotiated contract provides a firm order on 50 aircraft and an optional slice of the same number, with delivery expected from 2013.

Overall, Pakistan would like to build 400 JF-17, but the target remains to be confirmed. As local authorities must demonstrate first they will mobilize the money required for the standard "westernized" version of this fighter aircraft.

When contacted, ETA did not wish to speak on this subject

 

[Pari]

Pakistan's new tank near China 99G
According to the Russian armored vehicles, net October 9 reported that Pakistan's military plans for its fleet of "Ali Vivienne" main battle tank to conduct a comprehensive improvement, including the installation of more sophisticated fire control systems, and optoelectronic countermeasures systems. Pakistani military experts believe that the move will significantly upgrade the tank first-hit targets.

It is learned that, in order to enhance "Ali Vivienne" tank night fighting capabilities, the Pakistani side will install the French Sagem company's third-generation thermal imaging discussion. In addition, the tank main guns of the firing rate would be raised.

In addition, the Pakistani military also plans to Ukraine Order "VARTA" type optoelectronic countermeasures devices (from Russian "curtain" system evolved). After the installation of the equipment can significantly enhance the tank in the event of a half-led guided weapons to attack the enemy when the survival rate.

Should be noted that the Russian side has suggested India to buy Russian-made tanks for the military installation of the "curtain" system, but it was the latter refused.

At the same time, taking into account the summer desert areas in Pakistan when the surface temperature may reach 50 degrees Celsius, Pakistani military also plans to "Ali Vivienne" tank installation of high efficiency air conditioning. In addition, tanks installed within the display system will also be replaced.

In addition to improving the existing fleet of tanks, the Pakistanis also in the process develop a new generation of "Ali Vivienne II" main battle tanks. New tanks will be equipped with more powerful main gun fire, while defense capability will be more complete. Expect, "Ali Vivienne II" will be closer to China in the form of 99G. In addition, "Ali LEADER II" of the mobility will also be stronger, its engine power to reach 1500 hp.

"Ali Vivienne" is Pakistan's help in China and Ukraine developed a more advanced main battle tank, based on the former Soviet Union developed T-72. The tank full weight 48 tons, member 3, the main weapons include a 125 mm smoothbore gun, one 12.7 mm and a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun.

The tank fitted with a 1,200-horsepower power system of Ukraine 6TD-2 engines, a maximum speed of 70 km / h, and sustainable travel 400 kilometers. It is said that at present, "Ali Vivienne" tank production has reached 300.

 

[Pari]

Early warning aircraft inducted into PAF

By Iftikhar A. Khan & Yaqoob Malik

Friday, 01 Jan, 2010

ISLAMABAD / ATTOCK: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took a major step forward in transforming itself into a modern force by inducting the first Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft into its fleet.

The ERIEYE radar system mounted on a turboprop aircraft will enable the PAF to detect all aircraft taking off from and landing at all forward Indian airbases adjacent to Pakistan and also to identify the type of aircraft, their weapons systems, vector and altitude.

The radar capabilities and range of the system enable the operator to receive an early warning in case of pre-emptive attacks from across the border.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman was the chief guest at the induction ceremony at PAF’s Minhas Airbase in Kamra. The ceremony was attended by the Swedish ambassador.

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar said PAF’s long-standing requirement for airborne early warning capability had been met with the induction of the Swedish surveillance system which would make air defence more effective and bring about a major change in its operational concept and employment.

With the induction of the AEW&C aircraft, the PAF has become one of a few forces in the world to have an airborne early warning and control capability.The air chief assured the nation that the PAF would not spare any effort to make the defence of the country impregnable.

The induction of Saab-2000, he said, would help counter any threat to the country’s sovereignty.Talking to reporters after the ceremony, he said the aircraft had the capability to detect anything moving in the air, including drones.

He said the PAF would get three more AEW&C aircraft in 2010 under a $866 million deal. He said Pakistan would also start receiving four IL-76 AEW&C aircraft from China in 2011.

He said negotiations were under way with China for J-10 fighter jets.

He said Pakistan would get 18 Block-52 F-16s from the US by July 2010 and ground to air missiles from Italy by the end of the year.

He said the first squadron of JF-17 Thunder planes would be operational by June.

Swedish Ambassador Ulrika Sundberg said the ERIEYE offered solutions to secure timely flows of information and protect infrastructure. She said Saab’s was one of the most advanced surveillance systems in the world and could serve both military and civilian purposes.

The system could be a force enabler as well as multiplier in efforts to ensure security and stability, she said.

“It is the result of very innovative thinking by both parties on how surveillance systems can contribute to enhancing overall human security, not only in Pakistan and the region, but also worldwide.”

She praised the professional insight of PAF officers involved in the project and the valuable inputs given by them towards the development of the system.

Saab’s Executive Vice-President Dan Ake Enstedt and the Chief Project Director of project Horizon, Air Commodore Perci Edul Virjee, also spoke.The aircraft was placed on display on the occasion.